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.
Crypto Can Now Fund the Next Stock Trade
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.
More than 4,000 U.S. stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are now available through Uphold, allowing customers to sell supported cryptocurrencies and buy equities without leaving the app. Uphold highlighted Apple and SpaceX as examples in a post on X, while its launch announcement showed how bitcoin could fund a Berkshire Hathaway purchase.
“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 Apps
Competition is also intensifying as crypto companies race to combine digital assets and traditional investing under one roof.
Coinbase launched U.S. stock trading earlier this year as part of its “Everything Exchange” strategy, expanding its platform beyond cryptocurrencies into traditional investments. Gemini launched commission-free stock trading this month, allowing eligible customers to access U.S. equities alongside crypto and prediction markets.
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 Planned
Fractional 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.
