How to Invest in Bitcoin Without Buying Bitcoin

As an investment, its spectacular rally this year has cheered its adherents while raising the curiosity of the non-initiated.

Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, is seemingly everywhere these days. From fast food to sports and even the local Walmart, it's finding a place in the mainstream. As an investment, its spectacular rally this year has cheered its adherents while raising the curiosity of the non-initiated. In 2021 alone, Bitcoin's price has more than doubled. Time to invest yourself?

The easiest way to bet on Bitcoin is, of course, to buy it. But there are many reasons you might not want to take such a direct route. Maybe you know nothing about Bitcoin and want to get involved but prefer the familiarity of more traditional kinds of investments. Or maybe you know a lot about Bitcoin and don't want to touch it, cautious about seemingly random price swings. Or you own Bitcoin already, and you're looking to invest more broadly in the future of cryptocurrencies. The good news is, there are more ways than ever for U.S. investors to gain exposure.

Here's a rundown of the alternatives:

ETFs