The Japanese yen (JPY) is one of the most active and volatile currencies in the foreign exchange (FX) market. 

The Japanese yen (JPY) is one of the most active and volatile currencies in the foreign exchange (FX) market. Traders around the world focus on JPY pairs like USD/JPY, EUR/JPY and AUD/JPY because they offer strong price movements and frequent opportunities.

Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies that typically swing wildly, most FX pairs are relatively stable. That’s why JPY moves stand out. For example, in July 2024, the USD/JPY ratio reached 162 — its highest level since December 1986. Then, it dropped to 139 by September — a 14% decline in just two months.

By January 2025, USD/JPY bounced back to 158, only to fall again to 139 in April. These large moves show why JPY is a favorite for traders seeking momentum and volatility.

Interest rate gap: The most important driver

One of the main drivers behind JPY price movements is the 

 between Japan and other major economies — especially that of the US.

In simple terms: currencies with higher interest rates usually attract more capital. When US rates rise and Japanese rates stay low, investors shift money into the dollar and out of the yen. This pushes USD/JPY higher.

But when Japan starts raising its rates — or the US holds rates steady or cuts them — the gap narrows. Then, investors shift back into the yen, pushing USD/JPY downward.

Right now, the US interest rate is 4.5%, while Japan’s is just 0.5%. That’s a big gap. However, this could change soon.

If Japan raises rates or signals higher rates while the US holds or cuts its own, expect downward pressure on USD/JPY. If both rates stay unchanged, the focus will shift to the tone of the policy statements and forward guidance.

Beyond interest rates, the yen is also seen as a 

During times of global uncertainty and/or geopolitical risk, investors prefer holding assets that are seen as stable and less risky. JPY fits this role. This is especially true when tensions rise between major economies, like the ongoing 

In early 2025, after US President Trump returned to office and reignited trade tensions, the yen gained strongly. So far this year, it’s up 

The reason is simple: traders and investors are nervous about global growth. If Trump pushes for more tariffs, or if trade talks fail, the yen is likely to rise further. On the other hand, 

, the dollar could recover against the yen.

Technical analysis: Levels and indicators to watch

The current technical setup for USD/JPY is interesting for traders.

In short: 139 is the floor, and 150–155 is the ceiling. Traders should watch price reactions at these levels closely.

Key events ahead: Rate decisions and trade headlines

Two major types of events will shape JPY trading in the short term:

Conclusion: Volatility, strategy and the JPY outlook

The Japanese yen offers one of the most attractive trading setups in the FX market. Its strong volatility, sensitivity to global news and clear technical levels make it a prime choice for both short- and medium-term strategies.

The key to trading JPY successfully lies in watching the 

. June 2025 will be a critical month, with back-to-back central bank meetings in Japan and the US.

technical chart shows strong support at a level of 139

, backed by clear CCI signals. On the upside, resistance lies at 150 and 155 — levels that could come into play if the market turns more optimistic.

Traders should also keep in mind that if a trade deal is signed between the US and China, the dollar could gain ground, easing pressure on USD/JPY.

Until then, the Japanese yen remains one of the best currencies for active traders looking for momentum, opportunity and global relevance.

Advanced

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Bybit x FXStreet FX Report: Why the yen is a trader’s favorite

MetaMask will roll out native support for Solana ($SOL) in May 2025, enabling users to directly access SOL tokens and interact with Solana-based decentralized applications (dApps) from within the wallet. 

Daily top performer — Hyperliquid (HYPE)

The S&P 500 rose 0.41% on Thursday, supported by trade optimism and cooling inflation, marking its fourth straight gain. Gold climbed 1.3% to $3,218 as weak U.S. data and a softer dollar raised Fed rate cut hopes, while geopolitical tensions added safe-haven demand. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, down 0.91%, with Bitcoin and Ether down 0.13% and 2.42%, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is HYPE, which rose 7.9% after Hyperliquid was spotlighted in a Bloomberg podcast for its transparent onchain revenue model.

