Crypto
IBIT Vs. FBTC: Which Bitcoin ETF Is The Better Buy?
Bitcoin via a Spot ETF is an exciting asset to add to one’s portfolio.
Bitcoin Spot ETFs have emerged as a leading way for investors to gain exposure to bitcoin, the world’s leading cryptocurrency, which has delivered tremendous returns since its launch in 2009. In 2024, the SEC approved bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC allowing retail and institutional investors to invest in the cryptocurrency on stock exchanges alongside other assets like the best stocks for 2025.
In this article, you’ll learn the key differences between the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), how they compare in terms of fees, performance, management and security. While these bitcoin ETFs may not be right for some investors like the risk-averse or those who wish to hold bitcoin directly, they can provide exposure to an exciting asset which is rapidly gaining mainstream adoption.
Why Invest In Bitcoin ETFs Like IBIT And FBTC?
Investors may wish to invest in bitcoin in the first place, because of its strong performance, returning 47,116.2%% over the last 10 years and 997.9%% over the last 5 years. Depending on who you ask, bitcoin can serve as a promising speculative asset, an alternative store of value to the fiat currency like gold or a currency as it can serve as a means of exchange. A bitcoin ETF is most suitable for investors who wish to gain exposure to bitcoin as a speculative asset, earning a potential return from the asset’s growth.
Bitcoin Spot ETFs like IBIT and FBTC allow investors to invest in bitcoin’s price movements through traditional brokerage accounts without needing to store bitcoin assets themselves. These ETFs provide liquidity, regulatory oversight, and simple trading alongside stocks, bonds and other funds in your portfolio.
For investors who only wish to invest in bitcoin and not in other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum or Solana from their existing brokerage account, bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC are a good solution, rather than a cryptocurrency exchange like Coinbase.
The Basics Of IBIT And FBTC At A Glance
IBIT and FBTC both track the price movements of bitcoin but with differences in fees, how they’re structured, and their providers. Both of these bitcoin ETFs trade on the major stock exchanges like NYSE, allowing broad access to retail investors and institutional investors.
What Is IBIT?
IBIT is a bitcoin ETF managed by BlackRock, the largest asset manager in the world with $11.6 trillion under management. This ETF provides direct exposure to bitcoin price movements by holding bitcoin against its shares. BlackRock has a strong reputation of successful fund management with many established relationships across the global financial world, lending credibility to its bitcoin ETF.
What Is FBTC?
FBTC is a bitcoin ETF managed by Fidelity, another major asset manager with $5.8 trillion under management. Like IBIT, FBTC directly holds bitcoin against its shares, ensuring close price tracking of bitcoin. Fidelity is a commonly used asset manager by retail investors while BlackRock attracts more institutional investors. Fidelity has a long track record of engagement with cryptocurrency tracing back to 2014 when the firm began researching digital assets like bitcoin and blockchain technology.
Key Differences Between IBIT and FBTC
Historical Performance Comparison
Both IBIT and FBTC closely track the price of bitcoin as they hold bitcoin against shares. FBTC’s 1-year return slightly outperformed IBIT with FBTC returning 137.65% vs 137.32% but investors will likely earn comparable returns going forward. Future performance is dependent on the price movements of bitcoin and effective custody of bitcoin for both ETFs by their managers.
Comparing IBIT And FBTC Holdings
Both IBIT and FBTC hold bitcoin against their shares and closely track the price movements of bitcoin. The core holdings of IBIT and FBTC are identical as both are entirely invested in bitcoin. Slight differences may emerge based on fund management and liquidity.
IBIT Vs. FBTC Dividend Yields
Bitcoin is not an income generating asset like a bond or dividend-earning stock and neither IBIT or FBTC offer dividend yield to investors. Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC are best suited to investors who wish to gain a return from capital appreciation rather than dividend yield.
Market Sentiment And Trends
Bitcoin is a speculative asset which can experience wild swings in price that retail investors may not be used to from traditional investing. For example, in February 2025, bitcoin experienced a 17% drop in value, followed by a 10% rally in March spurred on by speculation regarding a U.S. strategic cryptocurrency reserve. If the U.S. government invested in bitcoin through a strategic reserve, it would further shore up institutional adoption of the asset.
