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Crypto for Retirement: Pros & Cons You Need to Know

Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Feb. 07, 2025
Knowledge Hub

Adding cryptocurrencies to your retirement account has never been simpler. You can do it in a few different ways, some of which have tax advantages. For instance, some 401(k)s and IRAs allow you to contribute to cryptocurrency. Additionally, you can open a self-directed IRA or purchase it straight from a bitcoin exchange. However, something isn't always a smart idea just because it's simple.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having Crypto As Your Retirement Fund

Advantages Of Having Cryptocurrency In Your Retirement Account

Here are some possible advantages of including cryptocurrency in your retirement strategy.

Possibility of Disproportional Profit

Over the last ten years, Bitcoin has performed better than a lot of other more well-known assets. According to CoinGecko data, the price of Bitcoin has risen by almost 800% in just the last five years. Those figures are alluring to some investors. It is sense to desire to increase your retirement balance but make sure to weigh the risks against the possible rewards. According to several analysts, Bitcoin's price journey is just getting started.

Diversification

According to several surveys, younger generations are not convinced that investing in the stock market can help them accumulate money. They want to diversify their holdings outside conventional investments, and cryptocurrency does just that.

Having a mix of assets in your portfolio is the investment equivalent of not keeping all your eggs in one basket. You might include crypto alongside traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.

Protection From Inflation

Although some disagree, Bitcoin is frequently touted as an inflation hedge. Because inflation lowers the purchasing power of their nest eggs, it can be especially challenging for retirees. Bitcoin's supporters see it as a form of digital gold because of its limited quantity, which means that it will retain its worth even if the dollar does not.

Disadvantages Of Having Cryptocurrency In Your Retirement Account

There are undoubtedly benefits to owning cryptocurrency. However, there are other reasons to exercise caution.

Volatility

The cryptocurrency market is still quite young and rather erratic. Its detractors consider it to be speculative at best. It could be a gamble at worst. Security is important when discussing the amount of money you may require in your later years. Especially if you're getting close to retirement age when your goals can be derailed by a large decline in the value of your portfolio.

Not All Accounts Offer Crypto

You may decide that you don't want to place cryptocurrency in a tax-advantaged account because you feel comfortable purchasing and retaining it directly. However, it's not always feasible to transfer money to a top IRA or 401(k). Routes include setting up a self-directed IRA that contains crypto or seeing if your crypto exchange can help.

Unclear Regulatory Environment

The way that investors purchase and sell cryptocurrency may be significantly impacted by regulatory developments. This is especially true for tax-advantaged retirement funds, where some kinds of investments are prohibited by government regulations. Some aspects of the Bitcoin market are currently best characterized as unexplored. I

It makes sense that people would want to use cryptocurrency to increase their retirement savings, as many Americans are concerned that they won't last long enough. The challenge is that there are no guarantees because this asset class is still relatively young and unproven. Don't risk your retirement funds; instead, do your homework and be sure you understand why you're making the purchase.