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BlockMint is a cryptocurrency IRA provider that enables investors to hold digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Spun off from Lear Capital, a precious metals dealer operating since 1997, BlockMint specializes in helping individuals roll over existing retirement funds into self-directed crypto IRAs. The platform partners with Equity Trust as its IRA custodian and uses cold storage vaults to secure holdings. This review covers BlockMint's fees, supported assets, account types, security measures, and how it compares to leading competitors in 2026.
BlockMint IRA at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | BlockMint (subsidiary of Lear Capital) |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, CA (1990 S. Bundy Dr., Suite 600) |
| IRA Custodian | Equity Trust Company / New Direction IRA |
| Minimum Investment | $20,000 ($10,000 per cryptocurrency) |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum Classic (ETC) |
| IRA Types | Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE |
| Storage | Military-grade cold storage (offline vaults) |
| Phone | 1-800-844-6468 |
| Website | blockmint.com |
What Is BlockMint?
BlockMint is a cryptocurrency IRA facilitator that acts as a middleman between investors and the custodial infrastructure required to hold digital assets in IRS-compliant retirement accounts. The company does not directly store cryptocurrency or manage private keys. Instead, BlockMint coordinates the account setup, fund transfers, and cryptocurrency purchases through its custodial partner, Equity Trust Company.
Equity Trust is a regulated South Dakota trust company that has served as a self-directed IRA custodian since 1983 and manages over $30 billion in assets under custody. The custodian handles all cold storage, compliance, and record-keeping on behalf of BlockMint clients. New Direction IRA has also been referenced as arranging digital wallet storage and providing custodial services for BlockMint accounts.
BlockMint was spun off from Lear Capital around 2018-2020. Lear Capital is a full-service precious metals dealer founded in 1997 by Kevin DeMeritt, who serves as Founder and Chairman. While Lear Capital has faced some customer complaints and lawsuits over the years, the company brings decades of experience with IRS-approved self-directed IRA structures. BlockMint itself does not appear to have any pending lawsuits or major regulatory actions as of early 2026.
How BlockMint Works
Opening a cryptocurrency IRA through BlockMint follows a straightforward three-step process. First, you complete an online application on the BlockMint website. A dedicated account executive then contacts you to discuss your investment goals, answer questions, and guide you through the rollover or transfer process. Finally, you select which cryptocurrencies to purchase from the available options.
Funding Your Account
BlockMint accepts funds exclusively from existing retirement accounts. You cannot deposit cash from a bank account or transfer cryptocurrency you already own into the IRA. Eligible funding sources include:
- Traditional IRAs
- Roth IRAs
- SEP IRAs
- SIMPLE IRAs
- 401(k) plans
- 403(b) plans
- 457(b) plans
- Thrift Savings Plans (TSP)
- TIAA-CREF plans
Transfers from IRA to IRA are processed tax-free. Rollovers from employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s are also typically tax-free when executed as a direct (trustee-to-trustee) transfer. BlockMint requires a minimum investment of $20,000, with at least $10,000 allocated per cryptocurrency selection.
Selecting Cryptocurrencies
After your account is funded, you work with a BlockMint account executive to choose which digital assets to purchase. BlockMint displays live pricing for its supported cryptocurrencies on its website, showing current-day, monthly, and yearly price data. Once you confirm your selections, BlockMint locks in the pricing and coordinates with the custodian to execute the trade through an open cryptocurrency exchange.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
BlockMint offers a limited selection of six major cryptocurrencies. This is significantly fewer than competitors like Bitcoin IRA (80+ tokens) or iTrustCapital (75+ tokens). However, BlockMint's selection focuses on established, high-market-cap digital assets.
| Cryptocurrency | Ticker | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | BTC | The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, created in 2009 as a decentralized digital currency |
| Ethereum | ETH | A decentralized platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications; uses Ether as its native currency |
| Litecoin | LTC | A Bitcoin fork designed for faster transaction speeds and lower fees |
| Ripple | XRP | A cryptocurrency and payment network designed for financial institutions and cross-border transactions |
| Bitcoin Cash | BCH | A Bitcoin fork that supports larger block sizes for increased transaction throughput |
| Ethereum Classic | ETC | The original Ethereum blockchain prior to the 2016 DAO hack hard fork |
The limited asset selection is one of BlockMint's most significant drawbacks. Investors who want exposure to newer cryptocurrencies, DeFi tokens, or altcoins outside the top 20 by market cap will need to look elsewhere. Competitors like Bitcoin IRA offer 80+ tokens, while iTrustCapital provides access to 75+ tokens plus precious metals.