The launch of bitcoin ETFs like IBIT and FBTC in 2024 increased adoption of bitcoin by allowing retail and institutional investors to more easily invest in the cryptocurrency alongside major assets like the best ETFs on exchanges. Public companies can also add bitcoin to their balance sheet as Microstrategy notably has as well as asset managers who wish to add bitcoin to their portfolio. With increased regulatory clarity by the SEC, more investors may feel comfortable investing in bitcoin, increasing its market cap and price.
IBIT And FBTC Risk Comparisons
As mentioned, bitcoin is a volatile asset and both IBIT and FBTC can swing in price based on breaking news or market sentiment. Although regulatory clarity regarding bitcoin seems to be increasing, there is always the risk of adverse regulatory decisions affecting the price or availability of the asset in different markets. A risk which could potentially affect an ETF like IBIT or FBTC is a custody issue of bitcoin, like a hack or mismanagement of assets.
As with any investment, investors should weigh their risk tolerance before investing in a bitcoin ETF like IBIT or FBTC. A good rule of thumb for bitcoin ETFs and bitcoin generally is to not invest an amount you would lose sleep over losing the entirety of.
Tax Considerations
Bitcoin ETFs are subject to both short and long-term capital gains tax just like direct holding of bitcoin. One difference from a tax perspective is that bitcoin ETFs can be easily invested in through a traditional or Roth IRA, unlike direct holding of bitcoin. This can increase the tax efficiency of bitcoin investment as you may be able to defer taxes on bitcoin gains with a traditional IRA or not pay tax on these gains at all with a Roth IRA.
You should consult with a tax professional with cryptocurrency expertise if you’re concerned with the tax implications of investing in bitcoin ETFs.
IBIT Vs. FBTC: Pros And Cons
While IBIT and FBTC offer comparable bitcoin Spot ETFs, these ETFs differ based on expense ratios, asset manager strengths, and custody strategies.
IBIT Pros
- Lower Expense Ratio: IBIT has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.12% compared with FBTC’s 0.25% fee.
- Strong Institutional Support: BlackRock is the world’s largest asset manager with over $11 billion AUM.
- High Liquidity : IBIT may attract more institutional investors and has higher net assets of $48.8 billion.
IBIT Cons
- Slightly Lower Performance: IBIT underperformed FBTC by 33 basis points, according to 1-year returns.
- Shorter Crypto Track Record: BlackRock only began offering cryptocurrency products like futures in 2021.
- Third-Party Custody: IBIT custodies through Coinbase Prime, as the majority of bitcoin ETFs, which may present third-party risk versus FBTC’s self custody.
FBTC Pros
- Cryptocurrency Expertise: Fidelity boasts over a decade of cryptocurrency expertise which may provide an edge in management and security.
- Self Custody: Fidelity self-custodies bitcoin for FBTC through Fidelity Digital Assets which may offer greater security.
- Slight Out-Performance: Based on 1-year returns, FBTC slightly outperformed IBIT by 33 basis points.
FBTC Cons
- Higher expense ratio: FBTC has a higher expense ratio than IBIT of 0.25%.
- Potentially Lower Liquidity: FBTC has lower net assets than IBIT of $16.6 billion.
- Lower Institutional Support: While still a major asset manager, Fidelity has less institutional usage than BlackRock.
Investor Suitability
IBIT may be better suited for investors who wish to track the price movements of bitcoin with a lower expense ratio of 0.12%, all managed by the largest asset manager in the world with strong institutional support. FBTC may be preferred by investors who don’t mind a slightly higher expense ratio in exchange for Fidelity’s self-custody model and a decade-long track record of cryptocurrency expertise.
Investors should further research both firm’s security protocols for custody as well as considering alternative bitcoin Spot ETFs and holding cryptocurrency directly as an alternative.
