Explore cryptocurrency investing at Schwab.

Get crypto exposure through a variety of crypto-related investments with no account minimum—all from a brand you know.

Schwab Crypto™ is coming soon.

Sign up now for updates and an opportunity to gain early access to the Schwab Crypto account, offered by Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB—your new gateway to buy and sell Bitcoin and Ethereum cryptocurrencies.*

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How to invest in cryptocurrency at Schwab now.

We have a range of investment choices for getting exposure to cryptocurrency with a Schwab brokerage account.

Access ETPs that invest directly in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.

Choose from a number of exchange-traded products (ETPs) Tooltip that invest directly in a variety of cryptocurrencies, providing exposure to the price movement of those assets—no crypto wallet required.

Log in to explore all crypto-invested ETPs in the "digital assets" category in Fund Finder

Explore crypto-related stocks and ETPs.

Access stocks of companies that operate in the cryptocurrency and digital assets ecosystem, plus exchange-traded products and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to crypto futures contracts and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole.

Examples include Coinbase (COIN), MicroStrategy (MSTR), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE).

Log in to explore crypto-related products in the "digital assets" category in Fund Finder

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Other ways to invest in cryptocurrency.

  • Schwab Investing Themes® allows you to explore 40+ stock themes—including Blockchain, AI, and Big Data. Starting at a $250 minimum investment and a $250 trade/trading minimum.
  • Crypto futures (including Bitcoin futures and micro Bitcoin futures) for clients using a futures account through Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC.1
  • Mutual funds that invest in the broader digital asset ecosystem or cryptocurrency futures contracts.
  • Cryptocurrency coin trusts that invest directly in underlying cryptocurrencies and trade over the counter (OTC).
  • Listed options in crypto-related securities (including options on spot Bitcoin ETPs).

Ready to get started?

Access crypto-related investments in the same place you manage the rest of your portfolio—all from a brand trusted by millions and recognized among the best online brokers.2

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Build your crypto knowledge.

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital asset that uses cryptography and blockchain technology to record and verify transactions. These transactions often take place on networks that are decentralized or perceived as operating without a central authority, which has contributed to growing interest in the space. Two of the most widely recognized cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin and Ether, which is the native asset of the Ethereum network.

Read our article "What is Cryptocurrency and How Does It Work?"

Upbeat music plays throughout.

Narrator: Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ethereum, and litecoin are digital currencies that can be used for internet-based electronic payments or as a store of value that is independent of a bank or credit card company.

These cryptocurrencies, sometimes called coins, use blockchain technology—which is designed to make transactions of all kinds secure, transparent, and accurate.

A blockchain is a record of digital transactions that acts as a public ledger. The ledger is maintained by a global computer network that verifies transactions by solving complicated cryptographic math problems.

It works like this: When an individual makes a transaction, a message describing the transaction is sent over the network. Then the network participants race to guess a code that opens a data container called a "block," where transactions are stored. Once the code is solved, the block is added to the chain, and a subset of pending transactions are permanently recorded in the public ledger.

This process of maintaining the blockchain is often called mining because those who pledge their computing power to the network and successfully solve new blocks receive cryptocurrency as a reward.

The mining process is one way an individual can acquire cryptocurrency or coins. Individuals can also acquire coins when they accept them as payment or buy them from a digital exchange. Some investors see cryptocurrencies as a speculation opportunity. Others believe they can help balance risk by adding diversification to a typical portfolio.

However, investing in cryptocurrencies has many risks.

The price of cryptocurrencies can be extremely volatile and change by hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a single day. Cryptocurrency exchanges can be hacked, passwords and private keys can be lost or stolen, and transactions are irreversible. Additionally, cryptocurrencies are not stored in traditional banks and lack the regulatory protections of other types of investments.

Investors who are comfortable with the risks can buy and sell cryptocurrencies on cryptocurrency exchanges. There are also ways to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without actually owning them.

For example, investors can buy stock in companies associated with cryptocurrencies or blockchain technology, such as those that create hardware used for mining. Investors can also purchase trusts or funds that provide direct or indirect cryptocurrency exposure, and qualified clients can trade bitcoin futures.