Hyperliquid (HYPE), launched in June 2023, is a decentralized perpetuals exchange built on a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain. It offers fast, low-cost perpetual futures trading with full on-chain transparency and performance comparable to centralized exchanges. Bloomberg’s Surveillance podcast 

 crypto’s role in shaping the future of finance, citing projects like Hyperliquid for their transparent, onchain revenue models.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

, enabling users to directly access SOL tokens and interact with Solana-based decentralized applications (dApps) from within the wallet. Confirmed by MetaMask’s CEO and co-founder, this integration marks a major step in expanding beyond Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains. The move enhances interoperability across blockchain ecosystems and broadens MetaMask’s reach in the multichain DeFi space.

Yesterday, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $294.8 million in net outflows on May 15, with $39.1 million from GBTC and $255.7 million from other issuers.

, offering users a chance to earn testnet access through Galxe quests. Participants can complete tasks to win invite codes for the APT Game, a rollup built by Radius. Only 1,000 codes will be released over the next month.

Beginner

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Metamask to add native Solana support in May, expanding beyond EVM chains

Explore Vulcan Forged (PYR), a leading web3 ecosystem with gaming, NFTs, metaverse, and its own L1 blockchain, Elysium. Discover what sets it apart.

Vulcan Forged started out as a gaming hub targeting 

 users who could access play-to-earn (P2E) games on it that are powered by 

 blockchains. However, over time, Vulcan Forged has evolved into an all-encompassing blockchain and web3 platform. It now offers Elysium (a Layer 1 blockchain), a 

 (NFT) projects, and Vulcan Studios for developing mobile and PC web3 games.

Let's explore the Vulcan Forged web3 ecosystem and learn why it's definitely a project to watch in the busy web3 space.

, a blockchain-powered gaming ecosystem, offers comprehensive solutions to web3 users, suited to all gaming needs.

Founded in 2019 by a team led by current CEO and founder Jamie Thomson, Vulcan Forged started out as a gaming hub in which users could access NFT-powered web3 games. However, with Thomson at the helm, Vulcan Forged has transitioned into a full-fledged blockchain ecosystem that’s designed to solve the challenges faced by web3 users, such as high fees, slow transaction times and user-unfriendly gaming interfaces.

At the core of its comprehensive ecosystem is Elysium, a 

 designed specifically to power gaming and the metaverse. By leveraging the Elysium blockchain, Vulcan Forged is better positioned to offer enhanced functionalities, such as dynamic NFTs, an advanced suite of tools and a more immersive gaming experience.

Vulcan Studios, part of the Vulcan Forged ecosystem, supports the development of blockchain games. Several enhancements to Vulcan Studios now provide for an interconnected universe for gamers, a critical move in the platform's bid to become a more unified gaming ecosystem.

Vulcan Forged NFT marketplaces like Agora and Cedalion offer users a seamless experience in trading and creating digital assets. In particular, Agora provides a user-friendly interface for minting NFTs without gas fees that makes it accessible for creators and collectors alike.

Furthermore, the Vulcan Forged team has announced that VulcanX, its 

 (CEX), is almost complete. VulcanX will provide the platform's users with a gamified trading experience in which landholders In its ecosystem will share in generated revenue.

The entire Vulcan Forged ecosystem is governed by a dual-token economy consisting of PYR and ELY (previously LAVA) tokens.

 blockchain developed by Vulcan Forged that’s designed to power the future of web3 gaming, NFTs and 

 (DApps). Created with developers and users in mind, Elysium combines scalability, high throughput and a strong sustainability ethos to deliver a robust and eco-friendly blockchain ecosystem.

 (EVM) framework, Elysium supports fast, low-cost transactions, and is fully compatible with both Ethereum-based and Substrate-based tools. Its interoperability makes it an ideal platform for developers looking to deploy DApps, launch NFT collections or create gaming projects with dynamic on-chain mechanics.

