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[shield132]

Just recently I've decided to invest in Bitcoin and have chosen to buy shares in Fidelity's FBTC Exchange-Traded-Fund.

My choice was primarily between Fidelity's FBTC and Blackrock's IBIT. I chose FBTC because I like and trust Fidelity's service and I like their Trading Dashboard features.

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?   

To my mind, Bitcoin Spot ETFs are a good way for beginners to buy Bitcoins but if they want to HODL bitcoins, then I suggest them to learn more about Bitcoin over time and focus on hardware wallet and how to create a cold wallet and store their bitcoins safely.
In my country, local banks offer ETF investments to their customers. With mobile or internet bank, you can easily move money from your main account to investment account and buy ETFs within seconds. You can also sell them within seconds and immediately transfer money from investment account to main account, all of these are part of the bank's ecosystem and you do not transfer money outside of the bank, which is very handy to my mind, especially for beginners.

[Don Pedro Dinero]

I'm not sure if an account called 'BTCETFInvesto' that started this thread is somehow trying to promote ETFs.

To my mind, Bitcoin Spot ETFs are a good way for beginners to buy Bitcoins but if they want to HODL bitcoins, then I suggest them to learn more about Bitcoin over time and focus on hardware wallet and how to create a cold wallet and store their bitcoins safely.

This would be ideal for someone who has already purchased shares or ETFs and finds bitcoin complicated. But over time, nothing is safer than managing bitcoins with your private keys.

[hero_the_bossman]

If you view btc as an investment, yes that’s a good way to invest in btc since you care only for the price, nothing else. From your perspective, this decision makes sense the most.

If you value the tech behind btc and have plans to use it, then you need to own btc itself. You know there are a few nice use cases. You can buy stuff with it, keep your savings in a btc address like it is a savings account… Send money globally without needing permission…

Clearly you are not interested in these and that’s why you made the right decision

Yes, I think you are correct that I do not have plans to use the tech behind BTC - being solely interested in the FBTC ETF share price, in that it moves pretty closely parallel with the value of BTC.  

I love learning about the tech and how some holders of BTC might use that tech, but I really do not foresee me using it like some might...    

If you've already made up your mind and the advice of others doesn't have any impact then there's really nothing to talk about. You are better off choosing to use a third party rather than having bitcoin in your own hands. But what in the title you are still asking, while from this statement it feels like the decision is final.

Maybe OP wanted to hear something that would change his mind, but alas - it wasn't enough, so to speak 

[free-bit.co.in]

Buying a BTC ETF is not a good idea. When you buy an ETF, you don’t actually own anything , you only own an IOU, a promise that someone else owns the actual asset for you. You have to trust the other party that they really possess the Bitcoin and that they will pay you when you ask for it.

For example, what if things go wrong hyperinflation hits the US, a civil war breaks out, or there is anarchy? How will you then access your money? In such situations, there is a high chance you could lose everything.

On the other hand, when you own Bitcoin on your hardware wallet, you truly own a bearer asset. You can always carry it with you, go anywhere in the world, and exchange it for local currency. You can directly use and spend Bitcoin, which ETFs or IOUs do not allow.

But as Z-tight said, this is at least better than not buying and many times better than many people still being hostile and distrustful of bitcoin, so far.

In my opinion, if OP is new then this is not a bad start and there is nothing to criticize him about. Newbies need more time to learn about bitcoin and once they understand enough, they can convert their ETF into real bitcoin at any time. This is not a big or serious issue and we do not need to be too harsh on those who are new to bitcoin but have already believed and decided to invest in it.

[Cryptohygenic]

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?   

Not a bad ideal buying shares of bitcoin through the ETF. As a non Tech who tend to be buying aggressively with a long term interest, it saves you a lot of stress and a key to insurances so that you don't get driven by Fomo or lack of management because there is a management structure in the firm of being a shareholder with the ETF.

[Danica22]

As a bitcoin investor, I do not encourage us to invest and store bitcoin through a third party because that goes against its original criteria. But I have to admit that not everyone knows how to use non-custodial wallets, DEXs...so for those who don't have basic knowledge of technology or are not too confident in their ability to hold it themselves. Buying bitcoin shares through ETFs is a good solution.

I see many people against investing through ETFs but we are not in their shoes and we are not like them. We should not impose our thoughts on them.