These types of investments allow investors to speculate on the direction of cryptocurrency prices but still have unique and significant risks to consider.

No matter how you choose to participate in the cryptocurrency market, remember that as with any asset, it's important to determine your risk tolerance, conduct thorough research, and monitor your positions carefully.

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Video Transcript

Investing Basics: Cryptocurrency

Upbeat music plays throughout.

Narrator: Cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ethereum, and litecoin are digital currencies that can be used for internet-based electronic payments or as a store of value that is independent of a bank or credit card company.

These cryptocurrencies, sometimes called coins, use blockchain technology—which is designed to make transactions of all kinds secure, transparent, and accurate.

A blockchain is a record of digital transactions that acts as a public ledger. The ledger is maintained by a global computer network that verifies transactions by solving complicated cryptographic math problems.

It works like this: When an individual makes a transaction, a message describing the transaction is sent over the network. Then the network participants race to guess a code that opens a data container called a "block," where transactions are stored. Once the code is solved, the block is added to the chain, and a subset of pending transactions are permanently recorded in the public ledger.

This process of maintaining the blockchain is often called mining because those who pledge their computing power to the network and successfully solve new blocks receive cryptocurrency as a reward.

The mining process is one way an individual can acquire cryptocurrency or coins. Individuals can also acquire coins when they accept them as payment or buy them from a digital exchange. Some investors see cryptocurrencies as a speculation opportunity. Others believe they can help balance risk by adding diversification to a typical portfolio.

However, investing in cryptocurrencies has many risks.

The price of cryptocurrencies can be extremely volatile and change by hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a single day. Cryptocurrency exchanges can be hacked, passwords and private keys can be lost or stolen, and transactions are irreversible. Additionally, cryptocurrencies are not stored in traditional banks and lack the regulatory protections of other types of investments.

Investors who are comfortable with the risks can buy and sell cryptocurrencies on cryptocurrency exchanges. There are also ways to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without actually owning them.

For example, investors can buy stock in companies associated with cryptocurrencies or blockchain technology, such as those that create hardware used for mining. Investors can also purchase trusts or funds that provide direct or indirect cryptocurrency exposure, and qualified clients can trade bitcoin futures.

These types of investments allow investors to speculate on the direction of cryptocurrency prices but still have unique and significant risks to consider.

No matter how you choose to participate in the cryptocurrency market, remember that as with any asset, it's important to determine your risk tolerance, conduct thorough research, and monitor your positions carefully.

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Cryptocurrency FAQs

While you'll soon be able to apply to open a Schwab Crypto account, offered by Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, you cannot currently buy and sell individual cryptocurrencies through a Schwab brokerage account.

Sign up to receive updates about Schwab Crypto, including when you can apply to open a Schwab Crypto account, which will require having a Schwab brokerage account.

In the meantime, you can get exposure to cryptocurrencies in multiple ways at Schwab: ETPs that invest in a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, Solana, Bitcoin, and Ethereum; ETFs and mutual funds that invest in crypto futures or the broader cryptocurrency or digital asset ecosystem; individual equities with exposure to cryptocurrencies or the broader digital asset ecosystem; OTC trusts; and a variety of cryptocurrency futures (for approved accounts).

Cryptocurrency, often called crypto for short, is a type of digital currency used on systems that use cryptography to secure transactions and verify transfers on a decentralized network, typically a blockchain. Unlike traditional government-issued currencies, cryptocurrencies operate without a central authority.

All cryptocurrencies are digital, but not all digital currencies are cryptocurrencies. Digital currency refers broadly to money that exists electronically. Virtual currency is a subset of digital currency, often used within a specific environment. Cryptocurrency is a form of virtual currency designed for peer-to-peer exchange, with Bitcoin and Ethereum being two well-known examples.

Keep in mind that cryptocurrencies can be used outside traditional payment and banking systems and are not generally subject to government controls for currencies regarding value, stability, backing, or other features.

Cryptocurrency has drawn interest from those attracted to innovation and the perception of limited government oversight. Some traders viewed it as an alternative to traditional assets like stocks or bonds, and trading momentum fueled volatile price increases. Media coverage expanded awareness, and adoption grew. Today, major companies like Microsoft, PayPal, and Overstock accept Bitcoin as payment.

