As digital assets gain mainstream traction, the line between traditional finance and cryptocurrency continues to blur. More Americans are seeking financial institutions that support both conventional banking and crypto investment—enter crypto-friendly banks. These innovative platforms offer seamless integration of crypto trading, savings, and investment tools within a secure, regulated environment.
With the global cryptocurrency market cap exceeding $1.1 trillion, demand for hybrid banking solutions is surging. Whether you're looking to earn Bitcoin rewards on everyday spending or invest crypto in a retirement account, the right bank can make all the difference.
Below, we explore the five best crypto-friendly banks in the U.S., each offering unique features tailored to modern investors.
SoFi Bank – Best for No-Fee Crypto Purchases
SoFi has emerged as a leader in the fintech space by blending traditional banking with next-gen investment tools. The SoFi Invest® platform allows users to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies with zero commissions—making it ideal for cost-conscious investors.
👉 Discover how to start commission-free crypto investing today.
Key Features of SoFi’s Crypto Offering
- Fractional Investing: Buy as little as $5 worth of Bitcoin or other major cryptocurrencies.
- 30+ Supported Coins: Includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and more.
- Recurring Buys: Automate purchases by dollar amount or percentage of income—perfect for dollar-cost averaging.
- Early Paycheck Access: Get direct deposits up to two days early and allocate funds instantly to crypto.
- 24/7 Trading: Trade crypto anytime, directly from the SoFi app.
- Margin Investing: Borrow at just 2.5% interest to increase buying power.
SoFi also provides access to stocks, ETFs, and automated investing—all within a single, user-friendly interface. Its robust educational resources help demystify blockchain technology and digital asset investing for beginners.
Additional Banking & Financial Services
SoFi isn’t just about crypto. It offers a full suite of financial products:
- High-yield checking and savings accounts (up to 2.00% APY)
- Personal, home, and student loans
- Loan refinancing options
- Credit cards with cashback rewards
- Financial, insurance, and estate planning services
With its all-in-one approach, SoFi is ideal for users who want a unified platform for banking, investing, and crypto.
Quontic Bank – Best for Earning Free Bitcoin
Quontic Bank, a New York-based digital bank, stands out with its Bitcoin Rewards Checking Account—a product that lets customers earn cryptocurrency simply by spending.
This account rewards users with 1.5% Bitcoin cashback on all eligible debit card purchases, turning everyday expenses into passive crypto accumulation.
Why Quontic’s Bitcoin Rewards Account Shines
- No Minimum Daily Balance: Only a $500 opening deposit is required.
- Unlimited ATM Access: Free withdrawals at over 90,000 ATMs nationwide.
- FDIC Insurance: Your cash deposits are protected up to $250,000.
- Non-Expiring Rewards: Bitcoin earned remains yours as long as the account is active.
It’s important to note: while your fiat funds are FDIC-insured, the Bitcoin held by Quontic’s partner custodian, NYDIG, is not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance.
Still, for those who want to earn crypto without active trading, Quontic offers a compelling “set and forget” model.
Acorns – Best for Banking + Bitcoin ETF Exposure
Acorns revolutionized micro-investing with its round-up feature—and now it’s bringing that simplicity to crypto through Bitcoin-linked ETFs.
Rather than buying Bitcoin directly, Acorns allows users to gain exposure via a regulated exchange-traded fund. This appeals to risk-averse investors who want market upside without managing private keys or wallets.
How Acorns Combines Banking & Crypto
- Round-Up Investing: Automatically invest spare change from purchases into a diversified portfolio.
- Bitcoin ETF Access: Allocate up to 5% of your Acorns Invest portfolio to a Bitcoin-linked ETF.
- Metal Debit Card: A premium card that rounds up every transaction and invests the difference.
- Fee-Free ATMs: Access more than 55,000 no-fee ATMs across the U.S.
- Automated Savings: Set up recurring transfers to checking, investing, or retirement accounts.
