SoFi Becomes First National Bank To Let Americans Trade Crypto

SoFi, the fintech that won a national bank charter, has begun letting US customers buy, sell and hold cryptocurrencies inside its app. The move was announced on November 11, 2025 and comes as the company says it will offer dozens of tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana.

SoFi Puts Banking And Crypto In One App

According to SoFi’s investor release, around 12.6 million members use its products now, and the crypto feature will roll out in phases to that user base over the next few weeks.

The company says members can move money from their SoFi checking or savings accounts directly into crypto trades without opening a separate account.

“Today marks a pivotal moment when banking meets crypto in one app,” SoFi CEO Anthony Noto said in a press release statement. Noto added that it is “critical to give our members a secure and regulated way to step into the future of money.”

The launch also includes a waitlist promotion: sign up by November 30 to get priority, and meet simple activity rules by January 31, 2026 for a chance to win one Bitcoin.

Regulators And Policy Shift

Reports have disclosed that the timing followed clearer guidance from federal regulators in 2025. Executives pointed to an Office of the Comptroller of the Currency action in spring 2025 that made it more straightforward for banks with national charters to provide crypto and blockchain services. That regulatory change helped make this step possible for SoFi.

According to reports, SoFi highlights a survey finding that about 60% of its crypto-owning members would prefer to keep assets with a licensed bank rather than a crypto-native exchange. For many customers, the pitch is trust and easier money movement — plain reasons that can move people to act.

Plans Beyond Trading

According to Noto, SoFi is not stopping at simple trading. The bank, he said, has outlined plans for a US-dollar stablecoin, crypto-enabled remittances that use blockchain rails, and ways to fold crypto into lending products.

The company also noted it raised its full-year profit forecast after strong third-quarter results, giving it room to push into new services.

Analysts said that banks and fintechs will watch closely. Some may try to copy the one-app approach, while crypto exchanges may point to features and fees that still favor them.

Adoption won’t be automatic. Crypto is volatile, and the assets customers buy are not FDIC insured. SoFi makes that clear in its materials.

Featured image from SoFi, chart from TradingView