[DPHOR]

You aren't late to bitcoin there is always every opportunity to invest in bitcoin and grow your portfolio gradually. Although to me i wouldn't support investment made through any party or exchange, it would be ideal to make your investment and remain in custodial of your wallet, that is to say that you should make investment and have your keys at yourself than having to leave your investment on exchange where you had no key to your funds. Key in mind that bitcoin price increases gradually as time keeps going, when you understand how bitcoin operates you would never think you are late to bitcoin investment because bitcoin increases every year especially after its cycles.

[wheeljunkie]

Just recently I've decided to invest in Bitcoin and have chosen to buy shares in Fidelity's FBTC Exchange-Traded-Fund.

My choice was primarily between Fidelity's FBTC and Blackrock's IBIT. I chose FBTC because I like and trust Fidelity's service and I like their Trading Dashboard features.

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?    

Yes, ETFs are the recommended method for both low tech people and those that are overall not familiar with the practices necessary to secure your Bitcoin. Keep in mind that mistakes with Bitcoin are not reversible, so I highly recommend educating yourself deeply before you try to do self custody with any significant amount. For the time being you are better off joining us through the ETF. Welcome!

I've been educating myself and have learned a whole lot. I'm very excited about Bitcoin's future. The future price predictions for BTC by the experts are mind-boggling!

My advice is to ignore any so called experts and influencers. They don't know anything. Simply by the power of chance someone ends up being correct when there are thousands of different predictions. It is better to use your head and think about these things. There is only 1 thing in the entire existence of humanity that has a fixed supply, it is Bitcoin. Everything else is fake or diluting itself like stuff with collectibles. In an always inflating word where the money printer almost never stops its future looks bright.

As a bitcoin investor, I do not encourage us to invest and store bitcoin through a third party because that goes against its original criteria. But I have to admit that not everyone knows how to use non-custodial wallets, DEXs...so for those who don't have basic knowledge of technology or are not too confident in their ability to hold it themselves. Buying bitcoin shares through ETFs is a good solution.

I see many people against investing through ETFs but we are not in their shoes and we are not like them. We should not impose our thoughts on them.

You just repeated what I wrote in the first response..

[retreat]

The best investment in Bitcoin is to buy Bitcoin and hold it in your non custodial wallet, because you will have full control of your Bitcoin and you will not have to worry that when the exchange has a problem the Bitcoin you have will be lost. Because whatever credible institution you say it is, they are still a company, and at any time they can get into trouble, and when that happens the Bitcoin you hold could potentially be lost. But this is your choice, if you feel that you believe that they are a trusted institution, just do it buy their ETF shares, only at your own risk.

[coolcoinz]

Yes, I understand what you're saying about years ago. And, I'm sure a lot of people sold for meager gains (compared to what the future holds) and they now regret they sold.

Yes, I'm pretty good with a PC and iPhone, so it's not like I need help turning on the bathroom light!  

My plan is to buy the number of FBTC shares that equal the current (July, 2025) value of one Bitcoin (1BTC). At this time of acquiring my first FBTC in July, 2025 the price of one Bitcoin (1BTC) is about $118,000. Therefore, 1,200 shares of FBTC at a share price of $100 to $104/share equals $100,000 to $125,000; the July, 2025 price for one Bitcoin (1BTC).  Ultimately, I'd like to buy enough FBTC shares equal to the current value of 1½ BTCs and HODL...  

It comes down to whatever you're most comfortable with.

You own similar financial instruments. You said it yourself that you have money with multiple companies, so it looks like you were asking a rhetorical question. Is an ETF a good way to invest in bitcoin? In your case it certainly is because you trust companies that issue shares, you used to own other financial products, you're new to self custody, you are probably an older guy, able to invest a lot of money but scared of being hacked or losing funds by making stupid mistakes.

For me it's a bad idea, but I used to hold bitcoin back when there were no relatively safe custodial solutions. Right now you can get an insured company with a trillion $ in assets to hold your BTC so, why not?

[Franctoshi]

Just recently I've decided to invest in Bitcoin and have chosen to buy shares in Fidelity's FBTC Exchange-Traded-Fund.

My choice was primarily between Fidelity's FBTC and Blackrock's IBIT. I chose FBTC because I like and trust Fidelity's service and I like their Trading Dashboard features.

