Bitcoin has proven to be one of the most extraordinary investments of the 21st century. Over the past decade, its price has surged by an astonishing 37,000%—a return that dwarfs traditional assets like the S&P 500. For investors seeking exposure to this high-performing digital asset, a convenient and regulated option now exists: the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). This spot Bitcoin ETF allows you to invest $100 today and hold it for the long term with minimal effort and maximum accessibility.
Why Bitcoin ETFs Are a Game-Changer
Gaining direct ownership of Bitcoin traditionally involves navigating cryptocurrency exchanges, setting up digital wallets, and managing private keys—steps that can be daunting for new or risk-averse investors. These barriers often deter mainstream participation, despite strong interest in the asset class.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start investing in Bitcoin without the technical hassle.
Enter Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These financial products bring crypto exposure to traditional brokerage accounts, allowing investors to buy shares just like they would with stocks. No need for cold storage, seed phrases, or blockchain know-how—just a simple trade through your existing investment platform.
The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in January 2024 marked a pivotal moment in financial history. Among the new entrants, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) quickly emerged as the leader. Sponsored by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, IBIT has rapidly amassed over $50 billion in assets under management as of April 2025—a testament to institutional and retail confidence.
iShares Bitcoin Trust: Simplicity Meets Credibility
The iShares Bitcoin Trust holds actual Bitcoin on its balance sheet, giving investors indirect exposure to price movements without the burden of self-custody. While shareholders don’t own the underlying coins directly, they benefit from the same appreciation—making IBIT ideal for those focused solely on long-term capital growth rather than using Bitcoin for transactions.
One of the standout features of IBIT is its low expense ratio: just 0.25% annually. On a $100 investment, that’s only 25 cents per year—making it one of the most cost-effective ways to gain regulated access to Bitcoin. Compare this to other early ETFs that charged up to 0.90%, and the value proposition becomes even clearer.
Both individual and institutional investors are embracing IBIT due to its:
- Regulatory compliance
- Backing by a trusted financial giant (BlackRock)
- Seamless integration into retirement accounts and taxable portfolios
- High liquidity and transparent pricing
This combination of trust, simplicity, and low cost makes IBIT a compelling choice for anyone looking to start or scale their Bitcoin exposure.
Why You Should Be Bullish on Bitcoin
Before investing—even $100—it's essential to understand what you're buying. The performance of IBIT will closely mirror the price of Bitcoin, so your conviction in the underlying asset is critical.
Here’s why many investors believe Bitcoin is worth holding long-term:
Scarcity by Design
Bitcoin’s protocol enforces a hard cap of 21 million coins—a finite supply hardcoded into its blockchain. Unlike fiat currencies, which central banks can print indefinitely, Bitcoin cannot be inflated. This scarcity is increasingly attractive amid rising government debt and persistent inflation concerns worldwide.
Strong Network Effect
As the first and most widely adopted cryptocurrency, Bitcoin enjoys unmatched brand recognition and network strength. Its security model, decentralized node structure, and global user base create powerful moats that newer cryptocurrencies struggle to replicate. Every time more institutions adopt Bitcoin or more users join the network, its utility and resilience grow.
Historical Resilience
Bitcoin has endured multiple market cycles, including sharp corrections of 50% or more. Yet each time, it has rebounded stronger than before. As of early 2025, IBIT trades about 14% below its all-time high—a modest pullback in the context of its long-term trajectory.
“Time in the market beats timing the market.”
— A core principle of long-term wealth building
Rather than waiting for the “perfect” entry point, deploying your $100 now allows you to begin compounding returns immediately. You can always add more later through dollar-cost averaging, investing small amounts regularly regardless of price.
👉 Learn how regular, small investments can grow into significant wealth over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy fractions of an ETF share?
A: Yes—many brokers now support fractional shares, meaning your $100 can go entirely to work even if one full share of IBIT costs more.
Q: Is IBIT safer than holding Bitcoin directly?
A: For most investors, yes. IBIT eliminates risks like lost keys or exchange hacks while offering SEC oversight and audit transparency.
Q: Does IBIT pay dividends?
A: No. Like owning gold or other commodities, returns come solely from price appreciation.
Q: Can I hold IBIT in my IRA or 401(k)?
A: Many custodians now allow ETFs like IBIT in retirement accounts, giving tax-advantaged access to Bitcoin.
Q: How does IBIT compare to other Bitcoin ETFs?
A: IBIT leads in assets under management and benefits from BlackRock’s distribution power, making it more liquid and trusted than many competitors.
Q: What happens if BlackRock decides to sell the Bitcoin?
A: The fund is designed to track Bitcoin’s price; redemptions are handled in-kind with authorized participants. Large-scale sales would require massive outflows and are not expected under normal conditions.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big
Investing $100 in the iShares Bitcoin Trust isn’t about getting rich overnight—it’s about positioning yourself for the future. With its low barrier to entry, regulatory clarity, and backing by one of Wall Street’s most influential firms, IBIT offers a smart on-ramp to digital asset investing.
Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned investor diversifying your portfolio, this ETF makes it easier than ever to say “I own Bitcoin” without stepping into the wild west of decentralized finance.
👉 See how a $100 investment today could grow over the next decade.
As adoption accelerates—from nations adding Bitcoin to reserves to corporations integrating it into treasury strategies—the case for long-term ownership strengthens. Combine that with dollar-cost averaging and a patient mindset, and you’ve got a strategy built not on speculation, but on conviction.
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