SoFi Bank Becomes First U.S. Chartered Bank to Offer Crypto Trading Inside Its App

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SoFi Bank Becomes First U.S. Chartered Bank to Offer Crypto Trading Inside Its App

SoFi Bank has officially launched “SoFi Crypto,” becoming the first nationally chartered U.S. bank to allow users to manage checking, savings, loans, and crypto trading within a single app.

Starting today, customers can buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) directly from their existing SoFi accounts. The feature rollout will continue in stages across the coming weeks.

A First for a Nationally Chartered Bank

Unlike fintechs or brokerages, SoFi Bank operates under a national banking charter, giving it federal oversight and prudential regulation. This distinction allows SoFi to legally integrate crypto trading with traditional financial services , which is a move it calls a “regulatory milestone.”

The launch positions SoFi ahead of competitors like Robinhood and Revolut, blending the simplicity of a retail bank with the sophistication of a crypto trading platform.

Seamless Banking–Crypto Experience

Users can now fund crypto purchases directly from FDIC-insured checking and savings accounts, eliminating the need to transfer money between banks and exchanges. However, SoFi emphasized that crypto assets are not FDIC or SIPC insured, meaning Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies remain outside deposit protection.

To address security concerns, SoFi says it uses “bank-grade encryption and custody protocols” to safeguard user assets.

The app also includes an educational component, providing users with guides and tutorials to understand crypto investing, risk management, and blockchain technology. SoFi aims to make digital assets more approachable for both beginners and seasoned investors.

A Strategic Comeback After 2023 Exit

This launch marks SoFi’s return to crypto after the company paused its digital asset services in late 2023 to focus on banking compliance. The new rollout demonstrates that its regulatory and operational frameworks are now aligned.

The move also reflects a broader shift on Wall Street. Major financial institutions , including Morgan Stanley, which plans to introduce crypto trading on E*Trade by 2026 , are gradually reopening to digital assets.

SoFi CEO Anthony Noto said the initiative underscores the company’s belief that blockchain technology can deliver “faster, cheaper, and more secure” financial transactions.

“Our goal is to make finance simpler, smarter, and more inclusive,” said Noto. “With SoFi Crypto, users no longer have to juggle multiple apps or platforms to manage both their money and their investments.”

If successful, SoFi’s integrated approach could become a blueprint for mainstream banks seeking to enter the digital asset space while maintaining regulatory compliance.

 

By Patrick Johnson

Patrick Johnson is a seasoned crypto journalist and analyst with a sharp eye for emerging trends in blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 innovation. With a background in tech writing and years of experience tracking digital assets, Patrick breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable insights for investors, builders, and curious readers alike. His work spans market analysis, crypto regulation, decentralized finance ecosystems, and interviews with founders shaping the next phase of the internet. Patrick's writing has appeared in leading crypto publications and has earned a reputation for depth, clarity, and a no-hype approach to crypto journalism. When he’s not decoding the latest protocol upgrade or reporting on DAO governance shifts, you’ll find him experimenting with smart contracts or hiking off-grid, because even crypto authors need to unplug sometimes.