BlockMint Fees and Costs
BlockMint's fee structure is one of the most important considerations for potential investors. The platform charges multiple layers of fees that can significantly reduce your initial investment value. Understanding the full cost picture is essential before committing funds.
| Fee Type | Amount | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Enrollment Fee | $500 (one-time) | Account opening |
| BlockMint Transaction Fee (Purchase) | Up to 15% (approximate, varies by volume) | Each cryptocurrency purchase |
| Custodian Purchase Fee (Equity Trust) | 2.5% | Each cryptocurrency purchase |
| Custodian Sell Fee (Equity Trust) | 1.0% | Each cryptocurrency sale |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | $195 | Annually |
| Monthly Storage Fee | 0.05% of account balance | Monthly |
| Monthly Account Fee | $20 | Monthly |
Note: Some sources report alternative fee structures, including a flat $499 annual fee or a 0.5% per-trade fee. BlockMint's fees may have changed over time, and the company states that the 15% transaction fee "is only an approximation, which is also subject to change. The actual fee on any particular transaction could be lower or higher." Volume discounts may also apply. Contact BlockMint directly to confirm current pricing before opening an account.
Fee Example: $20,000 Investment
To illustrate the real cost of investing through BlockMint, here is an example using a $20,000 rollover:
| Step | Calculation | Remaining Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Rollover | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Platform Enrollment Fee | -$500 | $19,500 |
| BlockMint 15% Purchase Fee | -$2,925 | $16,575 |
| Equity Trust 2.5% Purchase Fee | -$414 | $16,161 |
| Year 1 Maintenance Fee | -$195 | $15,966 |
| Year 1 Monthly Fees ($20 x 12) | -$240 | $15,726 |
| Year 1 Storage (0.05%/mo on avg balance) | ~-$95 | $15,631 |
In this scenario, an investor would lose approximately $4,369 (21.8%) of their initial $20,000 investment to fees in the first year alone, before any market gains or losses. The cryptocurrency held in the account would need to appreciate by roughly 28% just to break even. This is substantially higher than competing platforms, where first-year costs on the same investment might range from $200 to $800.
IRA Types Supported
BlockMint supports four types of individual retirement accounts, each offering different tax advantages depending on your financial situation and retirement planning goals.
Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA allows contributions with pre-tax dollars. Your cryptocurrency investments grow tax-deferred, meaning you do not pay taxes on gains until you take distributions in retirement. Contributions may be tax-deductible depending on your income and whether you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars. The advantage is that qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free, including all cryptocurrency gains. There are no RMDs during the account holder's lifetime. Roth IRAs have income eligibility limits: in 2025, single filers earning above $165,000 and married couples filing jointly above $246,000 cannot contribute directly.
SEP IRA
A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Contribution limits are significantly higher than Traditional or Roth IRAs, up to 25% of net self-employment income or $69,000 in 2024 (whichever is less). SEP IRAs follow the same tax-deferred structure as Traditional IRAs.
SIMPLE IRA
A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA is available to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Both employer and employee contributions are allowed. The employee contribution limit for 2024 is $16,000, with an additional $3,500 catch-up contribution for those 50 and older. SIMPLE IRAs are tax-deferred like Traditional IRAs.
Security and Storage
BlockMint uses military-grade cold storage to secure cryptocurrency holdings. Cold storage means that the private keys controlling access to digital assets are stored offline in hardware wallets, physically disconnected from the internet. This eliminates the risk of remote hacking attacks that have plagued hot wallet storage solutions across the industry.
According to BlockMint's transaction agreement, "BMI facilitates the purchase or sale of Digital Currency. BMI does not make a market in any of the Digital Currencies it sells or hold digital keys for Customers." All custody and storage responsibilities fall to Equity Trust Company, the regulated custodian partner.
Key security features include:
- Cold storage vaults: Cryptocurrency private keys are stored in two separate offline vaults for redundancy
- Regulated custodian: Equity Trust is a South Dakota trust company subject to regular third-party audits
- No direct key management: BlockMint never holds customer private keys, reducing counterparty risk
- Custodial track record: Equity Trust has operated as an IRA custodian since 1983, with over $30 billion in assets under custody
While BlockMint's security setup is solid for a crypto IRA provider, the platform does not publicly disclose details about insurance coverage for digital assets held in custody. Competitors like Bitcoin IRA offer $700 million in BitGo insurance coverage, which provides an additional layer of protection against theft or loss.