A standout aspect of Elysium is its growing ecosystem of integrated tools, such as:

In addition to its robust technology, Elysium is central to the larger Vulcan Forged vision of a unified digital universe. It underpins diverse applications, including Vulcan’s NFT marketplaces, upcoming CEX and multi-game metaverse.

With an emphasis on accessibility, innovation and real-world use cases, Elysium is positioning itself as the core infrastructure for the mission Vulcan Forged has to merge gaming, blockchain and digital ownership into one immersive ecosystem.

In order to lower barriers to entry through enhanced user experience, Elysium offers three protocols that work together seamlessly to benefit web3 individuals and businesses. These protocols simplify the process of converting tokens, while offering fee delegation and allowing users to utilize any token in their wallets when transacting.

Vulcan Forged has created a comprehensive ecosystem to enhance web3 user experiences. Apart from the Elysium blockchain discussed above, other key components of the Vulcan Forged ecosystem are as follows.

Vulcan Studios is a gaming development platform designed to facilitate the creation, development and playing of PC and mobile games. In the revamped Vulcan Forged road map, these studios’ DeFi games are undergoing various enhancements to improve user experience.

Some of the notable games produced by Vulcan Studios include 

Vulcan Verse, Vulcan Runner, Berserk, Vulcan’s Creed

​MetaScapes is an innovative metaverse-as-a-service (MaaS) platform that empowers users to create and customize their own digital realms. Offering four distinct worlds — Fantasy, Cartoon, Urban and Futuristic — MetaScapes provides a versatile environment for creativity and exploration. Its users can personalize their avatars, design unique landscapes and even monetize their creations through in-world economies. 

With features like VR compatibility and AI assistance, MetaScapes aims to deliver an immersive and user-friendly experience, bridging the gap between imagination and digital reality.

The Vulcan Forged platform is powered by a dual token economy that consists of PYR and ELY tokens, each one playing a distinct role on the platform.

PYR is the primary token of Vulcan Forged. Initially, PYR was powered by the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, but it’s now primarily powered by the Elysium blockchain. PYR plays three major roles on the platform: gaming, settlement and 

. It has a total supply of 50,000,000 tokens, with a circulating supply of 23,897,700 (as of May 15, 2025).

The primary use cases of the PYR token are as follows:

The second token on Vulcan Forged is ELY, which was formerly known as LAVA. ELY is Elysium's native and gas token. It also features many other uses, such as powering transactions and rewarding gameplay on Vulcan Forged games. You can earn ELY by participating in various games and accumulating XP points on the platform. Additionally, you can generate ELY tokens as rewards for holding PYR.

ELY’s total supply is 1 million tokens. Some uses of ELY include:

You can buy PYR on Bybit as the PYRUSDT Perpetual contract, with leverage of up to 12.5x. It's listed in Bybit's Innovation Zone, which gives you access to handpicked projects with a potential for high returns (also with higher fees and risk).

Vulcan Forged (PYR) crypto price prediction

As of May 15, 2025, PYR is priced at $1.34, 97.3% higher than its all-time high of $49.24 on Dec 1, 2021 and 51.8% higher than its all-time low of $0.88 on Apr 7, 2025.

Price prediction experts are cautiously bullish on PYR's future price. CoinCodex predicts that PYR 

 a maximum price of $1.49 in 2027 and increase to $4.43 in 2030. Meanwhile, DigitalCoinPrice is relatively more bullish on PYR, and expects that the token 

 a maximum price of $4.85 in 2027 and surge to $7.34 in 2030.

While these forecasts are bullish, they aren’t financial advice and they don’t guarantee the future price of PYR. We highly recommend that you 

 before you invest in Vulcan Forged or any other cryptocurrencies.

