Fidelity Investments, a financial services giant managing nearly $9.9 trillion in assets, is expanding its cryptocurrency offerings with commission-free trading for retail investors. This move positions Fidelity alongside platforms like Robinhood and Coinbase in the competitive crypto brokerage space.
Key Features of Fidelity's New Crypto Service
Through its subsidiary Fidelity Digital Assets, the company will launch:
- Zero-commission trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH)
- Availability across 35 U.S. states initially
- 1% spread fee (while eliminating traditional trading commissions)
- Mobile-first access through the Fidelity Crypto platform
👉 Discover how Fidelity compares to other crypto platforms
Eligibility and Waitlist Details
Prospective users can currently:
- Join the waitlist via Fidelity's dedicated crypto portal
Receive access based on:
- Registration timing
- State eligibility
- Mobile device compatibility
The company hasn't specified exact rollout timelines but emphasizes gradual onboarding to ensure smooth operations.
Fidelity's Crypto Journey: From Institutional to Retail
Fidelity's cryptocurrency involvement spans nearly a decade:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2014 | First Bitcoin mining experiments |
| 2018 | Announced cryptocurrency custody plans |
| 2019 | Launched institutional crypto custody |
| 2021 | Found 80% institutional demand for crypto |
| 2022 | Added Bitcoin to 401(k) plans |
The firm has consistently demonstrated commitment to digital assets, initially focusing on institutional clients before expanding to retail offerings.
Regulatory Landscape and Market Position
While U.S. regulators haven't approved spot Bitcoin ETFs, Fidelity operates successfully in Canada with:
- A Bitcoin ETF seeing $1.9M first-day trading volume
- Established infrastructure through Fidelity Digital Assets
- Compliance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions
Comparing Crypto Brokerage Options
| Feature | Fidelity | Robinhood | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission | 0% | 0% | Variable |
| Spread Fee | 1% | Variable | Variable |
| Assets | BTC, ETH | Multiple | Extensive |
| Institutional Options | Yes | Limited | Yes |
👉 See how top crypto platforms stack up
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which states qualify for Fidelity's crypto service?
A: The initial rollout covers 35 states, with specifics available in Fidelity's FAQ section during signup.
Q: How does Fidelity's 1% spread compare to competitors?
A: While eliminating commissions, the spread aligns with industry standards for no-fee trading models.
Q: Will Fidelity add more cryptocurrencies?
A: The launch focuses on BTC and ETH, but expansion plans haven't been officially disclosed.
Q: Is Fidelity's platform suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the service targets retail investors with simplified access through mobile devices.
Q: How secure is Fidelity's crypto offering?
A: Leveraging institutional-grade security from Fidelity Digital Assets' custody solutions.
The Future of Crypto at Fidelity
This retail expansion signals Fidelity's confidence in cryptocurrency's mainstream adoption. By combining:
- Established financial credibility
- Institutional crypto experience
- Retail-friendly pricing
the firm positions itself uniquely in the evolving digital asset landscape.
As regulations evolve and market demand grows, Fidelity's infrastructure may support additional crypto services beyond current BTC and ETH offerings. Their measured rollout suggests focus on sustainable expansion rather than rushed market capture.