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Fidelity Crypto Exchange Review: How Fidelity Crypto Works for Everyday Investors and Active Traders

Fidelity Crypto is the digital asset trading service embedded into the Fidelity Investments ecosystem, giving many investors a way to buy crypto alongside a traditional brokerage account. In this Fidelity crypto exchange review, we cover the fidelity crypto features that matter most: secure custody through Fidelity Digital Assets, fee structure, regulatory compliance and oversight, available coins such as bitcoin and ethereum, research and trading tools, and where this product fits in a diversified portfolio. We also look at how Fidelity crypto operates compared to dedicated bitcoin exchanges, what the experience is like in the Fidelity mobile app and the Fidelity Investments app, what crypto service limitations exist (like transfer crypto and withdraw crypto), and whether Fidelity crypto is good for long term investors and experienced traders.

Because Fidelity is one of the largest names in traditional finance, many investors want to know whether fidelity crypto is trustworthy, how much it costs to buy crypto, and if the custody is as secure as its reputation suggests. This review goes deep on those questions, with practical examples of using Fidelity to gain exposure to crypto assets and crypto ETFs, and how to align crypto investing with retirement accounts, capital gains tax planning, and various trading strategies.

What Is Fidelity Crypto? A Look at How Fidelity Crypto Operates

Fidelity Crypto is a crypto trading service that allows eligible U.S. customers to buy crypto—specifically bitcoin and ethereum—through the same app many investors already use for stocks, mutual funds, options trading, and exchange traded funds. It’s not a standalone bitcoin exchange with an order book interface. Instead, it’s a streamlined way to place crypto transactions within a familiar brokerage environment.

Under the hood, fidelity crypto operates with an institutional-grade backbone. Orders are routed for execution, the execution price includes a small spread, and digital assets are custodied by an affiliate focused on secure storage. The service is designed to feel like any other investment product inside a Fidelity account, with a focus on simplicity, regulatory compliance, and seamless integration with the broader Fidelity brokerage platform.

Fidelity Digital Assets and Regulatory Oversight

The custody and core crypto services are provided through Fidelity Digital Assets, a Fidelity business dedicated to digital assets. Fidelity Digital Asset Services and related entities focus on secure custody, trade execution, and operational controls. While details can vary by jurisdiction, this business is subject to regulatory oversight and compliance obligations, including applicable KYC/AML rules. Fidelity Investments and Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC are established names in traditional investments, and the fidelity crypto account experience benefits from that legacy in risk management and operational discipline.

Important note for this fidelity crypto review: crypto assets are not securities, are not protected by SIPC, and are subject to heightened volatility and unique market conditions. Fidelity discloses these risks prominently. As always, investors should consider whether crypto investing is more your style given your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Core Crypto Service With Integrated Brokerage

The key selling point is seamless integration. You can sign in to the same Fidelity mobile app or Fidelity Investments app, view your brokerage account, retirement accounts, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, and then switch to your crypto account without leaving the ecosystem. The portfolio view shows crypto alongside traditional finance holdings, making it easier to visualize a diversified portfolio that includes digital assets.

Key Features of Fidelity Crypto

Supported Assets: Bitcoin and Ethereum

Fidelity supports two crypto assets: bitcoin and ethereum. This focus keeps the product simple and aligned with the largest, most liquid cryptocurrencies. If you want to trade dozens of altcoins or explore niche tokens, you’ll likely need a different crypto exchange. For everyday investors who primarily want bitcoin and ethereum exposure, fidelity crypto is sufficient and often more convenient thanks to its integration with the brokerage account you already use.

Trading Tools and Advanced Features

The trading experience is straightforward: market and limit orders on bitcoin and ethereum trading are supported, with transparent confirmation of your execution price. Fidelity offers watchlists, alerts, basic charts, and market data sufficient for many investors. However, advanced trading features like margin on crypto, derivatives on crypto assets, staking rewards, or complex order routing are not part of the core crypto service. Active traders who need extensive order book depth, algorithmic routing, or API-based advanced trading might find the toolset limited compared to specialized bitcoin exchanges.

That said, many investors prefer simplicity. If your priority is to buy crypto, monitor market movements, and manage risk with straightforward entries and exits, the fidelity crypto account interface is easy to navigate. Fidelity complements this with educational resources and commentary designed for both everyday investors and experienced traders who want context around digital assets within broader market conditions.

Fidelity Mobile App and Same-App Integration

One major benefit is using the same app you already trust. In the Fidelity mobile app, crypto sits beside your stock trading, options trading, mutual funds, and exchange traded funds. You can move between your cash management features, uninvested cash sweeps, and your crypto holdings without juggling multiple logins. This is especially helpful for investors who rebalance between traditional investments and digital assets as part of an overall strategy.