The decentralized nature of cryptocurrency appeals to many investors. Others may be attracted to the volatility and potential for price appreciation that may outpace those of stocks. Please note, cryptocurrencies carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors.

Cryptocurrencies are speculative and highly volatile. Their prices, along with those of indirect investments tied to crypto, can swing significantly based on supply and demand rather than inherent value. Unlike traditional assets, cryptocurrencies do not fit into standard allocation models and are not comparable to commodities like gold or currencies backed by governments.

Bitcoin, for example, has no earnings, revenues, or conventional valuation metrics such as price-to-earnings or book value. As a result, we do not endorse any method for determining its intrinsic value beyond current market price.

Investors should understand that crypto investments could lose their entire value. If you are not comfortable with extreme risk and sharp market swings, this may not be an appropriate asset class.

Beyond price volatility, cryptocurrencies carry additional risks. They lack regulatory infrastructure and protections, unlike FDIC insurance for bank deposits. Investors are fully responsible for securing any crypto holdings. As the SEC notes, crypto markets offer "substantially less investor protection than traditional securities markets and may be more vulnerable to fraud and manipulation."

At this time, Schwab does not accept cryptocurrency deposits, nor do we accept or disburse cryptocurrencies for settlement of securities or futures transactions.

ETPs available at Schwab provide exposure to cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrency futures contracts, and companies that are focused on servicing the cryptocurrency market and digital assets.

Schwab Asset Management® also offers the Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF that provides global exposure to companies that may benefit from the development or utilization of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, and the business activities connected to the blockchain and other distributed ledger technology. This ETF does not invest directly in any cryptocurrency or digital assets.

These ETPs, as well as cryptocurrency or digital asset-related ETPs that the SEC may approve in the future, can be found in the Morningstar® category "Digital Assets" using Schwab's Fund Finder tool.

Yes, a futures account through Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC is required to trade bitcoin futures contracts, and certain requirements must be met to trade futures. Learn how to get started with futures here.

The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency. Transactions in cryptocurrency markets are thus considered taxable by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whenever a taxable event occurs, such as selling cryptocurrency for a fiat currency (i.e., U.S. dollars, Euros, etc.) or when traded for another asset. Investors are responsible for tracking cost basis, gains, and other reporting. If you have questions or concerns about the potential tax implications of transacting in cryptocurrencies, you should refer to this IRS publication or consult with a tax advisor.

Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. It is a separate but affiliated company of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC).

Blockchain is the decentralized technology behind cryptocurrencies. It functions as a public, verifiable record of transactions designed to be permanent and tamper-resistant. While closely linked to crypto, blockchain has broader potential applications, including smart contracts, supply chain tracking, and financial services. Owning cryptocurrency does not equate to investing in blockchain or its future use cases.

Schwab clients can log in to chat with our specialists on the platform of their choice.

On thinkorswim®, users can chat Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

For Schwab.com and Schwab Mobile users, support is available via chat, phone, or email 24/7, 365.

For questions regarding direct cryptocurrency investing, contact our dedicated line at 866-295-0914. For all other cryptocurrency investing questions (crypto ETPs, crypto futures, crypto-related securities, and more), call 800-435-4000.

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1. By signing up for Schwab Crypto updates, you’re opting in to receive Schwab marketing emails along with information and notifications about the Schwab Crypto account, including when you can apply to open an account-subject to review and approval.

Not all applicants will be eligible and receiving a notification is not an indication of eligibility.

Timing for the ability to apply for a Schwab Crypto account is subject to availability and the discretion of Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB.

Schwab Crypto™ accounts will be available (i) in all U.S. states except for New York and Louisiana (ii), and are not available in any U.S. territories or in any international jurisdictions. Accounts may be restricted or closed if you move to an unsupported jurisdiction. Not all clients will qualify.

By joining the interest list, you will be subscribed to receive updates related to crypto at Schwab, and other
educational or promotional content. Crypto is highly volatile, can become illiquid at any time, and is for investors
with a high-risk tolerance. Investors could lose the entire value of their investments.