For the first time, retail investors in the United States can directly buy and trade Bitcoin and Ethereum through Fidelity’s mainstream investment platform. This marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets, as one of the world’s largest asset managers—Fidelity Investments—officially opens its crypto gateway to everyday investors.
With as little as $1, users can now enter the world of cryptocurrency through Fidelity’s trusted brokerage interface. This seamless integration lowers the barrier to entry and reflects a broader trend of institutional adoption accelerating across the financial landscape.
A Quiet but Strategic Rollout
Unlike typical product launches accompanied by press releases and marketing campaigns, Fidelity chose a subtle approach. The expansion was not formally announced by Fidelity Digital Assets, the firm’s dedicated digital asset division. Instead, access to Fidelity Crypto—its crypto investment offering—was quietly unlocked for both new and existing customers.
Previously, users had to join a waitlist to gain limited access. Now, any eligible U.S. investor can sign up by opening a Fidelity Brokerage Account. Once activated, this account allows commission-free trading of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), with a transparent 1% spread applied to each transaction.
This move positions Fidelity ahead of most major financial institutions in the U.S., many of which still restrict crypto exposure to accredited or institutional clients.
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Fidelity’s Long-Term Commitment to Digital Assets
Fidelity isn’t new to crypto. Its journey began years before this retail rollout:
- In 2018, Fidelity Digital Assets launched institutional-grade Bitcoin trading and custody services.
- In 2019, it secured a trust charter from the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), enabling it to act as a regulated custodian of digital assets.
- By 2022, Fidelity made headlines again by allowing employees to allocate up to 20% of their 401(k) contributions to Bitcoin, making it one of the first major employers to embrace crypto in retirement planning.
- Later that year, the firm extended Ethereum trading, custody, and transfer services to institutional clients.
Now, with retail access live, Fidelity has completed a full-circle strategy: serving institutions, employees, and now individual investors.
Expanding Access Through Innovation
Beyond direct trading, Fidelity continues to innovate within the crypto ecosystem. In September 2023, Fidelity Digital Assets co-founded EDX Markets, a U.S.-based digital asset exchange developed alongside Charles Schwab and Citadel Securities. Designed specifically for institutional and retail investors, EDX aims to bring transparency, security, and regulatory compliance to crypto trading.
Additionally, Fidelity has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch a Bitcoin ETF, joining other major players seeking approval for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. If approved, this would allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without holding the underlying asset—further bridging traditional investment vehicles with blockchain technology.
The company has also launched two new Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) focused on companies involved in cryptocurrency and the metaverse, giving investors indirect exposure even if they’re not ready to hold digital tokens directly.
Key Benefits for Retail Investors
Opening crypto access to retail users isn’t just symbolic—it delivers tangible advantages:
- Low Entry Threshold: Starting at just $1, investors can begin building positions gradually.
- Familiar Interface: Users trade within Fidelity’s established brokerage platform, known for reliability and security.
- No Trading Commissions: While there's a 1% spread built into prices, there are no additional fees per trade.
- Regulated Environment: As a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and SEC-compliant entity, Fidelity offers peace of mind compared to unregulated exchanges.
These features make Fidelity an attractive on-ramp for cautious or novice investors wary of the volatility and security risks associated with standalone crypto platforms.
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Geographic Limitations and Eligibility
It’s important to note that this service is currently available only to U.S. residents and not all states support it. Investors must reside in a participating state and complete standard identity verification and account setup procedures before trading.
While international expansion hasn't been announced yet, Fidelity’s steady progress suggests global retail access could follow in the coming years—especially as regulatory frameworks evolve worldwide.
Core Keywords Driving Adoption
The growing intersection between traditional finance and digital assets is defined by several key themes:
- Bitcoin ETF
- Ethereum trading
- Fidelity Crypto
- retail crypto access
- institutional adoption
- digital asset custody
- regulated crypto exchange
- crypto retirement investment
These keywords reflect both investor interest and industry trends shaping the future of finance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can anyone use Fidelity Crypto?
A: Currently, only U.S. residents in eligible states can access Fidelity Crypto. You must open a Fidelity Brokerage Account first.
Q: Are there fees for buying Bitcoin or Ethereum on Fidelity?
A: There are no commissions, but a 1% spread is included in the execution price of every trade.
Q: Is my cryptocurrency held securely?
A: Yes. Fidelity uses cold storage and multi-signature security protocols similar to those used for institutional clients through Fidelity Digital Assets.
Q: Can I transfer my crypto out of Fidelity?
A: As of now, transfers to external wallets are not supported. Your holdings remain within the Fidelity ecosystem.
Q: Does Fidelity offer other cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin and Ethereum?
A: Not currently. The platform supports only BTC and ETH for retail investors.
Q: Will Fidelity launch a Bitcoin ETF?
A: Fidelity has submitted an application to the SEC for a spot Bitcoin ETF. Approval is pending and would mark another milestone in mainstream adoption.
The Road Ahead
Fidelity’s decision to open crypto trading to retail investors signals more than just product expansion—it reflects a fundamental shift in how mainstream finance views digital assets. With over 37.1 million retail accounts, even modest adoption could significantly impact crypto market dynamics.
As regulatory clarity improves and infrastructure matures, we can expect further integration of crypto into everyday financial products—from retirement accounts to diversified ETFs.
For investors, this is more than convenience—it’s empowerment. The line between traditional investing and digital asset ownership is blurring, and Fidelity is helping lead the transition.
Whether through direct ownership or regulated financial products, access to Bitcoin and Ethereum is becoming as routine as buying stocks or bonds. And with trusted names like Fidelity at the helm, confidence in the space continues to grow.