With cryptocurrency gaining broader acceptance across the globe, there's no stopping this behemoth from spawning more crypto-friendly banks. And, after years of avoidance, crypto-friendly banks are becoming common in the United States.
According to Slickcharts, the overall market capitalization of cryptocurrencies currently sits at 1.1 trillion.
As the worlds of cryptocurrency and traditional banking merge, crypto-friendly banks offer customers a variety of financial services that allow customers to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency while offering conventional banking and investing products.
5 Best Crypto-Friendly Banks in the US
1. SoFi Bank – Best for no-fee Crypto purchases
With the development of a legal framework and a clear taxation system, cryptocurrencies could be seamlessly integrated into the everyday lives of U.S. consumers.
SoFi is a crypto-friendly bank. The SoFi Invest account can be opened with as little as $50. Members can immediately start investing in cryptocurrencies alongside stocks, fractional shares, and ETFs. Plus, with fractional trades, members can buy crypto and shares in top companies like Tesla for as little as $5 and pay no commissions—so the money you invest is 100% invested.
How SoFi Stacks Up
- SoFi offers 30 crypto coins including Bitcoin that can be purchased with as little as $5 as a fractional investment.
- Members have the option to set a recurring purchase for the cryptocurrency of their choice with each paycheck for no purchase fee, investing either by dollar amount or percentage of your deposit, into one of 30 cryptocurrencies.
- If you set up direct deposit from an employer (including pension plans) or other government entity (like Social Security), you can invest part of every direct deposit into cryptocurrency with zero fees, plus get your paycheck up to two days early.
- SoFi members can access an online educational center to explain the ins and outs of cryptocurrency to investors.
- Invest in stocks and ETFs, trade crypto, or start automated investing all in one app.
- Invest in stocks and ETFs, trade crypto, or start automated investing all in one app.
- Trade 30 cryptocurrencies 24/7 on SoFi’s platform.
- Increase your buying power with margin—at just 2.5%.
Other SoFi Products and Services
Products
- Checking and Savings Accounts up to 2.00% APY
- Credit cards
- Personal, Home & Student Loans
- Student and Auto Loan Refinancing
Services
- Financial planning
- Business solutions
- Insurance planning
- Estate planning
2. Quontic Bank – Best for earning free Bitcoin
Quontic is a digital bank based in New York. The Bitcoin Rewards Checking account offers customers get 1.5% Bitcoin on all eligible debit card purchases. Earn BTC passively by swiping your debit card.
You get to earn free crypto while enjoying all the features of a traditional bank account, including mobile check deposits, online bill pay, and electronic transfers.
Bitcoin Rewards Checking account
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- The opening minimum is $500.
- There is no minimum daily balance requirement.
- Get free access to over 90,000 ATMs.
- Your Bitcoin rewards will never expire as long as you keep the account open.
- The checking account and the money in your checking account are FDIC insured2, but the bitcoin held by NYDIG, is not FDIC insured.
3. Acorns – Best for Banking and Bitcoin ETF
Acorns is a fintech company that offers banking and investment services. With Acorns, you get personal checking, investment, and retirement accounts all in one app. People can start investing by simply saving spare change. Acorns lets you round up your purchases on your linked Acorns metal debit card, then sweeps the change into a computer-managed investment portfolio.
An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a type of pooled investment security that tracks a particular index, sector, commodity, or another asset.
ETFs can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange the same way that a regular stock can. A Bitcoin-linked ETF offers exposure to Bitcoin by investing in their potential value, without requiring that you own the cryptocurrency itself. Customers can invest up to 5% of their Acorns Invest portfolio in a Bitcoin-linked ETF. Exposure to Bitcoin can help further diversify your Acorns portfolio for the long-term.
Acorns Banking Features
- Instantly invest spare change with every purchase you make.
- Save from no hidden fees and over 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
- Earn bonus investments as you shop or refer friends.
- Automatically aside money from each paycheck into investing, retirement, and checking accounts.
- All-digital banking, with direct deposit, mobile check deposit, check sending, and more.
Acorns Invest Features
- Invest spare change in a diversified portfolio.
- Easy, automated way to invest for retirement.
- All-digital banking with a debit card that saves & invests for you.
- Earn bonus investments as you shop and refer friends.
- Smart money tips and tricks.
4. Bitcoin IRA – Best for Cryptocurrency Retirement Investing
Bitcoin IRA is a cryptocurrency Individual Retirement Account (IRA) platform where you can invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more inside your retirement account. Bitcoin IRA is considered a self-directed IRA.
When you open a regular IRA, traditional or Roth, your investment options might include stocks, mutual funds, index funds, exchange-traded funds and bonds. A self-directed IRA, on the other hand, allows you to choose from a broader range of investments like cryptocurrency. All IRAs allow for tax-advantaged savings.
Bitcoin IRA Features
- Buy & Sell Crypto 24/7
- Over 60+ Cryptocurrencies
- Up to $700M Custody Insurance
- Available for IRA Rollovers, Roth, SEP, Employer Plan 401(k)s, and New or Existing Traditional IRAs
- Tax-Advantaged Investing Options
5. Upgrade – Best for unlimited 1.5% back in Bitcoin
Get rewarded with unlimited 1.5% Bitcoin back when you make payments. Watch your Bitcoin balance grow over time, or sell it and redeem the proceeds for statement credit. Plus, when you open the Upgrade Rewards Checking account you'll get a $200 bonus after making 3 debit card transactions.
The Upgrade Rewards checking account features No ATM fee, no account fee, no monthly or annual fee, no transfer fee, no overdraft fee. Get 2% cash back on common everyday expenses and recurring payments and unlimited 1% cash back on every other debit card charge.
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card Features
- $200 bonus when you open a Rewards Checking account and make 3 debit card transactions.
- No Fees.
- Credit Lines opened through Upgrade feature APRs of 8.99% – 29.99% and line amounts ranging $500 – $50,000.
- Use wherever Visa is accepted with safe and fast contactless card technology.
Are Crypto-Friendly Banks Regulated
Cryptocurrency is not legal tender and is not backed by the U.S. government. However, A bipartisan pair of U.S. senators recently unveiled a bill that would establish new rules for Cryptocurrency. The bill would grant oversight authority to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The senators said the bill is aimed at providing certainty and clarity to crypto markets, alongside consumer protections.
For now, it makes sense to keep track of the cryptocurrency regulations as it is not subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protections.