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?    

In as much as this sounds good to you to buy a share of Bitcoin ETF and hold, why not or what stops you from buying Bitcoin directly from any decentralized exchange platform or a centralized exchange platform out there such as Binance or Bybit, and put your BTC in a cold storage wallet such as Ledger Nano X or Trezor model you can also use a free wallet like the electrum wallet if you can't get your hands on any of these hardware wallets and have a full possession of your funds, because not your keys not your cryptos.
It safer to self custody that's the main game.

[Iranus]

The best investment in Bitcoin is to buy Bitcoin and hold it in your non custodial wallet, because you will have full control of your Bitcoin and you will not have to worry that when the exchange has a problem the Bitcoin you have will be lost. Because whatever credible institution you say it is, they are still a company, and at any time they can get into trouble, and when that happens the Bitcoin you hold could potentially be lost. But this is your choice, if you feel that you believe that they are a trusted institution, just do it buy their ETF shares, only at your own risk.

But it should also be added that using a non-custodial wallet will give us full control over our bitcoins, but that does not mean we will be absolutely safe. There have been many exchanges, centralized platforms that have been hacked, collapsed, and many people have lost their bitcoins because of using their storage services. But there are also many investors who have lost bitcoins because they did not do a good job of security when storing them themselves.

allinvain, a member of our forum also had his wallet hacked and lost over 25kBTC in 2011.

To be fair, being your own bank or using a third party both have their pros and cons.


https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=16457.0

[yhiaali3]

Personally, I don't consider buying shares in BTC ETF as a way to invest in Bitcoin. I congratulate you for finally deciding to invest in Bitcoin, but I can't congratulate you on your decision to invest in an ETF because I don't see it as any different from investing in banks.

However, if you're the type who doesn't like the hassle of learning the most basic security rules and doesn't care whether you actually own your assets, that's your decision, and you bear responsibility for your choice.

[adaseb]

Yes its a good way to invest because when you buy shares, unless someone sell their shares, Blackrock actually buys real bitcoin from their custodian, I think its Coinbase in this situation.

If you cant be bothered with security or you are someone that is not very good with computers its the preferred way to invest because its more secure. Sure there are people who say "not your keys... not your coins" its true but honestly there are way too many hacks and scams going around that buying the Bitcoin ETF is the best solution to some people.

[X-ray]

Personally, I don't consider buying shares in BTC ETF as a way to invest in Bitcoin. I congratulate you for finally deciding to invest in Bitcoin, but I can't congratulate you on your decision to invest in an ETF because I don't see it as any different from investing in banks.

However, if you're the type who doesn't like the hassle of learning the most basic security rules and doesn't care whether you actually own your assets, that's your decision, and you bear responsibility for your choice.

To be fair self custody can be a hassle if we learned from zero, if a person wanted to only profit from holding BTC they can easily use exchange and etf.

There are clear regulation about the instrument they're buying so doing due diligence is great. Majority of people that I know are just using exchange to buy bitcoin and thats it.

I've pursued them to be self custody and what they say is that they're already got too much on their hand to learn about self custody, basically busy people.

[Swordsoffreedom]

As some have said, buying bitcoin and holding it in a non-custodial wallet is the best way and that is true. But that doesn't mean investing through a bitcoin ETF is not good or unsafe.


Many people do not acknowledge this as bitcoin investing because those investing through ETFs do not own real bitcoins. But the irony is that the biggest money flowing into the market and the catalyst that increased demand for bitcoin and pushed the price to $123,000 are ETFs.

Everyone understands this and even supports it as it helped bitcoin price rise to $123,000. But on the other hand, it is puzzling that many people are still willing to complain or even criticize when someone invests through ETFs.
This makes me feel like they are people with multiple personalities  .

In short, investing in bitcoin by buying and holding in a non-custodial wallet, or through an ETF are both good and safe ways.

[tabas]

Just recently I've decided to invest in Bitcoin and have chosen to buy shares in Fidelity's FBTC Exchange-Traded-Fund.

My choice was primarily between Fidelity's FBTC and Blackrock's IBIT. I chose FBTC because I like and trust Fidelity's service and I like their Trading Dashboard features.

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?   

