Explore this comprehensive guide to Fidelity's cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds, designed specifically for new investors entering the digital asset space in 2026.

What is a Fidelity crypto ETF?

A Fidelity crypto ETF is an exchange-traded fund offered by Fidelity Investments that provides exposure to cryptocurrency-related companies, digital assets, or crypto indexes. Fidelity currently offers several crypto-themed ETFs including the Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDCR) and the Fidelity Metaverse ETF (FMET), which give investors indirect exposure to the growing cryptocurrency and blockchain sector without directly holding digital currencies. These funds trade on traditional stock exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ, making them accessible through standard brokerage accounts.

Unlike spot Bitcoin or Ethereum ETFs that hold actual cryptocurrencies, Fidelity's crypto ETFs typically invest in stocks of companies involved in crypto mining, blockchain technology, payment processing, and digital asset custody services.

How does a Fidelity crypto ETF work?

A Fidelity crypto ETF works by pooling investor money to purchase shares in companies that operate within the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem. When you buy shares of Fidelity's crypto ETF, you are buying a small ownership stake in a diversified basket of crypto-related stocks. The ETF price fluctuates throughout the trading day based on the underlying value of its holdings, and you can buy or sell shares anytime during market hours through your regular brokerage account.

Fidelity manages these funds by selecting and rebalancing the holdings to track their defined investment strategy, handling all the research, due diligence, and administrative tasks associated with managing the portfolio.

What cryptocurrencies does Fidelity's ETF cover?

Fidelity's crypto ETFs do not directly hold cryptocurrencies but provide exposure to companies involved in the digital asset space. The Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDCR) focuses on companies engaged in cryptocurrency mining, blockchain infrastructure, cryptocurrency exchanges, and digital payment solutions. Holdings typically include well-known crypto-adjacent companies such as Coinbase, MicroStrategy, and various mining operations.

The Fidelity Metaverse ETF (FMET) takes a broader approach, covering companies involved in virtual reality, augmented reality, gaming, and digital identity technologies that form the foundation for metaverse and Web3 applications.

How to buy Fidelity crypto ETFs?

Buying Fidelity crypto ETFs is straightforward and similar to purchasing any stock or traditional ETF. First, you need to open a brokerage account with a platform that offers ETF trading—Fidelity itself provides excellent options for purchasing their proprietary ETFs. Once your account is funded, you can search for the specific ETF ticker symbol such as FDCR or FMET, decide how many shares to purchase, and execute your market or limit order.

There is no minimum investment requirement beyond the price of one share, and you can invest gradually through dollar-cost averaging. These ETFs can be held in taxable brokerage accounts, IRAs, or other retirement accounts depending on your investment strategy.

What are Fidelity crypto ETF fees and expenses?

Fidelity crypto ETFs charge an annual expense ratio that covers management fees and operational costs. The Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDCR) has an expense ratio of approximately 0.39%, which means you pay $3.90 annually for every $1,000 invested. Fidelity is known for offering competitive pricing compared to actively managed crypto funds, though fees vary by specific fund.

Unlike spot crypto ETFs that may involve additional costs like creation and redemption fees or custody charges, traditional crypto-themed ETFs like Fidelity's operate more like standard equity ETFs with straightforward, transparent fee structures.

Is investing in Fidelity crypto ETFs safe?

Investing in Fidelity crypto ETFs carries moderate risk compared to direct cryptocurrency ownership, but it is not risk-free. Fidelity crypto ETFs provide regulatory protection as securities, trade on regulated exchanges, and are subject to SEC oversight—benefits that direct crypto ownership lacks. However, the value of these ETFs depends on the performance of their underlying holdings, which can be volatile given the nascent nature of the crypto industry.

Fidelity's established reputation and experience managing trillions of dollars in assets provides some institutional credibility, but investors should understand that crypto-related stocks can experience significant volatility independent of broader market movements.

Fidelity crypto ETF vs direct cryptocurrency ownership

Fidelity crypto ETFs and direct cryptocurrency ownership offer fundamentally different investment experiences. When you buy a Fidelity crypto ETF, you gain exposure to the crypto sector through regulated securities with traditional brokerage protections, easier tax reporting through standard 1099 forms, and the simplicity of managing everything through existing investment accounts. You avoid the complexity of crypto wallets, private keys, and exchange security concerns.

Direct crypto ownership provides actual digital asset exposure and potential access to DeFi protocols and NFTs, but comes with greater security responsibilities, regulatory uncertainty, and more complex tax situations. For beginners, Fidelity crypto ETFs offer a simpler, more familiar entry point to the crypto ecosystem.

Does Fidelity offer a spot Bitcoin ETF?

Yes, Fidelity has been active in the spot Bitcoin ETF space following SEC approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024. The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) is Fidelity's spot Bitcoin ETF that directly holds Bitcoin and trades on traditional exchanges. FBTC charges an expense ratio of 0.25%, making it one of the more competitively priced options among spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Fidelity has also filed for other spot cryptocurrency ETFs, and the firm continues to expand its digital asset offerings as regulatory clarity improves. Investors interested in direct Bitcoin exposure through Fidelity should consider FBTC alongside the firm's broader crypto-themed ETFs for diversified exposure to the cryptocurrency market.

Final Thoughts

Fidelity's crypto ETF offerings represent an important bridge between traditional finance and the cryptocurrency ecosystem, providing accessible options for investors who want crypto sector exposure without the complexity of managing digital assets directly. Whether you choose the Fidelity Crypto Industry and Digital Payments ETF (FDCR) for focused crypto industry exposure or the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) for direct Bitcoin exposure, these products benefit from Fidelity's institutional expertise and competitive fee structures.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature and regulatory frameworks solidify, Fidelity is well-positioned to expand its digital asset offerings further. Beginners should start by understanding their risk tolerance, consider how crypto ETFs fit within their overall portfolio strategy, and take advantage of Fidelity's educational resources before committing capital to this emerging asset class.