Cryptocurrency IRAs provide tax advantaged exposure to digital assets within a Traditional or Roth retirement account structure. We evaluate providers based on custody model, fees, supported assets, and insurance coverage.
2026 Provider Comparison
Bitcoin IRA
PartnerOne of the first and most established crypto IRA platforms, founded in 2016. Supports 80+ cryptocurrencies with BitGo institutional cold storage. Insurance coverage on stored assets. Offers Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA account types.
Strengths
- Largest and most established crypto IRA platform
- BitGo cold storage with insurance coverage (verify current limits at bitcoinira.com)
- 80+ supported cryptocurrencies
- 24/7 trading and mobile app available
- SIMPLE IRA support - rare among crypto IRA platforms
Considerations
- !Higher fees than newer competitors - fee structure not publicly listed
- !Minimum investment requirements apply
iTrustCapital
Low cost crypto IRA with a flat 1% trading fee and no monthly account charges. Supports 30+ cryptocurrencies plus physical gold and silver in the same account. Solana staking available.
Strengths
- No monthly account fees
- Flat 1% trading fee - no hidden costs
- Physical gold and silver alongside crypto
- Solana staking within the IRA
Considerations
- !Smaller crypto selection than Bitcoin IRA
- !Account opening minimum applies - check itrustcapital.com
BitIRA
Self-directed crypto IRA founded in 2017. Carries $100 million in insurance through Lloyd's of London with end-to-end coverage on assets in transit and storage. No setup fee, no monthly fee. Equity Trust Company as custodian. Supports 15+ cryptocurrencies.
Strengths
- $100M insurance through Lloyd's of London - highest of any crypto IRA
- End-to-end coverage from transmission through storage
- No setup fee, no monthly maintenance fee
- Equity Trust Company as IRS-approved custodian
Considerations
- !$5,000 minimum initial investment
- !Only 15+ cryptocurrencies - smallest selection reviewed here
- !Fee structure requires verification at bitira.com
Unchained
Bitcoin-only IRA with a 2-of-3 multisig custody model. You hold two keys; Unchained holds one backup key. The only IRA structure where the account holder controls keys to their retirement Bitcoin. $250/year flat fee, 0.50% per trade.
Strengths
- You hold 2 of 3 multisig keys - genuine self-custody within an IRA
- Transparent pricing: $250/year flat, 0.50% per trade
- Traditional, Roth, SEP, and Inherited IRA supported
- Fortis Bank as licensed IRA custodian
Considerations
- !Bitcoin only - no altcoins or physical gold
- !$250 annual fee makes small accounts expensive
- !$2,000 minimum per transaction
What All Crypto IRAs Share
Regardless of which platform you choose, IRS rules require that IRA assets be held by a qualified custodian. You cannot hold IRA crypto in a personal wallet. Moving assets out of a crypto IRA to self-custody is a taxable distribution.
Unchained is the partial exception: its 2-of-3 multisig structure gives you two of three keys while the custodian arrangement remains compliant with IRS rules. But even there, the assets are formally held within the IRA custodian structure.
The 2026 IRS contribution limits apply across all your IRA accounts combined: $7,500 standard, $8,600 for age 50+. Verify current limits and income phase-out rules for Roth IRAs at irs.gov.
Secure Your Retirement Assets
Whether you choose a crypto IRA or self custody, security starts with understanding how your keys are managed.
CryptoKeySafe does not provide financial or tax advice. Crypto IRAs involve risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Consult a qualified financial advisor and tax professional before opening a crypto IRA. The information above is for educational purposes only.