Investors can now add digital assets to their retirement portfolios through third-party custodians, avoiding reliance on employer-sponsored plan updates. Leading platforms enable direct contributions to crypto-eligible 401(k)s with as little as $25 per month.
- Over 1.2 million U.S. investors held crypto in retirement accounts by mid-2025
- Minimum contributions as low as $25 per month via specialized custodians
- Annual fees for crypto-eligible 401(k)s range from 0.85% to 1.5%
- Account limits capped at $500,000 per IRS retirement plan rules
- Participation up 34% year-over-year despite higher fees
- Platforms like Fidelity, Coinbase Custody, and Bitwise enable compliant access
A growing number of retirement plan providers are offering crypto exposure within traditional 401(k) frameworks, allowing individuals to invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum without waiting for their employers to expand plan options. These solutions operate through specialized custodial platforms that partner with existing retirement administrators to deliver compliant, tax-advantaged access to digital assets. The shift is driven by rising demand: over 1.2 million U.S. investors had allocated funds to crypto-eligible retirement accounts by mid-2025, according to internal data from three major custodians. Platforms such as Fidelity Digital Asset Services, Coinbase Custody, and Bitwise Asset Management now support Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings within qualified retirement accounts, with minimum investment thresholds starting at $25 per month and full account balances capped at $500,000 under IRS rules for retirement plan assets. These accounts maintain standard tax deferral benefits, but fees are typically higher than traditional 401(k)s—averaging 0.85% to 1.5% annually—due to the specialized custody and compliance requirements. Despite this, participation has grown 34% year-over-year, signaling strong interest among tech-savvy and younger investors seeking diversification beyond equities and bonds. The move enables retirees to capture potential long-term appreciation in digital assets while complying with IRS regulations, though custodians continue to emphasize that crypto holdings carry elevated risk. The trend also highlights the growing role of private-sector innovation in retirement planning, as traditional employers lag in updating investment menus.