Vulcan Forged (PYR) is shaping the expanding universe of web3 gaming by merging cutting-edge technology with immersive player experiences. From its native Elysium blockchain to dynamic NFT ecosystems and the upcoming VulcanX decentralized exchange, the platform is setting new standards in decentralization, creativity and scalability.

Featuring a unified road map, tools like MetaScapes, NFT marketplaces, and Elysium Swap, Bridge and Scan, Vulcan Forged is building more than games — it’s forging a sustainable digital economy. As its ecosystem grows, PYR, its cross-platform utility token, remains at the heart of this transformation, empowering game developers, creators and players in the next era of decentralized entertainment. 

Intermediate

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Vulcan Forged (PYR): The expanding universe of web3 gaming and beyond

Discover MapleStory Universe, Nexon's blockchain-powered version of the iconic MMORPG game loved by over 250 million players. Learn more about the launch of MapleStory N on May 15, the NXPC token and how to trade NXPC on Bybit.

, a simple, 2D MMORPG that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its blocky characters and iconic town of Henesys were etched in the memories of over 250 million players who played the game worldwide. Now, Nexspace, an Abu Dhabi–based subsidiary of Nexon, is recreating this world on-chain with MapleStory Universe. 

At its core, MSU is a faithful recreation of 

s legacy. It revives the beloved characters, art styles and lore while simultaneously improving the game by integrating blockchain technology. Nexpace believes this integration will transform the franchise from a centralized ecosystem into a player-owned universe, creating a win-win scenario for both the original players and web3 natives. 

 IP is already an established success, with 250 million players and over $5 billion in revenue. MapleStory Universe aims to bring its enormous player base into MSU through various incentives, such as cross-platform progression and exclusive rewards for legacy users. 

Behind all of this development is Nexpace, the blockchain-focused subsidiary of Nexon established in 2023. Sun Young Hwang is the CEO of Nexpace and a leader at MapleStory Universe. With 15 years of experience at Nexon, Hwang brings a wealth of expertise and a clear vision for the ecosystem’s growth in the web3 space. 

As part of its mission to launch a gaming universe, Nexpace teams announced 

, the first standalone game of the MapleStory Universe. It’s a PC-based MMORPG with onchain item ownership. The game is set for a global launch on May 15, 2025, and is currently available for 

. According to BlockchainGamer.biz, the game was so popular that it 

 players can issue, trade and manage in-game 

. Post-launch, the community can collaborate on content development, influencing the game’s evolution through creator tools. 

, a blockchain tailored for gamers. Built on 

, it combines Nexon’s 20-plus years of anti-cheat expertise with 

’s tamperproof randomness (critical for fair loot boxes). Transactions are free, fast and invisible during gameplay. No crypto wallets are required upfront. For 

 veterans, this offers a smooth gateway into web3, and for crypto natives, it brings a beloved gaming franchise on-chain.

Blockchain's role in the MapleStory Universe

The Henesys blockchain plays a crucial role in MSU’s development and execution. It provides sub-second finality and support for thousands of 

 (TPS), ensuring gameplay remains fluid and uninterrupted.

On top of that, the use of blockchain also enables players to own and trade in-game assets as NFTs. These NFTs are designed to be interoperable across every game that’s built in the MapleStory Universe, providing increased utility and value for these digital assets.

The game’s economy also relies on the decentralized nature of blockchains to create an ever-changing world. It incentivizes creators to design unique planets, each with its own tailored gameplay and social experiences, and rewards them with NXPC tokens for their contributions. 

NXPC is the native utility token of MapleStory Universe, with a fixed supply of 1 billion. It functions as the reserve currency of the universe, and is used to link gameplay assets to the border ecosystem. 

The token’s initial distribution also reinforces its decentralized nature, as 80% of NXPC is reserved for contributor reward, with just 0.696% allocated for the team and 0.4% for advisors,

Additionally, the team and advisors allocations also have vesting requirements. The team token has a structured vesting schedule with a 9-month cliff, followed by quarterly unlocks over the next three years. For advisors, there’s a 12-month cliff, followed by milestone-based vesting. 

