SoFi is now the first and only nationally chartered bank in the US to let customers buy, sell, and hold crypto alongside traditional banking services.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- SoFi has launched in-app crypto trading for select users, with full rollout expected by end of 2025.
- It is the first FDIC-insured national bank to offer crypto trading directly within a banking app.
- SoFi Crypto offers dozens of digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana with built-in education tools.
- The move reflects a larger shift in US banking policy under the Trump administration toward crypto adoption.
What Happened?
SoFi has officially launched crypto trading within its mobile banking platform, making it the first nationally chartered, FDIC-insured bank in the US to do so. The new offering, called SoFi Crypto, allows users to manage digital assets alongside their checking, savings, and investment accounts. The phased rollout began this week and aims to reach all 12.6 million SoFi members by the end of 2025.
Banking giant @SoFi just became the first regulated bank in the US to allow customers to buy Solana directly from their checking account 🤯pic.twitter.com/Fg6MMmfwDy
— Solana (@solana) November 11, 2025
Banking and Crypto, Finally in One App
After previously halting its crypto services in 2023 to gain a national banking charter, SoFi has now returned to the crypto space with full regulatory backing. Customers can now buy, sell, and hold a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL) directly from the SoFi app.
The platform emphasizes security and compliance, offering bank-grade protections, institutional-level infrastructure, and oversight from national regulators. Funds used to buy crypto can come directly from SoFi’s FDIC-insured checking or savings accounts, with no need to transfer to external crypto exchanges.
SoFi CEO Anthony Noto said:
SoFi’s Broader Crypto Strategy
The crypto rollout is only part of a broader blockchain strategy. SoFi has big plans for the next year, including:
- Launching its own USD stablecoin.
- Offering crypto-backed loans.
- Enabling international payments via Bitcoin’s Lightning Network.
- Integrating blockchain into lending and payment infrastructure.
The move reflects a deepening overlap between traditional finance and digital assets, with SoFi positioning itself as a pioneer in this space.
According to SoFi, 60% of its crypto-owning members prefer trading on a regulated bank platform over traditional crypto exchanges. This aligns with growing public sentiment favoring stability and transparency in crypto services.
Changing Regulatory Tides
SoFi’s crypto relaunch also signals a shift in how US regulators approach digital assets. Under the Biden administration, banks were largely discouraged from entering the crypto space. But in 2025, under the Trump administration, agencies like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reversed course, giving banks the green light to participate in crypto custody and execution services.
More traditional institutions are expected to follow SoFi’s lead. Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley, and PNC Bank are among the major players preparing to roll out similar crypto services soon. Executives from JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Bank of America have also publicly expressed interest in stablecoins and tokenized deposits.
SQ Magazine’s Takeaway
Honestly, I think this is a major leap for everyday consumers. Crypto is no longer just for the tech-savvy or those willing to risk using unregulated platforms. With SoFi stepping in as a fully regulated bank, customers can finally explore digital assets with confidence and convenience. I love seeing this level of transparency and security paired with innovation. This isn’t just about trading coins, it’s about changing how people interact with money at its core.