Secure Custody and Risk Controls

Fidelity Digital Assets emphasizes secure custody with institutional-grade controls. The firm is known for operational security, cold storage for the majority of holdings, access controls, and segregation of client assets. Fidelity also communicates the distinct risk profile of crypto assets and the importance of safeguarding your account credentials and using features like two-factor authentication. While secure custody reduces certain risks, it does not eliminate market risk or counterparty risk entirely—an important consideration when you buy crypto via any provider.

How to Get Started: Setting Up and Using Fidelity Crypto

Open Accounts and Enable Crypto

To use Fidelity Crypto, you’ll need a Fidelity brokerage account. The onboarding flow will guide you to open accounts if you do not already have one. After your brokerage account is established, you can enable the crypto account from within the platform. As part of this process, you’ll agree to crypto-specific disclosures, acknowledge the risks of digital assets, and verify eligibility (availability can vary by state and regulatory framework).

Funding, Cash Management, and Uninvested Cash

Funding your crypto purchases involves moving money into your brokerage account, typically through ACH, wire, or transfers from existing Fidelity accounts. Many investors take advantage of Fidelity’s cash management and uninvested cash features, then move cash into crypto transactions when opportunities arise. It’s a unified flow that can simplify your overall financial management compared with juggling an external crypto exchange and bank transfers.

Placing Orders, Execution, and Market Movements

Once your fidelity account is funded, you can place market or limit orders for bitcoin and ethereum. Crypto markets trade 24/7, including weekends and holidays, which means market movements can be swift. Fidelity’s confirmations clearly show the execution price, and the fee structure is embedded in the spread rather than a separate commission line item. Because crypto can be volatile, consider using limit orders, setting price alerts, and avoiding trade sizes that exceed your risk tolerance.

Fees and Pricing: The Fidelity Crypto Fee Structure

Commission-Free, With a Spread Included in the Execution Price

A highlight in this fidelity crypto review is pricing. Fidelity markets crypto trading as commission-free. Instead of a visible commission, Fidelity incorporates a spread into the execution price. Historically, Fidelity has indicated a spread of around 1% but may vary with market conditions. The spread-based model is straightforward—what you see in the quote and the execution price systematically includes the fee. Make sure to compare the effective price you receive with prevailing market prices on other crypto exchanges if you are particularly price sensitive.

Capital Gains Tax and Reporting

Crypto investing has tax implications. Digital assets are generally treated as property for U.S. tax purposes, so buying, selling, and spending crypto can generate taxable events and capital gains tax. Fidelity provides tax documents to help with reporting, but you should consult a tax professional for guidance tailored to your situation. Many investors also use crypto ETFs in taxable accounts and retirement accounts to simplify reporting, or they deploy tax-aware trading strategies to thoughtfully manage gains and losses.

Deposits, Withdrawals, and Transfers

Transfer Crypto and Withdraw Crypto: What’s Supported?

A key limitation to understand is crypto transfers. As of the time of this fidelity crypto exchange review, retail customers generally buy and sell bitcoin and ethereum within Fidelity and may not have full external wallet transfers enabled. That means you might not be able to withdraw crypto to your personal wallet or transfer crypto into Fidelity from an external bitcoin exchange. Availability can evolve, so check the latest Fidelity Digital Asset Services documentation for current capabilities and any state-by-state restrictions.

For many investors who simply plan to gain exposure and hold within a brokerage ecosystem, this limitation is acceptable. However, investors who want self-custody, on-chain activity, or to interact with decentralized finance might prefer a bitcoin exchange that supports full on-chain withdrawals and deposits.

Crypto Transactions and Settlement

Orders execute quickly during normal market conditions, and settlement is streamlined behind the scenes. Because the fidelity crypto account is integrated with your brokerage account, you can move between cash for equities and cash for crypto buying without major friction. Keep in mind that crypto trades 24/7, so price gaps can appear between Friday market close and weekend crypto market conditions for investors accustomed to stock market hours.

Traditional Investments and Crypto in One Place

Trade Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, and Options

One of the biggest advantages we found in this fidelity crypto review is the ability to consolidate traditional investments and crypto assets. Many investors keep their core holdings in exchange traded funds and mutual funds and then use a small sleeve for bitcoin and ethereum trading. If you prefer to trade stocks and options alongside digital assets, having a single login is efficient and reduces the fragmentation of your financial life.

