SoFi Launches In-App Crypto Trading with US Bank Charter
SoFi, a national bank-chartered fintech, has launched in-app crypto trading for its 12.6 million members. The SoFi crypto trading feature lets users buy, sell, and hold dozens of tokens—including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL)—directly within the SoFi app. Funds are transferred straight from SoFi checking or savings accounts, removing the need for a separate wallet.
The launch follows spring 2025 guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which eased rules for banking-based crypto services. A waitlist promotion offers priority access and a chance to win one Bitcoin for sign-ups by November 30, 2025. This move taps growing demand for regulated, bank-backed crypto trading solutions.
CEO Anthony Noto said integrating banking and crypto trading in one app is critical for secure, regulated access to digital assets. Next steps include a US-dollar stablecoin, blockchain-based remittances and digital asset–backed lending. Analysts expect other banks and fintechs to adopt similar in-app crypto capabilities.
Bullish
Integrating crypto trading into a regulated banking app boosts institutional credibility and retail accessibility for BTC, ETH and other tokens. In the short term, the launch—and associated waitlist promotion—could drive additional buy-side pressure as users convert fiat to cryptocurrencies directly within the SoFi app. Over the long term, the bank-chartered solution may attract risk-averse investors to major tokens, supporting sustained demand. Planned stablecoin issuance and blockchain remittance services could further entrench SoFi as a major on-ramp, reinforcing bullish sentiment for these assets.