Bitcoin IRA: Self-Custody Your Retirement Bitcoin | The Bitcoin Adviser
Bitcoin IRA

Take Control: Your IRA, Your Bitcoin, Your Keys, Your Future

As a Bitcoin investor, holding your Bitcoin directly—securely in your own custody—provides the ultimate peace of mind. The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical and operational support for self-custody Bitcoin in IRAs. We are not a financial services company and do not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

We work alongside trusted partners: Advanta Trust (your IRA custodian) and River (your exchange partner). Together, we help you set up and maintain self-custody Bitcoin in your retirement account while you work directly with your IRA custodian and professional advisors on structure, suitability, and compliance.

Since 2016 Zero satoshis lost
Your Keys You maintain control
All IRA Types Traditional, Roth, SEP, Solo 401(k), HSA
Advanta Trust IRS-authorized custodian

Who This Is For

This page is for U.S.-based Bitcoin holders who want:

  • Direct ownership of actual Bitcoin in their IRA (not just ETF exposure)
  • A self-directed or rollover IRA with true self-custody of the asset
  • Collaborative security and estate planning so retirement Bitcoin can be held for decades and passed on securely

You retain control of your keys. We never act as custodian or take possession of your Bitcoin.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose The Bitcoin Adviser for Your Bitcoin IRA?

Navigating the world of Bitcoin IRAs can be complex. While many paths lead to Bitcoin exposure in an IRA, true control comes from holding actual Bitcoin in your self-custody vault. This approach combines tax-advantaged savings with the unmatched security and independence Bitcoin offers.

The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support for self-custody Bitcoin in IRAs. We work alongside Advanta Trust (your IRA custodian) and River (your exchange partner) so that your IRA structure, acquisition of Bitcoin, and collaborative security setup all work together smoothly. You retain control of your keys; we never hold your Bitcoin or act as your IRA custodian.

Most “Bitcoin IRAs” give you exposure through custodial products or ETFs. Our clients focus on owning real Bitcoin in self-custody, with a structure designed for long-term security and inheritance.

True Self-Custody

Hold actual Bitcoin in your IRA, not Bitcoin-linked products. You maintain control of your keys while staying compliant with IRS regulations through your chosen custodian.

Collaborative Security

Multi-signature vault eliminates single points of failure. No one party can access your Bitcoin alone, including us.

Zero Losses Since 2016

Our track record speaks for itself. Since 2016, zero satoshis lost across all clients, including retirement accounts.

Estate Planning Ready

Built-in estate planning ensures your Bitcoin can transition seamlessly to beneficiaries through our Estate Plan Protocol.

Expert Technical Guidance

Scott Porter brings three decades of enterprise IT and security experience, specializing in self-directed IRAs and Advanta Trust coordination.

End-to-End Technical Support

We provide technical support for Bitcoin self-custody, wallet setup, and estate planning protocols, working alongside your IRA custodian and exchange partner to ensure secure operations.

How It Works

How We Simplify Bitcoin IRA Custody

Holding Bitcoin in your IRA requires careful coordination across several critical components. At The Bitcoin Adviser, we partner with industry leaders to deliver an integrated and secure solution, while you work directly with Advanta Trust and your professional advisors on account decisions.

1. Work with Your IRA Custodian

Your IRA custodian is the IRS-authorized institution responsible for holding and managing your retirement assets. Advanta Trust is our partner—a specialized custodian that understands Bitcoin and offers support for Traditional, Roth, SEP, HSA, and Solo 401(k) IRAs.

You work directly with Advanta Trust to set up and manage your IRA. They ensure your IRA complies with IRS regulations. The Bitcoin Adviser does not act as your IRA custodian and does not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

2. Select a Trusted Exchange Partner

Acquiring Bitcoin for your IRA starts with the right exchange. We partner with River, a Bitcoin-only, publicly traded exchange that specializes in self-directed IRAs. River is critical because they:

  • Allow third-party direct wire transfers from your IRA custodian
  • Support “for the benefit of” accounts required for IRAs
  • Pay interest on cash balances (approximately 3–3.5% paid in Bitcoin)
  • Provide professional, high-touch customer service for retirement accounts

This account setup is critical to staying compliant with all IRS self-directed rules, ensuring you personally are not taking a distribution.

3. Secure Your Bitcoin with Collaborative Security

Self-custody is the cornerstone of owning Bitcoin in your IRA. The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support to set up a multi-signature (multisig) vault where control is distributed among you, The Bitcoin Adviser, and a trusted third-party key holder. This eliminates single points of failure and helps protect your Bitcoin even in unforeseen circumstances.

You hold one key, maintaining direct access to your Bitcoin, while The Bitcoin Adviser and the third-party key holder hold additional keys, creating a robust security framework that can be paired with your custodian’s processes and IRS rules.