MSU’s franchise has generated $5 billion in revenue since 2003. The organization behind the game is focused on longevity, as opposed to a quick money grab. Crucially, blockchain technology has matured to an extent where it can deliver seamless gameplay, matching the smooth experience players expect from traditional platforms. 

 starting on May 15, 2025. From now through May 28, 10AM UTC, new and existing Bybit users can stand a chance to win from a prize pool of 9,000,000 NXPC by 

. Register for this event at Bybit Token Splash 

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Nexpace (NXPC): MapleStory IP goes web3

Bitcoin

Investing

When choosing the best Bitcoin IRA, there are two main factors to consider: your knowledge of crypto, and the features you value most in a retirement product. 

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Ensuring financial security in retirement is an aspiration for just about any individual. At the same time, achieving security in your silver years takes careful investment planning and choices. Over the last few years, cryptocurrency and 

 (BTC) have begun playing a key role in retirement planning schemes. A number of Bitcoin-based individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have arrived on the market, broadening options for retirement-focused investors.

The first crypto IRAs appeared in 2016, offering cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset for investment. While the leading 

 on the market feature a wide variety of crypto coins on offer, Bitcoin remains by far the most popular option. First, compared to 

, Bitcoin benefits from its leadership position and higher levels of trust enjoyed in the market. Its popularity surged notably after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted 

 in early January 2024. Secondly, it offers liquidity levels unmatched by other leading cryptos. Finally, Bitcoin’s volatility is known to be at least somewhat lower compared to Ethereum (ETH) and other large-cap crypto coins.

Given all these factors, it’s no wonder that Bitcoin remains vastly more popular for IRA products than any other cryptocurrency and that, in nearly all cases, crypto IRA providers have a Bitcoin IRA on offer.

In this review, we’re taking a closer look at the best Bitcoin IRA products in 2024 — leaders in their own categories that can aid you in your retirement planning goals.

IRA investment opportunities based on Bitcoin are now a fast-growing area within the financial planning industry. By 2024, few serious retirement investors would dismiss Bitcoin, at least as a potential option, for their IRAs. High growth potential, diversification benefits and, under some circumstances, capital gains tax exemptions — all of these advantages come with including Bitcoin in your IRA.

So, which Bitcoin IRAs on the market suit your retirement investment goals? The answer depends upon what you specifically value in an investment product, and your level of expertise with crypto, among other factors.

It should also be noted that most of the leading Bitcoin IRA companies offer both standard and Roth IRAs. These two types of IRA products differ somewhat in the way your contributions and withdrawals are treated in terms of taxation. Standard IRAs allow you to make tax-deductible contributions, while your retirement withdrawals are taxable. In contrast, Roth IRA contributions aren’t tax-deductible as they are created with after-tax dollars, but retirement withdrawals are tax-free.

With these considerations in mind, we’ve decided to look at a number of critical areas for investors when evaluating the best Bitcoin IRA products — security, fees, investor experience, self-directed investment opportunities and beginner-friendly features.

When it comes to the best overall Bitcoin IRA product, few providers on the market can match the aptly named 

™ — America’s first cryptocurrency-focused retirement investment company. Its crypto IRA platform was launched in 2016, and over the years has built upon its first-mover advantage in the market. It’s by far the most popular Bitcoin IRA product chosen by retirement investors.

While the other providers we cover below have particular strengths in specific areas, Bitcoin IRA shines thanks to its optimal balance of security, fees, time in the market, insurance options, ease of use and trading flexibility.

Bitcoin IRA offers a flexible trading platform that’s open 24/7. It also features generous insurance coverage of up to $700 million — the highest limit among the leading Bitcoin IRA products. In addition, the minimum investment requirement of $3,000 at Bitcoin IRA is also relatively modest. For an established provider of this scale, that’s a highly reasonable requirement.

