Since January 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs have been available at most major traditional brokerages . This allows you to gain exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without managing digital wallets or opening a new type of account.

You do not own the underlying Bitcoin directly and cannot move it to a private wallet . Vanguard notably does not allow the purchase of Bitcoin ETFs . 2. The Direct Way: Self-Directed Roth IRA (SDIRA)

You open a new Roth IRA with a "crypto-friendly" custodian, fund it via a rollover or contribution, and buy Bitcoin directly through their platform .

To own actual Bitcoin (not just a fund share), you must use a specialized custodian that supports alternative assets .