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How to Transfer Crypto In-Kind

🗒️ Crypto transfers are only available for non-retirement accounts. Per IRS rules, IRAs can only accept cash contributions.

How to transfer crypto

This guide walks you through transferring crypto from an external institution (such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Robinhood) into your Freedom Account. We'll cover how to prepare your account, initiate the transfer from your external platform, and confirm the funds arrive safely.

Before you begin

Here's what you'll need:

  • An active Freedom Account on Bitcoin IRA

  • An account at the external institution (Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, etc.) that holds the crypto you want to transfer

  • Login credentials and any two-factor authentication (2FA) devices for both accounts

  • A few uninterrupted minutes to complete the process carefully

Tip: If this is your first time transferring crypto to Bitcoin IRA, we strongly recommend sending a small test amount (a "micro transaction") first to confirm the transfer details are correct before sending a larger amount. See Step 4 below for details.

Step 1: Prepare the transfer on your Freedom Account

  1. Log in to your Bitcoin IRA account.

  2. Select Add Funds (or another deposit option from the dashboard).

  3. Choose Deposit Cash or Crypto as your funding method.

  4. Choose your Freedom Account from the To dropdown.

🗒️ Note: You’ll need to complete identity verification before you can proceed with depositing funds into your Freedom Account.

  1. Select the asset you want to transfer from the Asset dropdown (for example, BTC, ETH, USDC).

  2. Make note of the default Transfer Network that will be used to send the asset. This must match the network you select on your external platform in Step 3.

  3. Continue to the Deposit Instructions.

  4. Copy the deposit address displayed on the screen.

⚠️ Important: Confirm the asset and network match your address exactly. Sending to a mismatched address or network can result in loss.

Step 2: Log in to your external account

  1. Log into the portal for your external account via mobile app or desktop (Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, or another institution).

  2. Navigate to the Send, Withdraw, or Transfer Out section of that platform. The exact wording varies by provider.

Step 3: Select the asset and transfer network

🗒️ Process may vary based on external account provider

  1. Select the asset you want to transfer. This must match the asset you selected on Bitcoin IRA in Step 1.

  2. Choose the transfer network. This must match the network you selected on Bitcoin IRA in Step 1.

  3. Paste or Scan the Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the recipient address field.

  4. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

Step 4: Send a micro transaction first (strongly recommended for first-time transfers)

Before sending a large amount, send a small test transaction first. A micro transaction allows you to:

  • Confirm the deposit address and network are correct

  • See roughly how long the transfer takes

  • Verify funds arrive in your Freedom Account before committing the full amount

Once your micro transaction has successfully arrived in your Bitcoin IRA account, you can proceed with your full transfer using the same address and network.

Step 5: Review, confirm, and track

  1. Before submitting, double check every detail: asset, network, recipient address, and amount.

  2. Complete any 2FA verification prompts from your external platform.

  3. Submit the transfer.

  4. Your external platform will provide a transaction ID (TxID or transaction hash). You can use this ID with a public blockchain explorer to track the status of your transfer.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account once the required number of network confirmations is reached.


How to transfer crypto from Coinbase

Web

Once you've completed Step 1 and have your Bitcoin IRA deposit address ready:

  1. Log in to your Coinbase account.

  2. In the right sidebar, below the trading widget, select Send crypto.

  3. In the modal that appears, paste your Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the search field.

  4. Continue to Select an asset and choose the asset you want to transfer.

  5. Select the network you want to use for the transfer.

  6. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

  7. Review the order details in the preview screen.

  8. Select Send now to initiate the transfer.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account based on the network's processing time.

Mobile App

Once you've completed Step 1 and have your Bitcoin IRA deposit address ready:

  1. Log in to the Coinbase mobile app.

  2. Navigate to the asset you want to transfer.

  3. Tap the Transfer button at the bottom of the screen.

  4. Select Send crypto.

  5. Scan or enter your Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the search field.

  6. Select the transfer network and review estimated fees.

  7. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

  8. Preview the order.

  9. Confirm and submit the transfer.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account based on the network's processing time.


How to transfer crypto from Kraken

Web

Once you've completed Step 1 and have your Bitcoin IRA deposit address ready:

  1. Log in to your Kraken account.

  2. Select Transfer from the top bar.

  3. Select Withdraw to access the withdrawal interface.

  4. Choose the asset you want to withdraw.

  5. Select the network for the transfer.

  6. Paste your Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the withdrawal address field.

🗒️ Note: If this is your first time using this withdrawal address, confirm it via the email verification link sent to your account before proceeding.

  1. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

  2. Review the withdrawal details, including any applicable fees.

  3. Confirm the withdrawal.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account based on the network's processing time.

Mobile App

Once you've completed Step 1 and have your Bitcoin IRA deposit address ready:

  1. Log in to the Kraken mobile app.

  2. Navigate to Portfolio in the bottom navigation or to the asset you want to transfer.

  3. Under the performance graph, select Withdraw.

  4. Select the asset you want to transfer.

  5. Select the network you want to use.

  6. Paste your Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the withdrawal address field.

🗒️ Note: If this is your first time using this withdrawal address, confirm it via the email verification link sent to your account before proceeding.

7. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

8. Review and confirm the order.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account based on the network's processing time.