Bottom Line
IBIT and FBTC are very similar ETFs. They track the same asset and both are effective means for investors to gain exposure to bitcoin at low expense ratios from established asset managers. The ultimate decision of which ETF to choose for your portfolio comes down to reputation, minor expense ratio and performance differences, and the approach by which each firm custodies their bitcoin.
Bitcoin via a Spot ETF is an exciting asset to add to one’s portfolio. Rapid spikes and falls in price are an inevitability but since its inception, it has outperformed major indexes like the S&P 500. The launch of IBIT and FBTC through BlackRock and Fidelity respectively demonstrates mainstream interest and adoption by the financial services, providing the possibility for stellar returns to a greater number of investors.
Read Next
The Delaware House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prohibit the operation of cryptocurrency ATMs across the state, citing growing concerns over fraud and consumer protection. The legislation, now headed to the state Senate for consideration, would require all existing crypto ATMs to be shut down and removed within 90 days of enactment.
What the Bill Proposes
House Bill 123, as reported by Decrypt, targets the proliferation of cryptocurrency kiosks that have become common in convenience stores, gas stations, and other retail locations. Lawmakers argue that these machines are increasingly used to facilitate scams, particularly targeting elderly and vulnerable residents who may not fully understand the technology. The bill would make it illegal to operate, maintain, or permit the installation of a cryptocurrency ATM anywhere in Delaware.
Why This Matters for Consumers
Cryptocurrency ATMs allow users to buy or sell digital currencies like Bitcoin using cash or debit cards. While legitimate users appreciate the convenience, regulators have flagged them as high-risk for money laundering and fraud. The Federal Trade Commission has reported a surge in scams where victims are directed to deposit cash into these machines under false pretenses. Delaware’s proposed ban reflects a broader state-level push to rein in unregulated crypto financial services.
Similar Actions in Other States
Delaware is not alone in taking a hard line. Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota have previously enacted comparable restrictions or outright bans on crypto ATMs. These measures often include licensing requirements, transaction limits, and mandatory disclosures. The trend signals a growing skepticism among state legislators about the consumer safety risks posed by unmonitored crypto kiosks.
What Happens Next
The bill now moves to the Delaware State Senate, where it will undergo committee review and potential amendments. If passed, Delaware would join a small but growing list of states with explicit bans. Industry advocates argue that such laws could stifle innovation and push transactions underground, while consumer protection groups praise the move as necessary to prevent financial harm.
Conclusion
Delaware’s legislative action highlights the ongoing tension between cryptocurrency adoption and consumer safety. As the bill advances, stakeholders on both sides will be watching closely. For now, the message from Dover is clear: protecting residents from crypto-related fraud is a priority that may outweigh the benefits of unregulated ATM access.
FAQs
Q1: What is a cryptocurrency ATM?
A cryptocurrency ATM is a kiosk that allows users to buy or sell digital currencies like Bitcoin using cash, debit cards, or other payment methods. Unlike traditional ATMs, they are not connected to a bank account.
Q2: Why does Delaware want to ban crypto ATMs?
Lawmakers cite a rise in fraud cases, especially among seniors, where scammers trick victims into depositing cash into these machines. The bill aims to eliminate this vector for financial exploitation.
Q3: What happens to existing crypto ATMs in Delaware if the bill becomes law?
Operators would have 90 days to shut down and remove all machines. Failure to comply could result in penalties. The timeline is designed to give businesses a reasonable window to adjust.
Key Takeaways
Word Play With a Warning
Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the best-selling personal finance book “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” is recasting a familiar piece of investing advice. In a post on X, he argued that many investors only believe they are protected, adding:
“De-Worse-ified means they think they are diversified, but they have all their diversified assets, such as gold, silver, Bitcoin, stocks, bonds, real estate, and oil, in one asset class.”
His point is that spreading money across many holdings does not help if those holdings all move the same way in a crisis. When a liquidity shock hits, correlations rise and supposedly diverse portfolios can fall in unison, leaving investors “de-worsified” rather than diversified.