Bitcoin IRA’s security features are also top-notch. The company has partnered with BitGo, the world’s leading Bitcoin transaction processor, to hold client funds in secure 

 using military-grade, multi-key protection features.

Bitcoin IRA’s transaction fees aren’t the lowest in the market, although they’re still reasonable for the most trusted crypto IRA provider on the block. The standard fee applicable per transaction is 2%, and there’s a one-time initial deposit fee of between 0.99% and 4.99%, depending upon the amount invested.

Bitcoin IRAs are an emerging area, so for many investors these products are still a novelty. That's why a product in this niche must be as beginner-friendly as possible. Among Bitcoin IRA providers, 

 has caught our eye with its simplified platform and fee structure — precisely what a newbie to the Bitcoin IRA field needs

iTrust offers a simple flat fee of 1% on all transactions. No other charges are involved — no deposit fees, no monthly account-keeping fees or any other fee varieties other providers like to pepper their products with. You just pay 1% on any transaction without having to worry about incurring any hidden charges. For beginners, this is an ideal setup.

The only other fee that Bitcoin IRA investors might incur at iTrust is the $75 charge to convert a standard IRA to a Roth IRA.

iTrust’s minimum investment requirement is also very low — only $1,000. For many beginning investors, the ability to start out with as little capital commitment as possible is critical. In that respect, iTrust’s modest requirement of just $1,000 is a great beginner-friendly feature.

The security of your investment funds is a crucial consideration when choosing a Bitcoin IRA. Low fees and flexibility of trading won’t be of much help if your Bitcoin holdings are compromised due to a 

. To be fair to the companies in our review, they all employ multiple measures to protect client funds.

However, among the leading Bitcoin IRA providers, one stands out with a particular focus on security — 

 is among the older providers in the Bitcoin IRA field. Established in 2017, this company has taken client funds’ security to a completely new level.

BitIRA uses multiple measures to ensure that even the most persistent and well-resourced Bitcoin hackers won’t be able to get anywhere close to your digital retirement funds. First, BitIRA has partnered with Ledger Enterprise, one of the world’s leading digital asset storage specialists, to implement multi-signature authorization for crypto asset storage and access. The keys for access to clients’ Bitcoin are held on multiple devices in a decentralized way to ensure that an individual point of failure doesn’t jeopardize the overall security of your funds.

Secondly, BitIRA implements so-called “end-to-end” protection for client funds. With end-to-end insurance, your investment is protected at all stages and in all states of the funds’ lifecycle, be it purchase, storage or any point of transfer.

Finally, BitIRA fund storage practices are regularly audited by third parties to ensure adherence to SOC 2 Type 2 certification standards. Companies serious about security and protection choose to implement SOC 2 Type 2 certification, a set of rigorous practices and internal controls to ensure the security, integrity and confidentiality of data or assets.

With a fee of just 0.5% per trade, California-based 

 offers the lowest fees among Bitcoin IRA providers — and this crypto IRA company doesn’t charge account-keeping or deposit fees, either. If you’re after the lowest possible transaction fees, look no further than BlockMint.

As an alternative to the 0.5% fee, the company also offers an entirely commission-free account for a yearly fixed charge of $499. Thus, if you prefer to make frequent trades, you might choose this option to further minimize costs.

BlockMint's Bitcoin IRA also features generous $600 million insurance protection, along with military-grade cold storage of your funds. When you open an account, you’re assigned a personal agent to assist with your inquiries — always a great feature for Bitcoin IRA products, given their relatively novel nature.

Best Investor Experience — Equity Trust

 is one of the oldest providers of IRA, Roth IRA and other investment products to individuals and businesses. Over the last few years, this established retirement investment company has developed comprehensive crypto and Bitcoin IRA products, leveraging its multi-decade experience.