Tax Advantages of a Crypto IRA
The primary appeal of investing in cryptocurrency through an IRA rather than a standard brokerage account is the tax treatment. The IRS classifies cryptocurrency as property, meaning it is subject to capital gains taxes when sold outside of a tax-advantaged account. Within an IRA, these tax implications change significantly.
Tax-Deferred Growth (Traditional, SEP, SIMPLE IRAs)
With a Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRA, you do not pay capital gains taxes on cryptocurrency trades within the account. Whether you buy Bitcoin at $30,000 and sell at $100,000, the gain is not taxed until you withdraw funds in retirement. This allows your full investment to compound over time without being reduced by annual tax obligations.
Tax-Free Growth (Roth IRA)
With a Roth IRA, qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free. If you invest in Ethereum at $2,000 and it appreciates to $20,000 over the next two decades, you owe zero taxes on that $18,000 gain when you withdraw in retirement. For investors who expect cryptocurrency prices to appreciate significantly over long holding periods, a Roth IRA can provide substantial tax savings.
Tax-Free Rollovers
Transferring funds from an existing IRA to a BlockMint cryptocurrency IRA is processed as a tax-free transfer. Direct rollovers from 401(k) plans and other employer-sponsored accounts are also typically tax-free. This means you can reposition retirement funds into cryptocurrency without triggering a taxable event.
BlockMint Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dedicated account executives provide personalized guidance | High transaction fees (up to 15% + 2.5% custodial fee) |
| Military-grade cold storage through Equity Trust | Only 6 cryptocurrencies supported |
| Supports Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs | $20,000 minimum investment |
| Tax-advantaged cryptocurrency investing | No self-trading platform; must work through account executive |
| Parent company (Lear Capital) has decades of IRA experience | Limited transparency on exact fee calculations |
| No pending lawsuits or major regulatory actions | No publicly disclosed insurance for digital assets |
| Live cryptocurrency pricing on website | Cannot fund with cash or existing crypto holdings |
| Free investing guides available | Mixed customer reviews on support and fee clarity |
BlockMint vs. Competitors
The crypto IRA market has become increasingly competitive, with several platforms offering lower fees, more asset choices, and better technology than BlockMint. Here is how BlockMint compares to the three leading alternatives.
| Feature | BlockMint | iTrustCapital | Bitcoin IRA | Alto CryptoIRA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | $20,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 | $10 |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 6 | 75+ | 80+ | 200+ |
| Setup Fee | $500 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Annual Fee | $195 + $240 ($20/mo) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Trading Fee | Up to 15% + 2.5% | 1% per trade | 2% per trade | 1% per trade |
| Storage Fee | 0.05%/month | $0 | 0.08%/month | $0 |
| IRA Types | Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE | Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE | Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE | Traditional, Roth, SEP |
| Precious Metals | No (Lear Capital handles metals separately) | Gold and silver | Gold | No |
| Custodian | Equity Trust / New Direction IRA | Coinbase Custody | BitGo Trust | Coinbase Custody |
| Insurance | Not disclosed | Coinbase insurance | $700M BitGo coverage | Coinbase insurance |
| Self-Trading Platform | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BlockMint vs. iTrustCapital
iTrustCapital is the strongest alternative to BlockMint for most investors. With zero setup fees, zero annual fees, and a flat 1% trading fee, iTrustCapital costs a fraction of what BlockMint charges. The $1,000 minimum makes it accessible to a much wider audience. iTrustCapital also offers 75+ cryptocurrencies plus gold and silver, a self-service trading platform, and uses Coinbase Custody for asset storage. Over 12,000 five-star reviews on Google and Trustpilot further reinforce its reputation. For the vast majority of crypto IRA investors, iTrustCapital is the better choice.
BlockMint vs. Bitcoin IRA
Bitcoin IRA is one of the oldest and most recognized crypto IRA platforms, offering 80+ tokens and $700 million in BitGo insurance coverage. Its 2% trading fee is significantly lower than BlockMint's combined purchase fees, and the $3,000 minimum investment is far more accessible than BlockMint's $20,000 requirement. Bitcoin IRA charges a 3.99% setup fee on new accounts, which is notable but still results in lower total costs than BlockMint for most investment amounts. Bitcoin IRA also provides a self-trading platform with 24/7 access.
BlockMint vs. Alto CryptoIRA
Alto CryptoIRA offers the most accessible entry point with just a $10 minimum and no setup or annual fees. The 1% trading fee is competitive, and Alto provides access to 200+ cryptocurrencies through Coinbase integration. Alto is particularly well-suited for investors who want maximum asset selection and minimal barriers to entry. The main trade-off is that Alto does not offer SIMPLE IRAs and provides less hands-on guidance than BlockMint's account executive model.
