Skip to content

The Ultimate Bitcoin ETF List for Diversified Portfolios

Key Sections

Planning for retirement is a top priority for any savvy investor. But with traditional options offering stagnant returns, where can you turn for growth potential? Bitcoin, a revolutionary digital asset, has a history of significant price appreciation. The good news is new investment vehicles make incorporating cryptocurrencies into your retirement plan easier and more secure than ever before. 

This article dives into the world of Bitcoin and explores the pros and cons of Bitcoin ETFs compared to Crypto IRAs. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the strategy that best aligns with your vision for a secure and potentially high-growth retirement. 

Understanding the Two Main Types of Bitcoin ETFs 

While the recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs grabbed headlines, another type has existed for some time. Let’s delve into the two main categories: 

  • Spot Bitcoin ETFs: These ETFs hold actual Bitcoin in their reserves, mirroring Bitcoin’s price movements.  
    • Benefits: 
      • You have more direct exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements. 
      • Potentially Lower Tracking Error 
    • Drawbacks: 
      • Potentially Higher Expense Ratios  
  • Bitcoin Futures ETFs: These ETFs don’t hold actual Bitcoin. Instead, they use financial instruments called futures contracts to imitate Bitcoin’s price movements. Think of it as an agreement to exchange the difference between today’s Bitcoin price and its price on a predetermined future date. 
    • Benefits: 
      • Potentially Lower Expense Ratios 
    • Drawbacks: 
      • Tracking Errors and Basis Risk 
      • Imperfect Short-Term Tracking 
Spot Bitcoin ETF List 

This table provides a one-stop shop for comparing the key features of some of the Spot Bitcoin ETFs currently available in the market (as of June 12, 2024): 

ETF Ticker ETF Name Fee AUM Price

GBTC 

Grayscale Bitcoin Trust 

1.50% 

$24.33B 

$59.95 

IBIT 

Blackrock iShares Bitcoin Trust 

0.12% 

$17.24B 

$38.45 

FBTC 

Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund 

0% 

$9.90B 

$59.00 

ARKB

ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF 

0.21% 

$2.85B 

$67.50 

BITB 

Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust 

0.20% 

$2.16B 

$36.78 

HODL 

VanEck Bitcoin Trust 

0.25% 

$529.70M 

$76.31 

BRRR 

Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund 

0.25% 

$501.80M 

$19.14 

BTCO 

Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF 

0.25% 

$383.40M 

-

EZBC 

Franklin Bitcoin ETF 

0.19% 

$312.00M 

$39.15 

BTCW 

WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund 

0% 

$79.70M 

$71.55 

Sources: Blockworks.com, etfdb.com and www.invesco.com

 

Investing in Bitcoin Directly vs Investing in a Bitcoin ETF 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of investing in Bitcoin directly versus a Bitcoin ETF: 

Direct Bitcoin Investment 

Benefits: 

  • Potentially Higher Returns: You own the actual Bitcoin, so you benefit from any significant price appreciation. 
  • Control & Flexibility: You have complete control over your Bitcoin, allowing you to transfer or sell it directly. 

Drawbacks: 

  • Transaction fees for buying and selling Bitcoin.  
Bitcoin ETF Investment 

Benefits: 

  • No need to manage private keys. 
  • Bitcoin ETFs are recently regulated.  

Drawbacks:  

  • Indirect Exposure: You don’t own actual Bitcoin, so your return is limited to the ETF’s performance, which might not perfectly track Bitcoin’s price. 
  • Less Control: You can’t directly transfer or spend your Bitcoin holdings within the ETF. You’d need to sell your ETF shares to access the cash equivalent. 
  • Limited trading hours: Unlike the 24/7 nature of the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin ETFs are restricted to trading during stock market hours. This can limit your ability to capitalize on price fluctuations outside those hours.  
Crypto IRAs vs. Bitcoin ETFs 

While Bitcoin ETFs provide a familiar way to gain exposure to Bitcoin, some investors value the increased control and potential for amplified returns offered by Crypto IRAs:  

  • Crypto IRAs: Crypto IRAs offer a distinct advantage: direct ownership of your Bitcoin. You hold the actual cryptocurrency within your IRA, allowing for direct management and the potential to benefit fully from significant price appreciation.  But the benefits go beyond just control. Crypto IRAs often come with tax advantages, allowing for tax-deferred or even tax-free growth depending on the IRA type. Perhaps the most compelling feature is the ability to take physical possession of your Bitcoin upon retirement (in-kind distribution). This provides maximum control over your investment. Some Crypto IRA providers, like BitcoinIRA¹, offer additional features. These can include:  
    • 24/7 Trading: Unlike Bitcoin ETFs, you can trade your cryptocurrency around the clock, aligning with the global nature of the crypto market. 
    • Diversification: Expand your retirement portfolio beyond Bitcoin. Many Crypto IRAs allow you to invest in other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, and more. 
  • Bitcoin ETFs: Bitcoin ETFs offer a familiar way to invest in Bitcoin. You can buy and sell them through your existing brokerage account. However, it’s important to remember that with Bitcoin ETFs, you don’t directly own the Bitcoin itself. Instead, you own shares in an ETF that tracks its price (indirect exposure). This can introduce tracking errors and potential capital gains taxes. Additionally, you have limited control over your Bitcoin holdings within the ETF. You can’t transfer them directly or spend them, and you’d need to sell your ETF shares to access the cash equivalent. Finally, trading is restricted to stock market hours, unlike the 24/7 nature of the cryptocurrency market.  
The Choice is Yours 

Spot Bitcoin ETFs offer a familiar entry point for investors seeking exposure to Bitcoin. However, they come with indirect ownership and limited control. Crypto IRAs, on the other hand, cater to those seeking direct ownership, potential tax advantages, and the ability to take physical possession of their Bitcoin.  These features can be attractive for long-term investors. 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your investment goals and your long-term financial objectives. 

Ready to Invest in Bitcoin Directly? 

If you prefer potentially higher returns of a Crypto IRA, BitcoinIRA offers a secure and user-friendly platform to invest in Bitcoin for your retirement. If you’re interested in a secure, tax-advantaged way to invest in Bitcoin, consider opening an account with BitcoinIRA. 

Open a Bitcoin IRA with BitcoinIRA today and start securing your financial future! Here’s how:   

Diversify your retirement portfolio with the most trusted Crypto IRA platform.   

 

  1. Bitcoin IRA is a platform that connects consumers to qualified custodians, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The company is not a custodian, is not a digital wallet and is not an exchange. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to consult an adviser or professional to determine whether Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you.
Found it interesting? Share the article to socials
  1. Bitcoin IRA is a platform that connects consumers to qualified custodians, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The company is not a custodian, is not a digital wallet and is not an exchange. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to consult an adviser or professional to determine whether Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you.

  2. Security, storage, wallet providers, and insurance may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available.
Take control of your retirement today

Trust America’s #1 Bitcoin IRA and invest in your future with revolutionary digital assets. Open an account and self-trade 24/7.