Roll over your 401(k) to a Bitcoin IRA
Give your eligible retirement savings a new purpose: actual bitcoin held in your Bitcoin Well IRA. See what you can roll over, compare account types, and understand how the process works.
Our Bitcoin IRA is launching fall 2026. Join the waitlist for updates.
Can you roll over your 401(k)?
An old 401(k) is usually the simplest place to begin.
A former employer’s plan
Leaving the employer normally makes your vested balance available for distribution. Confirm the eligible amount and rollover options with the plan administrator.
Your current employer’s plan
Ask whether in-service distributions are allowed. Some plans permit them from age 59½, but your plan’s rules ultimately control what you can move.
RMDs and hardship distributions cannot be rolled over. Other exclusions apply.
The simplest path: a direct rollover
Your old plan sends the money to your IRA, not to your personal bank account. That avoids mandatory federal withholding on the rollover.
Direct: your old plan → IRA
- No mandatory 20% withholding
- No personal 60-day redeposit deadline
- A check sent to you can still qualify if payable to the receiving IRA
Indirect: your old plan → you → IRA
- 20% generally withheld from taxable eligible distributions
- 60 days from receipt to complete the rollover
Why the name on the check matters
If the check is payable to you instead of your IRA, your old plan generally withholds 20% for federal taxes. Here is what happens with $100,000:
- 1Your plan sends you $80,000 and sends the remaining $20,000 to the IRS.
- 2You must deposit the $80,000 and add the $20,000 from your own funds within 60 days.
- 3If you don’t add the $20,000, it is generally treated as taxable income.
The $20,000 withheld is credited toward your federal taxes when you file your return.
Match the IRA to your money
A Bitcoin IRA can be Traditional or Roth. The account type determines the tax treatment.
Pre-tax → Traditional
A properly completed rollover preserves tax deferral. Taxable withdrawals are taxed later.
Roth 401(k) → Roth IRA
Keep the Roth treatment. Roth IRA withdrawal and holding-period rules still apply.
Pre-tax → Roth
This is a Roth conversion. Previously untaxed amounts become taxable income in the conversion year.
Mixed balances or non-Roth after-tax contributions? Have your plan administrator and tax professional confirm the allocation before requesting the rollover.
From your old 401(k) to actual bitcoin
- 1
Confirm what can move
Ask your 401(k) administrator whether your balance is eligible for rollover. Identify pre-tax, Roth and any after-tax amounts.
- 2
Open your Bitcoin IRA
Apply for the Traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Wait for approval and get the receiving instructions, so you know where to send the funds.
- 3
Request a direct rollover
Use your employer plan’s rollover form or online process. Follow the exact payee and delivery instructions supplied for your receiving IRA.
- 4
Confirm funding, then buy bitcoin
Wait for confirmation that the funds have arrived. Then direct your bitcoin purchase through the Bitcoin Well platform.
Bitcoin Well handles the bitcoin transaction, Heritage handles the IRA administration, and BitGo holds the bitcoin in their custody.
A few things to check before you start
Your paperwork
Gather your latest plan statement, your pre-tax/Roth breakdown, and the receiving IRA details. Follow your plan administrator’s current forms and instructions.
Your withdrawal options
If you leave your job in or after the year you turn 55, some 401(k) withdrawals may avoid the 10% early-withdrawal tax. That exception does not carry over to your IRA.
Your timing and costs
Rollover timing depends on your plan administrator. Our IRA administration cost is $210/year, and bitcoin transactions include a 1.2% spread.
Anything outside the standard path
Loans, RMDs, mixed tax sources, or checks already issued can complicate a rollover. Check with your plan administrator and a tax professional before moving funds.
Rolling over $50,000 or more?
Get personalized support for your rollover with Bitcoin Well Infinite.
One of our Executive Bitcoin Advisors can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next.
Frequently asked questions
Your next chapter starts here
Bitcoin Well is building a Bitcoin IRA with Traditional and Roth options, Heritage IRA administration and BitGo custody.
Join the waitlist for launch updates.
Bitcoin Well does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to open, fund, convert, or roll over an IRA. IRA eligibility, contribution limits, rollover options, and tax treatment depend on individual circumstances and applicable rules. Consult a qualified tax, legal, or financial professional regarding your situation.
This guide addresses US federal rules as of September 14, 2026. State tax treatment may differ. Plan terms, eligibility, account tax character and individual circumstances determine rollover treatment. Indirect rollovers, Roth conversions, outstanding plan loans, required minimum distributions and early withdrawals can have additional tax consequences. A rollover can change fees, creditor protections and withdrawal options; compare those with retaining your employer plan.
Bitcoin is volatile and can lose substantial value. An IRA does not eliminate investment, custody, counterparty or liquidity risk. IRA assets must remain within the authorized account structure; prohibited transactions can result in loss of IRA tax status. Bitcoin Well’s Bitcoin IRA is an upcoming product. Final availability, fees, account terms and supported transactions are governed by the product and provider documentation. Executive Bitcoin Advisors do not replace qualified tax or legal advice.