Crypto holders can now move into traditional investments such as SpaceX, Apple, and thousands of other stocks and ETFs without transferring money to another app, as Uphold launches fractional stock trading and prepares to extend access beyond regular market hours.
Key Takeaways
Eligible U.S. customers can access more than 4,000 stocks and ETFs through the Uphold app.Supported cryptocurrencies can fund equity purchases through a single transaction flow.Fractional investments start at $5, though crypto conversion and securities fees may apply.Turning bitcoin into a stock investment has traditionally required several moves: sell the crypto, transfer the cash to a brokerage, and place a separate order. That obstacle just became smaller for eligible U.S. investors.
“People want one app for all of their investing – crypto included,” Nancy Beaton, president of Uphold U.S., said. “Equities on Uphold is designed to make that real.” The executive added:
“Uphold customers can now sell bitcoin to buy Berkshire Hathaway shares in a single step on the app – with no clunky currency conversions and without needing to transfer funds between stablecoins or cash balances.”
The transaction is not a direct exchange of bitcoin for stock. Behind the one-step interface, Uphold sells the selected cryptocurrency for U.S. dollars before using the proceeds to purchase the security.
Crypto Platforms Race to Become All-in-One Investing AppsCompetition is also intensifying as crypto companies race to combine digital assets and traditional investing under one roof.
Uphold’s latest launch adds another player to the growing effort to let investors manage crypto and stocks from a single platform.
Fractional Trading Starts at $5, With Longer Hours PlannedFractional shares lower the barrier for customers who do not want to pay for a full share of an expensive company or exchange-traded fund. Investments start at $5 where fractional trading is supported.
Commission-free trading applies to cash-funded stock and ETF orders, according to the company. A purchase funded with cryptocurrency can still trigger a digital asset conversion fee, reducing the amount ultimately invested. Securities, regulatory, or other transaction fees may also apply.
Uphold plans to expand stock trading to nearly 24 hours a day, though it has not announced a launch date. Premarket, after-hours, and overnight trading would allow customers to respond to earnings reports, economic data, and breaking news outside the regular U.S. market session.
The broader bet is simple: Someone already holding bitcoin may be more likely to buy Apple, SpaceX or an ETF when the next investment is only one step away.