Crypto ETFs and Retirement Accounts

Fidelity brokerage accounts support crypto ETFs, which can be appropriate for retirement accounts like traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Crypto IRAs that hold direct digital assets are not the default through Fidelity Crypto for retail investors. However, many long term investors choose exchange traded crypto funds to gain exposure within retirement accounts because they’re easy to buy, have straightforward tax reporting, and fit within existing investment policy statements.

If you want direct exposure to bitcoin and ethereum, you can do that in taxable brokerage accounts through Fidelity Crypto. If your focus is retirement accounts, crypto ETFs may be a more convenient way to access the crypto market within a tax-advantaged wrapper. Always verify plan-level rules for workplace retirement accounts and review the fund’s fee structure and tracking before investing.

Research, Education, and Trading Tools

Educational Resources and Own Research

Fidelity invests heavily in educational resources. The platform includes articles, videos, and explainers on digital assets, crypto investing basics, security best practices, and how to contextualize crypto within diversified portfolios. You can layer Fidelity content with your own research to develop trading strategies aligned with your risk profile. Education is especially valuable given the unique factors that influence the crypto market, such as network upgrades, regulatory developments, mining economics, and liquidity cycles.

Charts, Alerts, and Active Trader Pro

For crypto, charts and alerts are integrated within the Fidelity Investments app. Active Trader Pro is Fidelity’s advanced desktop platform for equities and options, but crypto trading is not the main focus of that software at this time. If you rely on Active Trader Pro daily, expect to manage crypto mostly through the web platform and mobile app. You can still set price alerts, add bitcoin and ethereum to watchlists, and pull up recent market movements to inform entries and exits.

Who Is Fidelity Crypto Best For?

Everyday Investors and Long Term Investors

Fidelity Crypto is a strong fit for everyday investors who already use Fidelity for traditional investments and want an easy way to buy crypto in the same app. Long term investors who plan to hold bitcoin and ethereum as a small slice of a diversified portfolio will appreciate the secure custody and the simplicity of commission free pricing with a spread embedded in the execution price. If your main goal is allocation and rebalancing, rather than high-frequency trading, the experience is smooth and reliable.

Experienced Traders and Active Traders

Experienced traders who demand advanced trading features—extensive order types, margin on crypto, crypto derivatives, and API access—may find the fidelity crypto features set more basic than a specialized bitcoin exchange. That said, active traders who value a consolidated view of their entire financial life, including trade stocks and options, might still choose Fidelity to keep digital assets connected to their broader investment products. If your strategy relies on fast deposits and withdrawals to and from external wallets, note the current transfer crypto limitations discussed earlier.

Risks, Limitations, and Crypto Account Issues to Consider

Heightened Volatility and Market Conditions

Crypto markets are known for heightened volatility. Sudden market movements, liquidity gaps, and headline-driven spikes are common. This volatility can be a feature for active traders, but it also magnifies risk for everyday investors. Consider dollar-cost averaging, thoughtful position sizing, and guardrails like limit orders to reduce surprise outcomes.

Product Limitations: Assets, Staking, Transfers, and Advanced Trading

Supported assets are limited to bitcoin and ethereum; altcoins are not available.
Staking rewards are not currently offered; investors who want staking yields will need a different provider.
Transfers and withdrawals of crypto to external wallets are limited for many retail users; plan accordingly.
Advanced trading features are minimal compared to specialized crypto exchanges; sophisticated strategies may be constrained.

Regulatory Compliance and Investor Protections

Fidelity emphasizes regulatory compliance, but it’s essential to understand that crypto assets are not insured by SIPC and often fall outside the protections available for traditional brokerage positions. Fidelity Digital Assets applies secure custody controls and maintains robust operational practices, yet counterparty and market risks remain part of any crypto service. Always review current disclosures and verify state-level availability before you open accounts or move substantial funds.

How Fidelity Crypto Compares to Bitcoin Exchanges

Fidelity vs. Pure-Play Crypto Exchanges

Pure-play crypto exchanges offer broad asset coverage, deep order books, advanced trading features, and often support for deposit and withdraw crypto to personal wallets. They are built for crypto-first users, active traders, and those who need on-chain interactions. Fidelity, by contrast, focuses on simplicity, secure custody, and integration within a full-service brokerage. If you need leverage, perpetuals, staking, or 200+ tokens, a specialized exchange may be better. If you want bitcoin and ethereum trading under the umbrella of Fidelity Investments, Fidelity Crypto is compelling.

Fidelity vs. Robinhood for Crypto Investing

Robinhood supports more tokens and emphasizes a sleek retail trading experience with commission-free pricing. Fidelity offers deeper research, broader investment products (mutual funds, exchange traded funds, fixed income, options, and retirement accounts), and the comfort of a legacy institution. If you prioritize a larger crypto menu and a social/trading vibe, Robinhood could be attractive. If you want crypto next to a full suite of traditional finance tools, retirement accounts, and access to extensive educational resources, Fidelity is often the better fit.

