ETRADE Crypto: Buying Alternatives and Risks
LAST UPDATED: March 22, 2023 | By Conrad Golly
With the rise of cryptocurrencies, many investors are looking for ways to gain exposure to this new asset class. E*TRADE, one of the largest online brokers in the United States, offers several investment options for those interested in crypto. However, the question remains: does E*TRADE offer cryptocurrencies?
ETRADE Crypto: The answer is both yes and no. E*TRADE does not offer direct access to the cryptocurrency markets, meaning you cannot buy or sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum on the platform. However, the company does offer indirect exposure to popular cryptocurrencies through securities and futures. Investors can also gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through crypto-focused stocks, ETFs, and coin trusts.
While E*TRADE may be a good way for some investors to gain exposure to crypto, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Investing in cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile and speculative, and the regulatory environment is still developing. Before investing in any crypto-related investment, it’s important to do your own research and understand the risks involved.
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Does ETRADE offer Cryptocurrencies?

While ETRADE does not offer direct access to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, it does provide ways to gain indirect exposure to these popular digital assets. Investors can invest in stocks, ETFs, and futures that have some connection to digital assets.
ETRADE offers four key alternatives for investors looking to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies:
- Crypto stocks: Investors can invest in stocks of companies that are involved in the crypto industry, such as mining companies, that have some connection to digital assets.
- ETFs: ETRADE offers ETFs that track the prices of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. These ETFs provide a way to invest in cryptocurrencies without having to buy and store the digital assets themselves.
- Coin trusts: ETRADE also offers coin trusts that track the prices of cryptocurrencies. These trusts are similar to ETFs but are structured differently.
- Futures: Investors can also gain exposure to cryptocurrencies through futures contracts, which allow them to speculate on the future price of digital assets.
It’s important to note that investing in crypto equities can be risky, as the prices of these assets can be highly volatile. Additionally, regulatory issues and security concerns can also impact the value of these investments. Therefore, investors should carefully consider the risks and do their due diligence before investing in crypto equities.
Overall, while ETRADE does not offer direct access to cryptocurrencies, it does provide several alternatives for investors looking to gain exposure to digital assets. However, investors should carefully consider the risks and do their due diligence before investing in crypto equities.
Is ETRADE a Good Way to Invest in Crypto?
ETRADE offers indirect exposure to popular cryptocurrencies via securities and futures. This means that customers can buy and sell crypto stocks, ETFs, and coin trusts through brokerage accounts and IRAs. However, ETRADE does not offer direct access to the cryptocurrency markets.
While ETRADE can be a convenient way to invest in crypto, it may not be the best option for those who want direct access to cryptocurrencies. Investors who want to buy and hold actual cryptocurrencies may want to consider using a cryptocurrency exchange instead.
Furthermore, investing in crypto equities can be risky. The value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, and the performance of crypto stocks, ETFs, and coin trusts can be affected by factors outside of the cryptocurrency market. As with any investment, it is important to do your own research and understand the risks before investing in crypto equities.
Overall, ETRADE can be a good option for investors who want indirect exposure to cryptocurrencies through securities and futures. However, it may not be the best option for those who want direct access to cryptocurrencies, and investors should be aware of the risks associated with investing in crypto equities.
How to Buy Crypto with an ETRADE Alternative
If you’re interested in buying cryptocurrencies but ETRADE doesn’t offer the options you’re looking for, there are alternative platforms you can use. One such platform is Uphold, which is licensed and regulated in the USA by FinCEN.
Uphold offers over 200 cryptocurrencies and hundreds of stocks, ETFs, metals, and other assets. Here’s how to buy crypto with Uphold:
- Sign up for a free Uphold account on their website.
- Once your account is set up, you can add funds to your Uphold wallet using a bank transfer or credit/debit card.
- From there, you can buy the cryptocurrency of your choice directly on the Uphold platform.
Uphold also offers the ability to exchange cryptocurrencies with other users on the platform, as well as the option to withdraw your funds to an external wallet.
It’s important to note that buying and investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and volatile, so it’s important to do your research and only invest what you can afford to lose.
ETRADE Crypto: Is it Risky to Invest in Crypto Equities?
Investing in crypto equities can be risky for several reasons. One of the main risks is counter-party risk. When you buy crypto-equities, you are essentially buying a contract that represents the price of an asset. This means that you are relying on the counter-party to fulfill their obligations. If the counter-party fails to fulfill their obligations, you may lose your funds.
Another risk is the volatility of the crypto market. Crypto prices can be extremely volatile, which means that the value of your investment can fluctuate rapidly. This can result in significant gains, but it can also result in significant losses.
Additionally, investing in crypto equities can be risky because the crypto market is relatively new and unregulated. This means that there is a higher risk of fraud and scams. It is important to do your research and only invest in reputable companies.
Despite these risks, some investors believe that the potential rewards of investing in crypto equities outweigh the risks. It is important to carefully consider your investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in crypto equities.
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