How to transfer crypto from Robinhood

🗒️ Note: To transfer crypto from Robinhood, you'll need to first verify your identity, phone number, and email.

Web

Once you've completed Step 1 and have your Bitcoin IRA deposit address ready:

  1. Log in to your Robinhood account.

  2. Go to the asset details page for the asset you want to transfer.

  3. Tap the dropdown arrow on the right side of the trading widget.

  4. Select Send & Receive Transfer Crypto from the dropdown menu.

  5. Select the Send tab.

  6. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

  7. Enter your Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the Send to field.

  8. Review the transaction details.

  9. Confirm and submit the transfer.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account based on the network's processing time.

Mobile App

Once you've completed Step 1 and have your Bitcoin IRA deposit address ready:

  1. Log in to the Robinhood mobile app.

  2. Open the asset details screen for the asset you want to transfer.

  3. Scroll past "Your position" and tap the Send button.

  4. Scan or paste your Bitcoin IRA deposit address into the To field.

  5. Enter the amount you want to transfer.

  6. Review the transfer details.

  7. Confirm and submit.

Funds will appear in your Freedom Account based on the network's processing time.


Frequently asked questions

Are there minimum amount requirements for transferring?

Minimum transfer amounts vary by asset, network, and the external platform you are transferring from. Most external institutions set their own withdrawal minimums, typically just above the applicable network fee. Bitcoin IRA does not impose an additional minimum beyond the network requirement; however, a network-based minimum will still apply. Please confirm the specific minimum for your asset with your external platform.

What is a transfer network?

A transfer network (sometimes called a blockchain network) is the underlying blockchain used to move crypto between wallets. Many assets exist on more than one network. For example, USDC can be sent on Ethereum (ERC-20), Solana, Polygon, and other networks. Both the sending platform and the receiving platform must support the same network, and you must select the same network on both sides of the transfer.

What if there is not an option to select a transfer network?

Some external platforms only support a single network for a given asset and will not show a network selector. If you do not see a network option, contact your external platform's support team to confirm which network they use for that asset. Do not proceed until you can confirm that network matches one supported by Bitcoin IRA. Sending on a mismatched network may result in loss of funds.

How long will it take to transfer funds?

Transfer times vary by asset and network. Most transfers complete within 10 to 60 minutes, though some can take longer depending on network congestion. Bitcoin transfers, for example, may take an hour or more during busy periods. Your external platform may also hold withdrawals briefly for security review, which can add time.

What if I send funds to the wrong address?

Because blockchain transactions are final once confirmed, funds sent to the wrong address usually can't be recovered. That's exactly why we recommend two safeguards: always copy and paste (or scan) your deposit address rather than typing it, and send a small test amount first. If something feels off before you send, reach out to our support team and we'll help you double-check the details.

What if I send funds on the wrong network?

The network you choose on your external platform must match the network shown on Bitcoin IRA. If they don't match, funds may be lost, and while recovery is sometimes possible, it isn't guaranteed. If you're unsure which network to use, reach out to our support team before you send and we'll help you confirm the right one.

What if I send the wrong asset?

Each deposit address only accepts one specific asset. For example, sending BTC to an ETH deposit address would result in a loss of funds. Before you confirm, double-check that the asset selected on both platforms matches exactly. When in doubt, reach out to us first.

Are there fees for transferring crypto?

Bitcoin IRA does not charge a fee to receive an incoming crypto transfer into your Freedom Account. However, your external institution may. Check your external platform for the estimated fee before confirming your transfer.

Which cryptocurrencies and networks can I transfer to my Freedom Account?

Bitcoin IRA supports a range of cryptocurrencies and networks on the Freedom Account. The current list of supported assets and their corresponding networks is available in your Bitcoin IRA dashboard. If you are unsure whether a specific asset or network is supported, contact our support team before initiating a transfer.

Can I cancel or reverse a transfer after initiating it?

Once a transaction is broadcast to the blockchain, it cannot be canceled or reversed. Some external platforms allow you to cancel a withdrawal while it is still pending on their internal review queue, but once the transaction is on-chain, it is final. For this reason, it is recommended to always send a micro transaction first when using a new address.

Is the transfer process secure?

Yes. Transfers are protected by blockchain security, and we apply strict safeguards to every deposit address we generate. To keep your transfer safe on your end: copy and paste your deposit address, turn on 2FA for both accounts, verify every detail before confirming, and never share your login credentials or private keys with anyone, including our support team.

Who do I contact if I need help during my transfer?

If you have any questions or run into an issue during your transfer, contact Bitcoin IRA support through your account dashboard or through the support channels listed on our website. For issues that happen inside your external platform (Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, etc.), you will also need to contact that platform's support team, as they control the sending side of the transaction.

Still have questions?

If something in this guide is not clear or you have a question not covered here, please reach out to our support team. We are happy to walk you through the process and help you transfer your crypto with confidence.

Still Need Help?

Contact Support: support@bitcoinira.com
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 6AM-5PM PST
Response times may vary. Inquiries are typically addressed within 24 hours.

We always recommend speaking with a financial advisor and/or tax professional, as it is crucial for making informed decisions that are in compliance with current regulations, and tailored to your specific financial situation. This document is for informational use only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments and IRA regulations are complex and can change. It's essential to conduct your own research and consult professional advisors before making any financial decisions related to cryptocurrency in an IRA.

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