IRA Types Supported

All IRA Types Supported

With the right custodian, Bitcoin can be held in various IRA types. Advanta Trust supports Traditional, Roth, SEP, Solo 401(k), and HSA accounts. You work directly with Advanta Trust to select and set up your IRA account type and determine whether Bitcoin is appropriate for your situation. The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support for self-custody once your IRA is established.

Traditional IRA Tax-deferred contributions and growth
Roth IRA Tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals
SEP IRA For self-employed and small businesses
Solo 401(k) For business owners with no employees
HSA Health Savings Account Bitcoin holdings
Why It Matters

Why Collaborative Security Matters

In today's uncertain world, security and resilience are more important than ever. Traditional pension systems, underfunded public plans, and fiat-based promises depend on demographics, taxation, and future political decisions. Bitcoin held in collaborative self-custody offers a different foundation—one that does not rely on future taxpayers or government solvency.

No Single Point of Failure

Even if one key is lost or compromised, your Bitcoin remains safe and accessible through the remaining keys.

Estate Planning Made Easy

In the event of your passing, your assets can transition seamlessly to your beneficiaries through our Estate Plan Protocol.

Enhanced Peace of Mind

With a multisig setup, your Bitcoin is shielded from loss, theft, or unauthorized access while maintaining your control.

IRA Integration & Compliance

Our technical framework is designed to work alongside your IRA custodian’s processes and IRS rules while preserving true ownership and control of your Bitcoin.

Learn More

Bitcoin IRA Webinar: Complete Guide

Watch our comprehensive webinar with Advanta Trust, featuring Scott Porter and Peter Dunworth, as they discuss technical and operational aspects of holding Bitcoin in self-custody within retirement accounts. This is educational content only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

Key topics covered: Why Bitcoin in your IRA, the three-party setup (Advanta Trust, River, The Bitcoin Adviser), fees and costs, the 7-day waiting period, and answers to common questions.

Headshot of Scott Porter

Scott Porter

Self-Directed IRA Technical Specialist · Advanta Trust Collaboration

Scott brings three decades of enterprise IT and security experience to our retirement clients. He provides technical support for the Advanta Trust partnership, coordinating paperwork, compliance documentation, and collaborative security setup. Scott does not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.

Advanta Trust + TBA Workflow
  1. Open or transfer a self-directed IRA (Traditional, Roth, SEP, Solo 401(k), HSA) with Advanta Trust.
  2. Fund the account, list The Bitcoin Adviser as your collaborative-security facilitator, and outline beneficiaries with your custodian and advisors.
  3. Scott provides technical support coordinating with Advanta Trust’s transaction desk, executing the Bitcoin purchase through River, and moving funds into your multisig vault.
  4. Finalize documentation: estate inserts, distribution instructions, and optional recovery rehearsals.

Already working with Advanta Trust? Scott can coordinate directly with your account manager on the technical and operational steps.

Schedule time with Scott

Bring approximate rollover amounts, target timelines, and existing custodian info. Scott will map next steps and coordinate the technical setup with Advanta Trust and River.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Bitcoin IRAs

Can I hold Bitcoin in any type of IRA?

Yes. With the right self-directed custodian, Bitcoin can be held in Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s. Your IRA custodian and your financial or tax advisor can help you decide which account type is appropriate for your situation. The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support for self-custody once your IRA has been established.

Is collaborative security secure?

Absolutely. By combining your control with a secure, multisignature setup, collaborative security offers one of the safest ways to hold Bitcoin for long-term investments like an IRA. Since 2016, we've had zero satoshis lost across all clients.

What happens if I lose my key?

With our collaborative security model, losing one key does not mean losing access to your Bitcoin. The remaining keys can be used to regain control, ensuring your assets are always recoverable. This is one of the key advantages of multi-signature security.

How does this differ from Bitcoin ETFs in an IRA?

Bitcoin ETFs give you exposure to Bitcoin's price, but you don't own actual Bitcoin and you cannot self-custody the asset. With our approach, you hold real Bitcoin in self-custody, giving you true ownership, censorship resistance, and the ability to hedge against the traditional financial system. Learn more about why direct ownership matters →

What are the tax implications?

Generally, Bitcoin held in a Traditional IRA grows tax-deferred, and distributions are taxed as ordinary income. In a Roth IRA, qualified distributions are typically tax-free. The Bitcoin Adviser does not provide tax advice. You must consult with a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances and the current IRS rules.

How long does the setup process take?

For new accounts, there is typically a 7-day waiting period (industry standard) from when your account opens before funds can be sent to purchase Bitcoin. Once that period passes, the process usually takes 2–4 weeks from initial consultation to Bitcoin in your vault. This includes opening or transferring your IRA, coordinating with Advanta Trust, setting up your River account, executing the Bitcoin purchase, and setting up your collaborative security vault.