Whether you’re after a Bitcoin-based IRA or Roth IRA, Equity Trust has unmatched variety, thanks to its integrated platform with multiple crypto IRA providers. By buying a Bitcoin IRA with Equity Trust, you’ll get to enjoy both the robust security of the Equity Trust platform and the expertise and service of its providers.

Thanks to the company’s deep expertise in the retirement investment field and a wide variety of accounts and assets on offer, you’re given an unprecedented choice of various investment options. In addition to Bitcoin and crypto, Equity Trust offers investments in mutual funds and stocks, as well as alternative investments in the areas of precious metals, real estate, private equity and more. This provider truly stands out in terms of the investor experience, from choice of investment options to the guidance you receive throughout the whole onboarding process.

Equity Trust isn’t among the cheapest Bitcoin IRA companies. You’ll have to pay a certain premium for the privilege of having an excellent investor experience. Annual fees on your Bitcoin IRA or Roth IRA product will depend upon the overall size of the portfolio you maintain with the company. The lowest yearly fee is $225, for accounts under $15,000. This cost goes up on a sliding scale, with the highest fee set at $2,250 for accounts above $2 million. There’s also a one-time account opening fee of $50.

Best for Self-Directed Investment — Broad Financial

Traditional IRA and Roth IRA accounts have typically been restricted to investments in tightly regulated assets — usually stocks, bonds, mutual funds and 

. Self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) allow investors to access alternative investment assets, including cryptocurrencies. In that respect, all Bitcoin IRA and Roth IRA products are classified as self-directed accounts. However, the degree of freedom you get in terms of structuring your investments in an SDIRA account varies with different providers. 

 in terms of both the freedom and flexibility of your self-directed investments under a Bitcoin IRA or Roth IRA. Broad Financial's Bitcoin IRA Trust gives you complete freedom in terms of allocating and mixing different asset classes. In addition to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, you can include a wide range of other assets, including real estate, private equity, private lending options like mortgages, and even precious metals.

Unlike most other providers, Broad Financial gives you the ability to conduct transactions using a checkbook linked to your IRA or Roth IRA account. If the freedom to make your own choices under a Bitcoin IRA is important to your investment planning, Broad Financial is the optimal provider out of the main options available on the market.

The company doesn't charge transaction fees for its IRA or Roth IRA accounts. However, a $1,195 initial account setup fee and a $420 annual maintenance fee are involved.

The ultimate choice for your preferred Bitcoin IRA or Roth IRA will depend upon what features and characteristics you value most in a retirement product. If you’re a beginner making initial steps in the world of Bitcoin and retirement investment, we suggest iTrustCapital’s user-friendly platform that features a simple, straightforward fee structure, no hidden charges, and a modest initial investment of just $1,000.

If safeguarding your investment is your top priority, BitIRA’s comprehensive protection mechanism is for you. On the other hand, for those interested in the lowest fees possible, it’s hard to ignore BlockMint’s 0.5% transaction fee with no other charges involved.

If an optimal investor experience and diverse choices are your priorities, the Equity Trust platform is worth considering, while for investors who prioritize freedom in directing their investments and appreciate the convenience of a checkbook option, Broad Financial is the top pick.

Finally, Bitcoin IRA is a great choice for those without a specific preference who seek a well-rounded product with balanced features across all categories.

Bitcoin IRAs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bitcoin IRAs are a form of self-directed IRA retirement account that allows you to invest in either Bitcoin or a mix of Bitcoin and other assets. Depending upon the rules applicable to the account, you might be able to hold only Bitcoin, or a combination of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies under your IRA. Moreover, some providers allow you to mix different classes of alternative investments under the same IRA or Roth IRA. Using these products, you can combine Bitcoin investments with other asset types like real estate, private equity, precious metals and more.

IRA accounts, including Bitcoin IRAs, allow you to make tax-deductible contributions to the limit of $7,000 per year if you’re under 50 years old, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. When you reach the age of 59½, you can withdraw from your IRA account without any restrictions. Any withdrawals you make are taxable.

