There are some key differences between cryptocurrencies, stocks, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Cryptocurrencies are like digital money, while stocks represent pieces of company ownership. ETFs are bundles of various stocks and other securities. 

Another distinction of cryptocurrency is the fact that it’s a highly volatile investment. It’s important to understand the risks associated with trading crypto prior to making any purchase. 

While stocks and ETFs only trade during market hours, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET Monday-Friday, you can trade crypto on Stash 24/7/365, with the exception of the daily maintenance window* from 5:30 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. ET. 

We process stock and ETF transactions during four trading windows each day, meaning that most transactions are not instantaneous. When you make a crypto trade, it will be processed immediately, and the funds will be in your crypto account¹ within a few minutes. 

Another key difference between trading stocks/ETFs and crypto is how we handle fees. We don’t charge add-on fees² for trading of stocks or ETFs—that is covered with your monthly subscription fee. We are charging a small fee on each crypto transaction, in addition to your monthly subscription fee. The amount of the fee depends on your subscription plan. Check out this article for more info on crypto fees. 

Despite all of these differences, we recommend that you view all three of these investment options as long-term investments. 

DISCLOSURES

1 Your cash and securities are held in your brokerage account at Apex Clearing, and your cryptocurrencies are held in your crypto account at Apex Crypto. 

2 Ancillary fees charged by Stash and/or its custodian are not included in the subscription fee.

*Stash or Apex Crypto may halt or limit trading in Crypto in order to perform regularly scheduled maintenance, or otherwise in Stash’s or Apex Crypto’s sole discretion. 

Cryptocurrency trading and execution services are provided by Apex Crypto LLC (NMLS ID 1828849) through a software license agreement between Apex Crypto LLC and Stash Financial, Inc.  Apex Crypto is not a registered broker-dealer or a member of SIPC or FINRA and is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department. Cryptocurrencies are not securities and are not FDIC or SIPC insured. Advisory products and services are offered through Stash Investments LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Cryptocurrency is a highly volatile investment; please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved before trading crypto. Visit apexcrypto.com/legal.

Apex Crypto charges customers a fee on each cryptocurrency transaction based on their subscription plan with Stash, a portion of which Stash receives as revenue.