Gaining Exposure to Bitcoin with iShares

Learn more about bitcoin’s role in portoflios and the benefits of using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain exposure.

Explore Bitcoin in Two Ways

FEATURED FUND
  • iShares ETFs are available to purchase through a brokerage account or with a financial advisor.

    Buy through your brokerage

    iShares funds are available through online brokerage firms. All iShares ETFs and ETPs trade commission free online through Fidelity.

    By clicking on the button below, you will leave BlackRock’s website.

    Buy now on Fidelity

    Contact your advisor

    Contact a financial professional to discuss how iShares ETFs and ETPs can fit in your investment portfolio.

    Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting the iShares ETF and BlackRock Fund prospectus pages. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

    Any links to third-party websites are provided for use at your own discretion. Each third party is solely responsible for the content presented and availability of its website. BlackRock does not control, monitor or maintain third-party websites, their content or the products/services they offer. Content may change without notice. When you leave BlackRock’s website and enter a third-party website, you will be subject to that site’s terms, policies and/or notices, including those related to privacy and security, as applicable. Please review those policies and notices on the third-party website.

    Before engaging Fidelity or any broker-dealer, you should evaluate the overall fees and charges of the firm as well as the services provided. Free commission offer applies to online purchases of select iShares ETFs in a Fidelity account. The sale of ETFs is subject to an activity assessment fee (from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain Fidelity Brokerage Services platforms and investment programs. Please note, this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation can be found in the ETF’s prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice.

    The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

    ©2024 BlackRock, Inc or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK, iSHARES, iBONDS, LIFEPATH, ALADDIN and the iShares Core Graphic are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.

    iCRMH1124U/S-3985892

  • iShares ETFs are available to purchase through a brokerage account or with a financial advisor.

    Buy through your brokerage

    iShares funds are available through online brokerage firms. All iShares ETFs and ETPs trade commission free online through Fidelity.

    By clicking on the button below, you will leave BlackRock’s website.

    Buy now on Fidelity

    Contact your advisor

    Contact a financial professional to discuss how iShares ETFs and ETPs can fit in your investment portfolio.

    Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting the iShares ETF and BlackRock Fund prospectus pages. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

    Any links to third-party websites are provided for use at your own discretion. Each third party is solely responsible for the content presented and availability of its website. BlackRock does not control, monitor or maintain third-party websites, their content or the products/services they offer. Content may change without notice. When you leave BlackRock’s website and enter a third-party website, you will be subject to that site’s terms, policies and/or notices, including those related to privacy and security, as applicable. Please review those policies and notices on the third-party website.

    Before engaging Fidelity or any broker-dealer, you should evaluate the overall fees and charges of the firm as well as the services provided. Free commission offer applies to online purchases of select iShares ETFs in a Fidelity account. The sale of ETFs is subject to an activity assessment fee (from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain Fidelity Brokerage Services platforms and investment programs. Please note, this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation can be found in the ETF’s prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice.

    The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).

    ©2024 BlackRock, Inc or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK, iSHARES, iBONDS, LIFEPATH, ALADDIN and the iShares Core Graphic are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.

    iCRMH1124U/S-3985892

We've all heard about Bitcoin. But what exactly is Bitcoin?

Let's start at the beginning.

Around 100,000 years ago. Throughout history, we've used all kinds of objects to help make transactions and store value, from seashells to shiny metals to paper notes.

That's because the value isn't just in the object itself, it's in how much we agree the object represents.

So, the object can be many things, even, as it turns out, a string of digital code.

The internet changed everything. It connected the world, changing how we communicate, work, shop and manage finances. It also opened the door to a new kind of currency and asset.

Enter Bitcoin, a digital currency not governed by banks or governments, but by its global community of users. And that provided new potential benefits.

Bitcoin exchanges happen person-to-person, anywhere in the world, in near real time and for near zero transaction costs. Saving money, time and opening financial opportunity to those without access to a banking system.

Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million bitcoins. This hard coded rule controls supply, purchasing power and helps avoid the potential misuse of printing more and more currency, which can contribute towards inflation.

All transactions take place on a digital ledger called the blockchain. It's a digital platform to move value, where everyone can see every transaction.

Bitcoin is no longer seen as the radical idea it was 15 years ago.

Some use Bitcoin to transfer value across borders and for purchases. Some see Bitcoin as an investment given its limited supply and uniqueness relative to other financial assets.

And for those in certain countries, its value goes far deeper, potentially offering greater financial autonomy by serving as an alternative to local currencies.

Bitcoin is an emerging global monetary alternative. Time will tell how far adoption will go, but next time you see a seashell or shiny metal, think about how humans’ idea of “money” has evolved throughout history.

Disclosure

Investing involves a high degree of risk, including possible loss of principal. An investment in the ETF is not suitable for all investors, may be deemed speculative and is not intended as a complete investment program. An investment in the ETF should be considered only by persons who can bear the risk of total loss associated with an investment in the ETF.

Investing in digital assets involves significant risks due to their price volatility and the potential for loss, theft, or compromise of private keys. The value of the ETF is closely tied to acceptance, industry developments, and governance changes, making them susceptible to market sentiment. Digital assets represent a new and rapidly evolving industry, and the value of the units depend on their acceptance. Changes in the governance of a digital asset network may not receive sufficient support from users and miners, which may negatively affect that digital asset network’s ability to grow and respond to challenges. Investing in the ETF comes with risks that could impact the ETF’s value, including largescale sales by major investors, security threats like breaches and hacking, negative sentiment among speculators, and competition from central bank digital currencies and financial initiatives using blockchain technology. A disruption of the internet or a digital asset network could affect the ability to transfer digital assets and, consequently, could impact their value.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The information provided in this material does not constitute any specific legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for this type of advice.

iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

© 2026 BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.

iCRMH0226C/S-5096020-EXP0227

Video 03:03

What is Bitcoin

Bitcoin is the world’s most recognized and widely adopted cryptocurrency1, and adoption continues to grow. Watch to learn the basics of Bitcoin, how it works and understand its significance in our world today.

