Cryptocurrency trading has evolved from a niche activity into a mainstream financial opportunity. With digital assets gaining credibility and broader acceptance, more investors are seeking reliable platforms to buy, sell, and manage crypto alongside traditional investments. Whether you're interested in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or crypto ETFs, the key is finding a platform that offers transparency, low costs, and seamless integration with your existing portfolio.
Why Crypto Belongs in Your Portfolio
Digital assets are no longer just speculative tools—they’re becoming a recognized component of a diversified investment strategy. From institutional adoption to regulatory advancements, cryptocurrencies are increasingly viewed as a legitimate asset class. Including crypto in your portfolio can provide exposure to high-growth potential markets, hedge against inflation, and offer 24/7 trading flexibility unlike traditional markets.
👉 Discover how to seamlessly integrate crypto into your investment strategy today.
Low-Cost Trading: More Coin, Less Cost
One of the biggest barriers to frequent or long-term crypto investing is trading fees. Hidden markups and high spreads can erode returns over time. Transparent pricing is essential for maximizing your investment value.
Here’s how leading platforms compare in terms of markup/markdown:
- tastytrade: 0.50–0.75%*
- Robinhood: 0.85%
- Fidelity: 1.00%
- Public: 1.25%+
With some platforms charging more than double the cost, even small differences in fees can significantly impact your long-term gains. tastytrade’s competitive pricing model ensures you keep more of your profits—especially important in a volatile market where every percentage point counts.
*For cryptocurrency trading, Zero Hash receives a 50–75 basis point markup/markdown on the executed order price, of which tastytrade receives 65%.
Full Ownership and Control
When you trade crypto through the tastytrade platform, you gain actual ownership of the digital assets—not just price exposure or synthetic instruments. This means you’re not limited to paper gains; you hold real cryptocurrency that can be transferred, stored, or used as needed.
Your assets are custodied by Zero Hash LLC, a registered Money Service Business (NMLS #169937) and licensed virtual currency provider authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). This partnership ensures compliance with U.S. regulatory standards while maintaining secure custody practices.
However, it’s important to understand that cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by FDIC or SIPC insurance. Unlike traditional bank accounts or brokerage securities, there is no government-backed safety net for digital assets. You must carefully evaluate the risks before investing.
Trade with Freedom and Flexibility
No Margin Trading, Full Payment Required
Crypto positions must be fully paid for—margin trading is not permitted. This rule helps prevent excessive leverage and promotes responsible investing in a highly volatile market.
No PDT Rules Apply
Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rules, which apply to equities and options, do not apply to cryptocurrency trading. This gives active traders more freedom to execute multiple transactions without account restrictions.
24/7/365 Market Access
Unlike stock markets that close on weekends and holidays, crypto markets operate continuously. This global accessibility allows you to respond to market movements at any time—but it also means settlement schedules vary based on when trades are executed.
Settlement Schedule:
- Trades closed before Sunday at any time or before 12 a.m. CT Monday–Wednesday: Settle in T+2
- Trades closed before 12 a.m. CT Thursday–Friday: Settle in T+4
- Trades closed on Saturday (any time): Settle in T+3
For example: A crypto trade closed on Wednesday before midnight CT will settle by Friday morning. After liquidation, funds are transferred between Zero Hash and Apex on Thursday, with cash available in your account by Friday.
👉 Learn how fast and flexible crypto settlement can work in your favor.
Regulatory Compliance and Security
tastytrade operates as a regulated U.S. brokerage firm and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA), subject to regulatory oversight. Through its partnership with Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC (MSB #31000181510564), tastytrade offers compliant cryptocurrency trading services.
While Zero Hash maintains high security standards—including cold storage, encryption, and operational controls—it's crucial to remember that spot virtual currency transactions and exchanges fall outside NFA’s regulatory authority. The crypto space remains largely unregulated compared to traditional financial markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I actually own the cryptocurrency I buy on tastytrade?
A: Yes. When you purchase crypto through tastytrade, you own the underlying digital asset. It is held in custody by Zero Hash LLC, but you retain full ownership rights and can transfer it to external wallets.
Q: Are my crypto holdings insured?
A: No. Cryptocurrency accounts are not covered by FDIC (for cash) or SIPC (for securities) protection. Your digital assets are held securely but without government-backed insurance.
Q: Can I trade crypto on margin?
A: No. All crypto trades must be fully paid for. Margin trading is not allowed on the platform.
Q: Why do settlement times vary?
A: Because crypto markets operate 24/7, settlement depends on the day of the trade. Weekday trades typically settle faster (T+2), while weekend trades may take longer due to backend processing cycles.
Q: Is crypto trading suitable for everyone?
A: No. Due to extreme volatility, lack of regulation, liquidity risks, and potential for market manipulation, crypto trading is not appropriate for all investors. You should assess your risk tolerance and financial situation before participating.
Q: How does tastytrade ensure regulatory compliance?
A: tastytrade partners with Zero Hash—a licensed virtual currency business under NYDFS—to ensure custody and transaction services meet U.S. regulatory requirements. However, broader crypto markets remain subject to evolving oversight.
Build Your Crypto Future with Confidence
Integrating cryptocurrency into your investment plan doesn’t have to mean sacrificing security or control. With transparent pricing, real asset ownership, and compliance-focused infrastructure, platforms like tastytrade make it easier to navigate this dynamic market.
Whether you're exploring Bitcoin as digital gold or diversifying into emerging altcoins and ETFs, understanding the mechanics—fees, settlement, custody, and risk—is essential.
👉 Start your crypto journey with a platform built for transparency and control.
Remember: Always conduct thorough research, review risk disclosures such as Zero Hash’s General Risks of Digital Assets, and consult financial advisors when necessary.
Crypto isn’t just the future of finance—it’s part of today’s investment landscape. Make sure you’re prepared to trade it wisely.