This is fine if you have just started. Soon, you will also want to hold that actual Bitcoin which isn't far from how you've purchased that FBTC. All you need to have is a wallet and also an exchange account. It might be complicated at the beginning when you're not yet aware of how to do it. But eventually, you'll get used to it and you'll have the idea that it's not that bad to own the actual BTC than the shares. Anyway, as long as you're investing what you can afford to lose, this is just the start and you'll get to know more about Bitcoin.

[Smartprofit]

Just recently I've decided to invest in Bitcoin and have chosen to buy shares in Fidelity's FBTC Exchange-Traded-Fund.

My choice was primarily between Fidelity's FBTC and Blackrock's IBIT. I chose FBTC because I like and trust Fidelity's service and I like their Trading Dashboard features.

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?   

When you invest in an ETF, you are not buying Bitcoin itself, but only a share in the Bitcoin ETF. Under the terms of the agreement, the ETF (in your case, the Fidelity FBTC fund) agrees to pay you a certain amount in US dollars (if certain conditions are met). This amount is determined in conventional units (namely, BTC) and is converted into dollars on the day of payment. So, in fact, you do not own any Bitcoins🤷

Are you okay with this? If your answer is "yes", then everything is great! From then on, everything will depend on the decisions of other people, which, in turn, will be determined by the current political and economic situation in the United States. For example, under certain conditions, the US government may decide to pay you a smaller amount than specified in the agreement with Fidelity (for example, if it is decided that legal entities and individuals do not have the right to own Bitcoin. Bitcoin can only be a reserve asset managed by the US Federal Reserve).  Also, Fidelity could go bankrupt and refuse to pay you. There could be many more negative events like this in the future. Although, of course, everything could work out well🏛️

Yes, this method of investing is convenient, since you don't have to worry about storing the seed phrase yourself. However, don't be fooled - with this method of investing, you will not become the owner of Bitcoin.🤹

[dezoel]

You aren't late to bitcoin there is always every opportunity to invest in bitcoin and grow your portfolio gradually. Although to me i wouldn't support investment made through any party or exchange, it would be ideal to make your investment and remain in custodial of your wallet, that is to say that you should make investment and have your keys at yourself than having to leave your investment on exchange where you had no key to your funds. Key in mind that bitcoin price increases gradually as time keeps going, when you understand how bitcoin operates you would never think you are late to bitcoin investment because bitcoin increases every year especially after its cycles.

That is true, there is nothing to be worried or scared. Bitcoin will make you some money, and as long as you are doing a good job, you should not be worried about it. Bitcoin has a great future and you will profit from it. I know that it feels scary sometimes when people see it so high, but they need to realize bitcoin is still better than any other investment in the world.

I would say maybe buying yourself a home instead of paying rent could be the better way, you will pay a bit more of course to your mortgage, but at least you own it, and it would be an asset instead of a liability. But aside from that, the best investment in the world is bitcoin, even at this price, long term investment into bitcoin will make you more money.

[Synchronice]

Just recently I've decided to invest in Bitcoin and have chosen to buy shares in Fidelity's FBTC Exchange-Traded-Fund.

My choice was primarily between Fidelity's FBTC and Blackrock's IBIT. I chose FBTC because I like and trust Fidelity's service and I like their Trading Dashboard features.

Is Buying Shares of a BTC ETF a good way for non-tech new (late-to the game) investors to invest in BTC?   

For a non-tech guy, buying shares of Bitcoin ETFs is a good way to enter the game. Why not? You just want to enter it and you are not a tech-savvy guy but evolve over time. You know, there is one rule in crypto world, not your keys, not your coins. In the end, you want to enlighten yourself more and become slightly more advanced in tech. Creating a Bitcoin wallet is not hard, it's very easy, the hardest thing is to keep seeds safely secured. It only takes few seconds to generate a wallet in Electrum.

So first of all, you're not late to the game.

Think about it. If you came to the party at $1k, knowing that a year before bitcoin was $100 and a year before $1, you'd think it's done growing and you're late.
3 years later it would be $20k and you'd probably think you're late, but ahead there was 60k, at which point people like you were saying they're late, not knowing that there's 120k ahead of them.

I'd agree with this statement but there is a huge difference in market cap when the price of Bitcoin was $1k and now. The market cap was too low during that time and today it's billions of dollars. It can't become 1 million USD from 100K easily. It might hit 200K but I wouldn't expect anything higher than this in 2025-2026.