The commentary is consistent with the stance Kiyosaki has pushed throughout 2026 as he recently named bitcoin among the safest investments for the year, grouping it with what he calls real assets. He has repeatedly listed gold, silver, oil, food, bitcoin, and ether as his preferred holdings, framing them as scarce stores of value that printed money cannot dilute.
He has paired that view with stark price calls, setting a target of $250,000 for BTC by year’s end alongside a longer-term goal of $1 million. At current levels, the move would require a gain of more than 230%. On the precious metals side of things, he recently suggested a possible $200-per-ounce silver level this year, calling the metal’s climb a signal of mounting financial stress.
Kiyosaki’s broader thesis is darker still, warning investors of a historic market crash that he ties to surging global debt and fragile private credit markets, urging followers to build income streams, learn trade skills, and accumulate hard assets before the storm.
Timing Is Everything
The “de-worsified” warning arrives at a tense moment for markets, especially as bitcoin posted its worst week since the 2022 collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX exchange, sliding below $60,000 as record exchange-traded fund (ETF) outflows and risk-off sentiment gripped the sector.
That is exactly the kind of broad drawdown scenario (where bitcoin, equities, and other assets fall together) that Kiyosaki has used time and again to illustrate his point.
That said, he has become an increasingly polarizing voice within the broader economic landscape, with skeptics pointing out that his crash predictions are frequent and his price targets aggressive (and that he has issued similar warnings for years). Supporters argue his core message of owning scarce assets, avoiding hidden correlation, and preparing for volatility is a reasonable hedge against an era of heavy money printing and rising debt.
Whether or not his $250,000 bitcoin call lands, the distinction he is drawing is a real one, as true diversification really does depend on owning assets that behave differently (not simply owning many of them). In a market where everything from gold to crypto to stocks can move on the same macro headlines, that lesson may matter more than any single forecast.
North Carolina lawmakers on Tuesday advanced a bill to protect consumers from cryptocurrency kiosk fraud.
House Bill 920, which passed the House with a 115-to-0 vote, aims to regulate an industry that its author claims is unregulated in the state.
“It’s the wild, wild West,” Rep. Neal Jackson, R-Moore, said during a committee discussion on Tuesday. “There is no regulation whatsoever in North Carolina. That’s what we’re trying to do here.”
Lawmakers cited a growing amount of fraud as the reason for the bill. About $389 million in losses were reported last year through cryptocurrency ATMs, a 58% increase from 2024, according to the FBI. The majority of those impacted are 60-plus.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. It seeks to:
- Require licenses for all kiosk operators under the Money Transmissions Act.
- Place operators under the supervision of the Commissioner of Banks.
- Require fraud warnings and transaction receipts for every transaction.
- Require compliance and consumer protection officers that are always available.
It also seeks to place limitations on transactions in an effort to reduce fraud, requiring a $2,000 daily limit for the first 30 days for new customers and a $5,000 daily limit for existing customers, who would qualify after 30 days.
While other states have service fees between 20% and 30%, Jackson suggests putting a cap at 14%.
State Rep. Tim Longest, D-Wake, expressed concern about having the kiosks at all in the state. He said the bill’s protections could be stronger.
“These machines can be the subject of fraud, basically facilitating fraud on seniors and other vulnerable individuals and in those cases,” Longest said. “… In crafting regulations, I think it’s important that we ensure consumers are adequately protected by those regulations and I do not believe that, under the language of the bill currently before you, those regulations are sufficient to protect consumers.”
Jackson pointed to this bill as an effort to regulate, not shut down, cryptocurrency kiosks in the state and said there are even more consumer protections in place.
David N. Tente, the executive director of the ATM Industry Association, said the bill — and others like it — is problematic because it requires operators to provide refunds to fraud victims in certain instances.
“In most cases, the cash in the ATM/kiosk does not belong to the operator, which means that returning any of it would be, technically, theft,” Tente said. “If you give someone cash for something, and you change your mind after they leave, you probably won’t get it back.”
He added: “We certainly feel sorry for those being scammed, but there are very simple things you can do to avoid it.”
Tente said these kinds of scams have existed for centuries, adding: “They are still here — just using different means of payment.”
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