We've all heard about Bitcoin. But what exactly is Bitcoin?

Let's start at the beginning.

Around 100,000 years ago. Throughout history, we've used all kinds of objects to help make transactions and store value, from seashells to shiny metals to paper notes.

That's because the value isn't just in the object itself, it's in how much we agree the object represents.

So, the object can be many things, even, as it turns out, a string of digital code.

The internet changed everything. It connected the world, changing how we communicate, work, shop and manage finances. It also opened the door to a new kind of currency and asset.

Enter Bitcoin, a digital currency not governed by banks or governments, but by its global community of users. And that provided new potential benefits.

Bitcoin exchanges happen person-to-person, anywhere in the world, in near real time and for near zero transaction costs. Saving money, time and opening financial opportunity to those without access to a banking system.

Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million bitcoins. This hard coded rule controls supply, purchasing power and helps avoid the potential misuse of printing more and more currency, which can contribute towards inflation.

All transactions take place on a digital ledger called the blockchain. It's a digital platform to move value, where everyone can see every transaction.

Bitcoin is no longer seen as the radical idea it was 15 years ago.

Some use Bitcoin to transfer value across borders and for purchases. Some see Bitcoin as an investment given its limited supply and uniqueness relative to other financial assets.

And for those in certain countries, its value goes far deeper, potentially offering greater financial autonomy by serving as an alternative to local currencies.

Bitcoin is an emerging global monetary alternative. Time will tell how far adoption will go, but next time you see a seashell or shiny metal, think about how humans’ idea of “money” has evolved throughout history.

Disclosure

Investing involves a high degree of risk, including possible loss of principal. An investment in the ETF is not suitable for all investors, may be deemed speculative and is not intended as a complete investment program. An investment in the ETF should be considered only by persons who can bear the risk of total loss associated with an investment in the ETF.

Investing in digital assets involves significant risks due to their price volatility and the potential for loss, theft, or compromise of private keys. The value of the ETF is closely tied to acceptance, industry developments, and governance changes, making them susceptible to market sentiment. Digital assets represent a new and rapidly evolving industry, and the value of the units depend on their acceptance. Changes in the governance of a digital asset network may not receive sufficient support from users and miners, which may negatively affect that digital asset network’s ability to grow and respond to challenges. Investing in the ETF comes with risks that could impact the ETF’s value, including largescale sales by major investors, security threats like breaches and hacking, negative sentiment among speculators, and competition from central bank digital currencies and financial initiatives using blockchain technology. A disruption of the internet or a digital asset network could affect the ability to transfer digital assets and, consequently, could impact their value.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The information provided in this material does not constitute any specific legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for this type of advice.

iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

© 2026 BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.

iCRMH0226C/S-5096020-EXP0227

Why Use ETFs for Bitcoin Exposure

One number icon

Access

Bitcoin ETFs enable investors to access bitcoin through the convenience of an exchange-traded fund to access bitcoin, helping remove the operational and custody complexities of holding bitcoin directly.

Two number icon

Integrated Technology

iShares bitcoin ETFs are supported by institutional-grade infrastructure, including custody solutions developed by Coinbase Prime, the world’s largest institutional digital asset custodian.2

Three number icon

Low-Cost

Designed to provide a cost-efficient way to access bitcoin exposure through an ETF structure, helping reduce the complexities and costs associated with holding bitcoin directly.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Bitcoin is the world’s leading and most widely adopted cryptocurrency and the first digital asset to gain widespread global adoption. Bitcoin allows for peer-to-peer transactions outside of central intermediaries like banks. This is accomplished through blockchain technology.

As bitcoin has grown in popularity, so have the investment options. One of the ways investors can invest directly in bitcoin is through crypto exchanges. For investors who prefer the convenience of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bitcoin ETFs such as IBIT and IBQT provide exposure through a traditional brokerage account.

Bitcoin exchange-traded products are generally accessible on traditional brokerage platforms — the same place investors can also purchase stocks, bonds, and ETFs.

Bitcoin is the largest and most liquid cryptocurrency and represents over 50% of the $3 trillion cryptocurrency market.1 Bitcoin has maintained its dominance even as the number of cryptocurrencies has grown to over 18,000.4 Bitcoin can be thought of as a payment asset, with network size and adoption being critical. As such, bitcoin has a competitive advantage over any would-be challengers, which is why it has not been surpassed.

While investors should ultimately consult with a financial professional to determine if an investment in bitcoin aligns with their investment goals, there are several factors to consider. Bitcoin has had periods of significant outperformance relative to major asset classes since its inception, but it has come with significant volatility.4 Investors with a higher risk tolerance may be inclined to allocate more of their portfolio to bitcoin. Every investor’s situation and goals are unique, which emphasizes the need to consult a financial professional.

Bitcoin ETFs help alleviate some of the challenges of investing directly in bitcoin, such as storage. Traditional forms of investing directly in bitcoin require deciding where to store the purchased bitcoin, which can be in a crypto wallet or on a crypto exchange. This approach gives the investor certain direct responsibilities in preventing security risks such as theft or loss of private keys, which are essentially passcodes to a crypto wallet. With a bitcoin ETF, investors own shares of the ETF, removing the need to determine where to store their bitcoin, as this is handled by the ETF's custodian. It's important to note, however, that investing in a bitcoin ETF still involves a high degree of risk, including possible loss of principal.

See the Funds. Invest with Confidence

Review key fund information and know your objectives before you invest

FEATURED FUND