Trading Strategies and Use Cases

Various Trading Strategies Within a Fidelity Account

Investors use Fidelity Crypto for multiple approaches:

Dollar-cost averaging into bitcoin and ethereum to smooth entry points across market cycles.
Rebalancing a diversified portfolio, adjusting crypto weightings relative to equities, fixed income, and exchange traded funds.
Event-driven trades around network upgrades, macroeconomic data releases, or significant regulatory developments.
Long term investors maintaining a small allocation to digital assets as a potential growth sleeve.

Because the service lives alongside traditional investments, it’s straightforward to mix crypto with mutual funds, ETFs, and individual stocks in one plan. You can use Fidelity’s research to frame crypto within macro trends, manage cash, and consider tax-aware tactics for capital gains.

Gaining Exposure With Crypto ETFs and Direct Holdings

Some investors prefer direct holdings through the fidelity crypto account for bitcoin and ethereum trading. Others choose crypto ETFs for ease of use, particularly in retirement accounts. A practical approach is to use a core crypto ETF position in a tax-advantaged account and complement it with a smaller direct crypto sleeve in a taxable account for tactical moves. As always, the right mix depends on your objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.

Customer Support and Service

Support Channels, Security, and Account Hygiene

Fidelity is known for robust customer service, with phone, chat, and in-app support. For crypto account issues, Fidelity offers clear documentation, guided flows, and security reminders. Protect your account with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilant monitoring. Even with secure custody, account-level security is a shared responsibility. If your strategy involves frequent crypto transactions, verify service hours and any tooling that helps you manage orders outside the standard stock market day.

Verdict: Fidelity Crypto Review for 2025

Fidelity Crypto excels at integrating digital assets into a broader financial picture. The key strengths are secure custody via Fidelity Digital Assets, seamless platform experience in the same app, commission free pricing with a clear spread in the execution price, and powerful adjacency to research, retirement accounts, and traditional investments. The primary drawbacks are limited asset support (bitcoin and ethereum only), transfer crypto limitations for external wallets, no staking rewards, and fewer advanced trading features than specialized bitcoin exchanges.

For many investors—especially those who already use Fidelity—this trade-off is worthwhile. You gain a clean workflow to buy crypto, keep your portfolio in one place, and benefit from Fidelity’s regulatory compliance culture and operational scale. For power users who need deep order books, complex order types, or on-chain activity, pairing Fidelity with a dedicated crypto exchange may provide the best of both worlds.

Fidelity, Fidelity Investments, and related names are registered service marks of FMR LLC. Digital assets are highly volatile and may not be appropriate for all investors. This fidelity crypto review is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fidelity crypto trustworthy?

Fidelity is one of the most established firms in traditional finance, and Fidelity Digital Assets provides institutional-grade custody and compliance practices. That said, crypto assets carry unique risks. They are not protected by SIPC, and market volatility can be extreme. Within that context, many investors view fidelity crypto as a trustworthy way to buy crypto and hold bitcoin and ethereum inside a familiar brokerage ecosystem with strong operational controls. Always review current disclosures, confirm state availability, and use account security best practices.

Does Fidelity have a crypto exchange?

Fidelity offers a crypto trading service rather than a traditional order-book crypto exchange. Through the fidelity crypto account, eligible customers can trade bitcoin and ethereum inside the Fidelity Investments app. The experience emphasizes simplicity, secure custody via Fidelity Digital Assets, and integration with a brokerage account, not a standalone crypto exchange interface with dozens of tokens and advanced order routing.

How much does Fidelity charge for crypto trading?

Fidelity markets crypto trading as commission free. Instead of a separate commission, the fee is reflected in a spread included in your execution price. Historically, Fidelity has indicated a spread around 1%, though it can vary with market conditions. Always check the current fee structure and compare effective pricing if cost is a primary factor in your crypto investing decisions.

Is Fidelity or Robinhood better for crypto?

It depends on your priorities. Robinhood generally supports more tokens and offers a minimalist trading experience focused on simplicity. Fidelity focuses on bitcoin and ethereum, secure custody through Fidelity Digital Assets, robust research, and the ability to manage crypto alongside mutual funds, exchange traded funds, options trading, and retirement accounts. If you value a full-service brokerage and seamless integration of traditional investments and digital assets, Fidelity is often the better fit. If a wider token selection and a social retail trading feel matter more, Robinhood may be preferable.