Who Should Consider BlockMint?
Despite its high fees and limited asset selection, BlockMint may be appropriate for a narrow category of investors:
- Investors who want hands-on guidance: BlockMint assigns dedicated account executives who walk you through the entire process. For people who are not comfortable navigating cryptocurrency markets independently, this personalized service has value.
- Conservative crypto investors: If you only want exposure to major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum and have no interest in altcoins, BlockMint's limited selection is less of a drawback.
- Existing Lear Capital clients: Investors already working with Lear Capital for precious metals may find it convenient to use the same family of companies for crypto IRA services.
- Large account holders who can negotiate fees: BlockMint mentions volume discounts on its purchase fee. Investors with significantly more than the $20,000 minimum may be able to negotiate more favorable terms.
For most investors, however, platforms like iTrustCapital or Alto CryptoIRA offer substantially better value with lower fees, more asset choices, and self-service trading capabilities.
How to Open a BlockMint IRA
If you decide to proceed with BlockMint, the process involves these steps:
- Complete the online application: Visit blockmint.com and fill out the application form with your personal and financial information.
- Speak with an account executive: A BlockMint representative will contact you to discuss your goals, explain the fee structure, and answer questions about the process.
- Initiate your rollover or transfer: BlockMint coordinates with your existing retirement account custodian to execute a tax-free transfer of funds into your new self-directed crypto IRA.
- Select your cryptocurrencies: Choose from the six available digital assets (BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, BCH, ETC) and allocate your investment across them, with a minimum of $10,000 per asset.
- Confirm pricing and execute: BlockMint locks in the current market price and coordinates the purchase through the custodian on an open cryptocurrency exchange.
- Monitor your portfolio: Access the platform dashboard to view your holdings, track performance, and manage your account.
BlockMint Customer Experience
Customer reviews for BlockMint are mixed. On ConsumerAffairs, the company maintains a presence but has a limited number of reviews compared to larger competitors. Positive reviews typically highlight the personalized guidance from account executives and the simplicity of the rollover process. Negative reviews tend to focus on the high fee structure, lack of transparency around exact transaction costs, and difficulty reaching customer support.
BlockMint's primary contact method is by phone (1-800-844-6468). The company does not prominently list an email address or live chat option on its website, which can be frustrating for investors who prefer written communication. This contrasts with competitors like iTrustCapital and Bitcoin IRA, which offer multiple support channels including email, chat, and comprehensive online help centers.
Regulatory and Compliance Considerations
BlockMint operates as a facilitator rather than a custodian or exchange. The actual custody of assets is handled by Equity Trust Company, a regulated South Dakota trust company that undergoes regular third-party audits. Self-directed IRA custodians like Equity Trust are regulated at the state level and must comply with IRS rules governing retirement accounts.
The IRS treats cryptocurrency held in IRAs the same way it treats stocks and bonds held in IRAs. This classification has been in effect since 2014, when the IRS issued Notice 2014-21 declaring that virtual currency is treated as property for federal tax purposes. Cryptocurrency within an IRA is not subject to capital gains tax on individual trades, only upon distribution from the account (for Traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs) or not at all for qualified Roth IRA distributions.
BlockMint's transaction agreement includes a binding arbitration clause and a class action opt-out provision. Prospective investors should review these legal terms carefully before opening an account.
Recent Developments in the Crypto IRA Market
The crypto IRA landscape has evolved significantly since BlockMint entered the market. Several trends are worth noting for investors evaluating their options in 2026:
- Fee compression: Competition has driven trading fees down across the industry. Leading platforms now charge 1-2% per trade with zero setup and annual fees, making BlockMint's fee structure increasingly uncompetitive.
- Asset expansion: Major platforms have expanded their token offerings dramatically. Bitcoin IRA offers 80+ tokens, and Alto provides access to 200+ through Coinbase integration.
- Self-service platforms: Most leading crypto IRA providers now offer web-based and mobile trading platforms where investors can execute trades independently 24/7, without calling an account representative.
- Institutional custody improvements: Custodians like Coinbase and BitGo have strengthened their insurance coverage and security infrastructure, raising the bar for industry standards.
- Regulatory clarity: The IRS has continued to refine guidance on digital asset taxation within retirement accounts, providing more certainty for long-term crypto IRA investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BlockMint a legitimate company?