What are the fees involved?

Advanta Trust fees: Typical fees include a $50 account opening fee, a $95 transaction fee per investment, a $295 annual record-keeping fee (for accounts over $15,000), plus wire fees (e.g., $15 incoming, $30 outgoing).

River exchange: Transaction fees apply based on River’s current fee schedule.

The Bitcoin Adviser: 1% annual fee paid in Bitcoin for self-custody assistance, estate planning protocols, and ongoing technical and operational support.

All third-party fees are subject to change. Please refer to Advanta Trust, River, and any other service providers for their current fee schedules and terms.

Is there a minimum investment amount?

There is no specific minimum investment amount required by The Bitcoin Adviser. Your IRA custodian may have its own policies, and standard IRS contribution limits apply to new contributions. For rollovers or transfers from existing retirement accounts, minimums are typically defined by the sending or receiving custodians. Speak with your IRA custodian and tax advisor for details on limits and suitability.

Can I transfer existing personal Bitcoin into my IRA?

No. You can only make cash contributions to an IRA. Additionally, you cannot sell personal Bitcoin to your IRA (this is treated as a prohibited transaction). If you have Bitcoin in another retirement account, you would need to convert it to cash, transfer the cash, and then repurchase Bitcoin in the new account—this is generally not a taxable event for an IRA-to-IRA transfer, but you must confirm details with your custodian and tax advisor.

Do I need an LLC for this setup?

No. For Bitcoin-only investments, direct investment through your IRA custodian is usually the simplest and most straightforward approach. LLC checkbook control is available if you and your advisors decide to diversify into multiple asset types (Bitcoin, real estate, etc.), but it is not required for Bitcoin-only IRAs.

Can I have multiple vaults in one wallet platform?

Yes. You can have multiple vaults in one wallet platform—one for your IRA Bitcoin, one for personal Bitcoin, one for HSA Bitcoin, etc. Each vault is separate and never co-mingled, but can be managed through the same secure platform with collaborative security.

Why Bitcoin in Your IRA

Key Insights from Our Experts

Educational information only—not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Based on decades of combined experience in finance, technology, and Bitcoin, here are perspectives on Bitcoin in retirement accounts from industry experts:

Best Performing Asset

Bitcoin has been one of the best-performing assets in the world over the past decade, including years returning many hundreds of percent in a single cycle.

Hedge Against Monetary Debasement

While the U.S. dollar and other fiat currencies are continually debased over time, Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins, making it immune to monetary debasement and offering a potential long-term store of value.

No Counterparty Risk in Self-Custody

When held in self-custody, Bitcoin is a digital bearer asset with no direct counterparty risk. You're not relying on underfunded pension systems, bank solvency, or third-party promises to access your savings.

Institutional Adoption Ahead

This is the first time in history that individual investors can front-run major institutions and governments that are only beginning to hold Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

Generational Wealth Asset

For intergenerational wealth planning, Bitcoin represents an opportunity to preserve and grow purchasing power across decades, especially when paired with a tax-advantaged IRA structure and robust estate planning protocols.

Global, Ubiquitous Asset

Bitcoin is the first globally ubiquitous asset—the same everywhere in the world, available 24/7, and increasingly recognized as a strong form of collateral and long-term savings technology.

Important: Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Bitcoin is a volatile asset and can experience large price swings and drawdowns. You should carefully consider your risk tolerance and consult with qualified advisors before making any investment decisions.

Important Disclaimer

The Bitcoin Adviser (TBA) is not a financial services company and does not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. TBA serves exclusively as an independent third-party key holder for Bitcoin wallets and provides technical support for self-custody Bitcoin in IRAs. TBA does not act as the custodian of your IRA, does not hold client funds, and does not recommend or endorse specific investments.

You work directly with Advanta Trust (or another qualified IRA custodian of your choice) to establish and manage your IRA. As the account holder, you are responsible for selecting a qualified custodian and ensuring compliance with all IRS regulations, including contribution limits, distribution requirements, and avoiding prohibited transactions.

TBA is not liable for any penalties or consequences arising from non-compliance with IRS rules, tax regulations, or any other legal or regulatory requirements. You must consult with qualified tax, legal, and financial professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Get Started

Take the First Step Toward Securing Your Future

Whether you're ready to roll over an existing IRA into Bitcoin or exploring options for the first time, The Bitcoin Adviser provides technical support for self-custody Bitcoin in IRAs. We do not provide financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Schedule a call today to learn about our technical support services for Bitcoin self-custody in retirement accounts, and speak with your professional advisors about whether this strategy is appropriate for you.