If you’re new to the cryptocurrency world, a lot of things can be confusing. For example, how do you go about buying your first Bitcoin? Is there a right or wrong way to invest in crypto?
These are all valid questions and ones you should find answers to before you get into cryptocurrency investing.
That said, if you’re looking for an online cryptocurrency investment method that would work best for you as a beginner, you might want to go with a crypto IRA or Bitcoin IRA.
To see if this method is suitable for you, here’s our comprehensive Bitcoin IRA review.
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What is a Bitcoin IRA?
A Bitcoin IRA is a type of self-directed individual retirement account or SDIRA that you can use to buy, hold and trade crypto assets like Bitcoin. SDIRAs are variations of Roth or traditional IRAs that are meant for investing in alternative assets such as real estate and precious metals.
How does a Bitcoin IRA Work?
Essentially, a Bitcoin IRA works much like a regular IRA, except that your money goes into investing in cryptocurrency. Bitcoin IRAs are also usually administered by a custodian or trustee, who ensures that your account conforms to IRS regulations. However, most of the management part is done by the account holder.
Investing in crypto using a Bitcoin IRA generally follows these basic steps:
- Setting up an account with a Bitcoin IRA provider or custodian
- Funding your account through your bank account
- Buying your crypto coins from a cryptocurrency exchange
Most Bitcoin IRAs will provide you with a wallet to store your cryptocurrency safely. So, setting up one isn’t usually necessary.
Pros of a Bitcoin IRA
So, what are the advantages of using a Bitcoin IRA instead of other methods of investing in crypto?
Diversifying Your Investments
For one, it’s an excellent way of diversifying your retirement portfolio. Primary investments such as stocks, bonds, and funds are subject to market fluctuations. But including cryptocurrency can help add some stability to your nest egg.
Attractive Tax Benefits
Bitcoin IRAs offer a great option if you want to save on taxes and the headache of figuring out how much you owe the government for every trade you make. Like a Roth IRA, you only pay your taxes when you want to withdraw your gains.
Potential for High Returns
Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile. But the potential to make incredible returns is also high. Investing in Bitcoin or any other crypto through a long-term account such as a Bitcoin IRA can help you capitalize on these gains over time.
What are the Cons of a Bitcoin IRA?
Like all other things out there, Bitcoin IRAs have their limitations too. Some of these include:
- Most Bitcoin IRAs come with account setup and management fees.
- Bitcoin IRAs involve a bit of DIY, which means more work on your part which can prove to be a bit complex if you don’t have the technical know-how.
Bitcoin IRA Review Verdict: Should You Buy Crypto in a Bitcoin IRA
As you can see, the advantages outweigh the limitations so it would only make good financial sense, and cents to invest in crypto through a Bitcoin IRA? Also, providers are making it easier for people to set up Bitcoin IRAs by offering wallets and even collaborating with popular exchanges. This leaves you with no excuse if you don’t want to have sad regrets later on.