BlockMint is a legitimate cryptocurrency IRA facilitator that has been operating since approximately 2018. The company is a subsidiary of Lear Capital, a precious metals dealer founded in 1997. BlockMint partners with Equity Trust Company, a regulated IRA custodian with over $30 billion in assets under custody. There are no known pending lawsuits or major regulatory actions against BlockMint as of early 2026.
What is the minimum investment for BlockMint?
BlockMint requires a minimum investment of $20,000, with at least $10,000 allocated per cryptocurrency. This is significantly higher than competitors like iTrustCapital ($1,000 minimum), Bitcoin IRA ($3,000 minimum), and Alto CryptoIRA ($10 minimum). The high minimum makes BlockMint inaccessible to many beginning investors.
What fees does BlockMint charge?
BlockMint charges a $500 one-time enrollment fee, a purchase transaction fee of up to 15% (approximate, subject to volume discounts), a 2.5% custodial purchase fee through Equity Trust, a 1% custodial sell fee, a $195 annual maintenance fee, a $20 monthly account fee, and a 0.05% monthly storage fee on your account balance. Total first-year costs on a $20,000 investment can exceed $4,000.
What cryptocurrencies does BlockMint support?
BlockMint supports six cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Ethereum Classic (ETC). This is a limited selection compared to competitors that offer 75 to 200+ tokens.
How does BlockMint store cryptocurrency?
BlockMint does not directly store cryptocurrency. The company's custodial partner, Equity Trust Company, stores all digital assets in military-grade cold storage vaults. Cold storage keeps private keys offline in two separate physical vaults, protecting them from remote cyberattacks. BlockMint never holds customer private keys.
Can I transfer my existing IRA to BlockMint?
Yes, you can transfer funds from an existing Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA to a BlockMint cryptocurrency IRA tax-free. You can also roll over funds from 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), Thrift Savings Plans, and TIAA-CREF plans. However, you cannot fund a BlockMint account with cash deposits or existing cryptocurrency holdings.
How does BlockMint compare to iTrustCapital?
iTrustCapital is generally the better option for most investors. iTrustCapital charges zero setup fees, zero annual fees, and a flat 1% trading fee, compared to BlockMint's $500 enrollment fee, $435+ in annual fees, and up to 17.5% in combined purchase fees. iTrustCapital also offers 75+ cryptocurrencies (vs. BlockMint's 6), a $1,000 minimum (vs. $20,000), and a self-service trading platform.
Is a cryptocurrency IRA a good investment?
A cryptocurrency IRA can be a good investment for individuals who want tax-advantaged exposure to digital assets as part of a diversified retirement portfolio. The main benefits are tax-deferred or tax-free growth on cryptocurrency gains. However, cryptocurrency remains highly volatile, and investors should only allocate a portion of their retirement savings to digital assets. Most financial advisors recommend limiting cryptocurrency to 5-10% of a total retirement portfolio.
Who owns BlockMint?
BlockMint is owned by Lear Capital, a Los Angeles-based precious metals dealer founded by Kevin DeMeritt in 1997. Lear Capital has extensive experience with self-directed IRA structures through its gold and silver IRA products. BlockMint was created as a dedicated subsidiary to handle cryptocurrency IRA services.
Does BlockMint have an app or online trading platform?
BlockMint does not offer a self-service trading app or online platform where investors can execute trades independently. All cryptocurrency purchases and sales are coordinated through a BlockMint account executive by phone. This differs from competitors like iTrustCapital and Bitcoin IRA, which provide web-based and mobile trading platforms with 24/7 access.
Final Verdict
BlockMint provides a legitimate pathway to investing in cryptocurrency within a tax-advantaged IRA, backed by a regulated custodian (Equity Trust) and cold storage security. The personalized account executive model may appeal to investors who want hands-on guidance navigating the crypto IRA process for the first time.
However, BlockMint's high fees are the platform's most significant weakness. Combined purchase fees of up to 17.5%, a $500 enrollment fee, $195 annual maintenance, and ongoing monthly charges create a substantial drag on investment returns. The limited selection of just six cryptocurrencies and the $20,000 minimum investment further narrow its appeal.
For the majority of investors seeking a crypto IRA in 2026, platforms like iTrustCapital (1% trading fee, 75+ tokens, $1,000 minimum) or Bitcoin IRA (2% trading fee, 80+ tokens, $700M insurance) offer significantly better value. BlockMint's fee structure would need to be revised substantially to be competitive with the current state of the market.
If you value personalized guidance and are willing to pay a premium for a concierge-style experience, BlockMint can serve that purpose. But if your priority is maximizing the amount of your retirement savings that actually goes to work in cryptocurrency markets, the math strongly favors lower-cost alternatives.