Acorns also offers smart financial tips, referral bonuses, and shopping rewards—making it perfect for beginners building wealth gradually.
👉 See how automated investing can grow your crypto exposure over time.
Bitcoin IRA – Best for Cryptocurrency Retirement Investing
For long-term investors, Bitcoin IRA offers a powerful way to include digital assets in retirement planning. As a self-directed IRA provider, it enables tax-advantaged investing in over 60 cryptocurrencies.
This platform is ideal for those looking to diversify their retirement portfolio beyond stocks and bonds.
Key Benefits of Bitcoin IRA
- Wide Crypto Selection: Invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and more.
- 24/7 Trading Access: Buy and sell assets anytime.
- Robust Security: Up to $700 million in custody insurance.
- IRA Flexibility: Supports Traditional, Roth, SEP IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and employer plans.
- Tax Advantages: Enjoy tax-deferred or tax-free growth depending on IRA type.
While traditional IRAs limit investments to stocks and bonds, a self-directed IRA opens the door to alternative assets like crypto—giving you full control over your retirement strategy.
Bitcoin IRA simplifies the process of setting up a custodial account and transferring existing retirement funds—making it accessible even for first-time users.
Upgrade – Best for Unlimited 1.5% Back in Bitcoin
Upgrade combines high-yield banking with aggressive crypto rewards. Its Rewards Checking Account offers unlimited 1.5% cashback in Bitcoin on all debit card purchases.
You can choose to hold your rewards as Bitcoin or sell them for statement credit—providing flexibility unmatched by most competitors.
Upgrade’s Standout Features
- $200 Sign-Up Bonus: Earn after making just three debit card transactions.
- No Fees: No monthly, ATM, overdraft, or transfer fees.
- Visa Debit Card: Accepted anywhere Visa is used, with contactless payment tech.
- Credit Line Options: APRs from 8.99%–29.99% with credit lines up to $50,000.
- Cashback Tiers: 2% on recurring bills; 1% on all other purchases.
With its generous rewards structure and transparent pricing, Upgrade is ideal for spenders who want to turn daily transactions into long-term crypto gains.
Are Crypto-Friendly Banks Regulated?
While cryptocurrency itself is not legal tender nor backed by the U.S. government, many crypto-friendly banks operate under federal oversight. Traditional banking services (like checking and savings accounts) are typically FDIC-insured, offering protection up to $250,000 per depositor.
However, cryptocurrency holdings are generally not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance. This means if a custodian is hacked or goes bankrupt, your digital assets may not be recoverable.
A recent bipartisan Senate bill proposes giving the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulatory authority over crypto markets—a move aimed at increasing consumer protection and market clarity.
Until comprehensive regulations are in place, it's wise to:
- Use only reputable, transparent platforms
- Diversify storage (consider cold wallets)
- Monitor regulatory developments closely
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are my crypto holdings FDIC-insured at crypto-friendly banks?
A: No. While cash deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, cryptocurrencies are not covered by FDIC or SIPC protection.
Q: Can I buy Bitcoin with a small budget?
A: Yes. Platforms like SoFi and Acorns allow fractional purchases starting at $5.
Q: Do I have to pay taxes on crypto earned through rewards?
A: Yes. The IRS treats crypto rewards as taxable income at fair market value when received.
Q: What is a Bitcoin ETF?
A: A Bitcoin exchange-traded fund tracks Bitcoin’s price without requiring direct ownership—ideal for investors seeking exposure through traditional brokerage accounts.
Q: Can I roll over my 401(k) into a crypto IRA?
A: Yes. Providers like Bitcoin IRA allow rollovers from existing retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs holding digital assets.
Q: Is it safe to use a bank that offers crypto rewards?
A: Reputable institutions use secure custodians and insurance. Always research the provider’s security practices before opening an account.
👉 Start your journey with a secure platform built for the future of finance.