Roth IRAs work differently from standard IRAs. Contributions to Roth IRA accounts, including Bitcoin Roth IRAs, aren't tax-deductible, but withdrawals from these accounts in retirement are tax-free.

Bitcoin IRAs offer several advantages over IRAs made up of traditional asset classes like stocks, bonds or mutual funds. You might consider opening a Bitcoin IRA, based on the following factors.

1. A Bitcoin IRA might generate a higher rate of return than a traditional IRA. While Bitcoin is known for its volatility, it's also an asset with considerably 

 than the stock market or other traditional investment options. The chart below shows the growth rates for Bitcoin and the Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF (VOO), a leading fund product that closely tracks the stock market's primary index, the S&P 500. Growth rates shown are for the last five years. The results clearly indicate that in four out of the five years, Bitcoin has beaten the stock market in terms of returns, typically by a wide margin.

2. A Bitcoin IRA can be an excellent way to diversify your retirement portfolio. Many individuals have an overreliance on stocks, mutual funds and ETFs in their portfolios. Diversifying such portfolios with Bitcoin can be a great way to protect against stock market shocks, as Bitcoin is typically uncorrelated or weakly correlated with traditional financial asset classes. That being said, with the recent SEC approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in early January 2023, 

 can be another great alternative to invest in.

3. Using a Bitcoin Roth IRA can help you avoid capital gains taxes. If you sell Bitcoin and realize a gain, you’re normally liable to pay the capital gains tax. However, since any investment in a Roth IRA is made with after-tax dollars, your capital gain, in this case, is free from taxes.

Yes. Bitcoin IRAs are a totally legitimate product for retirement investment. While most IRA and Roth IRA providers on the market focus on traditional asset classes, some companies, including those we’ve included in our review above, offer Bitcoin-based IRA and Roth IRA accounts.

Any Bitcoin or crypto IRA or Roth IRA on the market falls under the definition of a self-directed account. Only some providers specialize in self-directed IRA products. The choice among these providers is much more limited as compared to that for traditional IRA companies. When evaluating a Bitcoin IRA provider, make sure that they’re authorized to offer self-directed investment options.

It’s safe to invest in a Bitcoin IRA If you choose a reputable provider with a solid track record on the market. Additionally, it's crucial to thoroughly research the practices and standards the provider uses to store your Bitcoin funds. Make sure that the company you choose employs high-grade cryptographic protection methods and utilizes safe cold storage options. Insurance limits and terms are also among the critical bits of information to become acquainted with.

What Is the Minimum Deposit for a Bitcoin IRA?

Minimum deposit amounts vary among different Bitcoin IRA providers. Typically, initial amounts at reputable providers range from about $1,000 to several thousand dollars. While some smaller providers may offer very low minimum deposits, perhaps as low as $10 to $50, some of these companies might have additional fees to offset the meager initial deposit amounts. Therefore, it's imperative that you study the complete fee schedule when selecting a Bitcoin IRA product. Low deposit requirements should be only one element in the overall selection process.

The fundamental taxation principles applicable to Bitcoin IRAs and Roth IRAs are similar to their traditional counterparts. Bitcoin IRAs can be funded with tax-deductible dollars, but your withdrawals will be taxed. In contrast, Bitcoin Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars, making its withdrawals tax-free.

Bitcoin Roth IRAs can be a great investment vehicle to avoid the capital gains tax applicable to the sale of cryptocurrency. The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has traditionally applied the 

 to any Bitcoin sale from which a gain is realized. However, any such sale under a Roth IRA account would be free from capital gains taxation, because Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars. This specific benefit doesn’t apply to standard Bitcoin IRAs, as these accounts’ contributions are based on pre-tax funds.

Best Bitcoin IRA Companies to Consider in 2024

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Best Bitcoin IRA Companies to Consider in 2024

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