Alpaca has expanded its offerings to include Crypto Wallets, giving users a seamless way to deposit and withdraw digital assets directly within their accounts. Whether you're new to crypto trading or an experienced investor, understanding how Alpaca’s wallet system works is essential for maximizing convenience and security.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from supported assets and fees to security protocols and common troubleshooting tips—so you can confidently manage your cryptocurrency on Alpaca.
What Are Alpaca Crypto Wallets?
Alpaca now supports Crypto Wallets, enabling users to transfer crypto assets in and out of their accounts with ease. This feature enhances the overall trading experience by allowing direct integration between your external wallets and Alpaca’s platform.
👉 Discover how to securely manage your crypto assets today.
With this functionality, users can:
- Deposit BTC, ETH, and ERC-20 tokens
- Withdraw supported cryptocurrencies to whitelisted addresses
- Trade deposited assets instantly upon confirmation
Crypto Wallets are accessible via the “Crypto Transfers” section in the sidebar of your Account Dashboard.
Availability & Eligibility
Not all users have immediate access to Crypto Wallets due to regulatory restrictions. The service is currently available only in select U.S. states and international jurisdictions. You can check the full list of supported regions through Alpaca’s official FAQ page.
To qualify for Crypto Wallet access, you must:
- Be located in a supported region
- Have a valid crypto account
- Sign the crypto agreement within your Alpaca profile
If you don’t see the Crypto Transfers option, it may be because your location isn’t currently supported. Keep an eye on updates from Alpaca as they continue expanding availability.
Supported Cryptocurrencies & Blockchains
Alpaca supports a growing range of digital assets for both deposits and withdrawals. Currently, the following are accepted:
- Bitcoin (BTCUSD)
- Ethereum (ETHUSD)
- All ERC-20 tokens built on the Ethereum blockchain
This includes popular tokens such as:
- USDC, USDT
- AAVE, LINK, UNI
- SHIB, SUSHI, YFI
- And many others compatible with Ethereum’s network
Ensure that when sending funds, you use the correct blockchain network (e.g., sending USDC over Ethereum, not Solana), or your deposit may be delayed or lost.
Fees & Minimum Withdrawal Requirements
Understanding fee structures helps avoid unexpected costs and failed transactions.
Deposit Fees
Alpaca does not charge any deposit fees. However, users are responsible for covering underlying network (gas) fees when transferring assets from external wallets.
Withdrawal Fees
Alpaca applies a 0.5% (50 bps) fee on the amount withdrawn. In addition, a fixed gas fee is deducted to cover on-chain transaction costs.
Below are key minimum withdrawal amounts and associated gas fees:
- ETH: Minimum 0.01 ETH | Gas Fee: 0.002 ETH
- BTC: Minimum 0.001 BTC | Gas Fee: Network-dependent
- USDC/USDT: Minimum 20 units | Gas Fee: ~4 units
- LINK: Minimum 2.67 LINK | Gas Fee: 0.534 LINK
- SHIB: Minimum 2,700,000 SHIB | Gas Fee: 540,000 SHIB
⚠️ Important: If you attempt to withdraw below the minimum threshold, the transaction will fail. Always verify amounts before initiating transfers.
These thresholds help ensure that withdrawals remain economically viable and secure across decentralized networks.
👉 Learn more about efficient crypto transfers and low-fee strategies.
How Secure Are My Crypto Funds?
Security is a top priority at Alpaca. The platform is SOC II certified, ensuring high standards in data protection and operational integrity.
Your crypto assets are stored using advanced custody solutions:
- Fireblocks’ MPC-CMP architecture secures private keys without ever exposing them
- Assets are held in segregated, secure compute environments
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enforced for all account actions
- Withdrawal address whitelisting adds an extra layer of protection
Additionally, Alpaca implements a 24-hour waiting period when adding new withdrawal addresses. This delay allows time to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts.
Email alerts notify you whenever changes are made to your withdrawal settings—giving you full visibility and control over your account activity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My Deposit Isn’t Showing Up – What Should I Do?
After sending crypto to your Alpaca-provided address:
- Funds are safe and will appear once confirmed
- You’ll receive an email notification when ready to trade
However, delays can occur due to:
- Required blockchain confirmations (varies by network)
- Automated AML checks if the deposit deviates from normal patterns
If more than one hour has passed without confirmation or email notification, contact Alpaca support for assistance.
Why Can’t I Withdraw Crypto?
You can withdraw at any time—but only to pre-approved (whitelisted) addresses. Make sure you’ve completed the whitelisting process and waited through the mandatory 24-hour security window.
Also, ensure:
- The destination address supports the token being sent
- The amount meets minimum withdrawal requirements
- Your account has passed all KYT (Know Your Transaction) verifications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use deposited crypto for anything besides trading?
A: Currently, deposited crypto assets can only be used for trading on the platform. Additional utilities are expected in future updates.
Q: Is there a limit to how many addresses I can whitelist?
A: There is no public limit on the number of addresses you can whitelist, but each must go through the 24-hour activation period.
Q: Does Alpaca charge hidden fees on crypto transactions?
A: No. The only fees are the 0.5% withdrawal fee and network gas fees. Deposits are free aside from external network costs.
Q: What happens if I send crypto from a non-supported blockchain?
A: Sending assets via an unsupported chain (e.g., sending BSC-USDT instead of ERC-20 USDT) may result in loss of funds. Always double-check the network.
Q: How long do withdrawals take to process?
A: Once initiated, most withdrawals settle within minutes, depending on network congestion. However, ensure proper whitelisting and sufficient balance before requesting.
Q: Are my crypto holdings insured?
A: While Alpaca uses enterprise-grade custody with Fireblocks, which includes insurance coverage for digital assets, specific policy details should be verified directly with Alpaca support.
Final Thoughts
Alpaca’s introduction of Crypto Wallets marks a significant step toward integrating traditional brokerage tools with modern digital asset management. With support for major cryptocurrencies, transparent fee structures, and robust security backed by Fireblocks, users gain greater flexibility in managing their portfolios.
Whether you're depositing Bitcoin for trading or withdrawing Ethereum to a personal wallet, understanding the rules around minimums, whitelisting, and network compatibility ensures smooth operations.
👉 Get started with secure, low-cost crypto transfers now.
As Alpaca continues to expand its crypto capabilities, staying informed about eligibility, supported regions, and upcoming features will help you make the most of your investment journey.