Bitcoin Overtakes Gold in American Portfolios as 401(k) Adoption Nears

The shiny metal just got outshined. For the first time, US investors now hold more Bitcoin than gold—and Wall Street hasn’t even finished rolling out crypto 401(k) plans yet.

Goldbugs, meet your digital overlord. With institutional adoption accelerating, Bitcoin’s portfolio dominance is no longer a fringe bet—it’s a mainstream reality. And those retirement account integrations? They’re coming faster than a bull market meme coin.

Of course, traditional finance will still find a way to slap a 2% management fee on it.

According to a report from River released in late May, Bitcoin has eclipsed gold in ownership in the U.S. today. This seismic shift—49.6 million Americans holding Bitcoin compared to fewer gold owners—hints at a changing tide in how wealth is stored and grown. 

Even more intriguing? Regulatory shifts might soon unlock $8.9 trillion in 401(k) funds for Bitcoin, amplifying this trend.

Bitcoin Edges Out Gold: A New Market Leader

River, a financial services firm, reports that 49.6 million Americans—roughly 15% of the U.S. population—own bitcoin as of June. 

That’s more than those holding gold, a staple of financial security for centuries. Exact Gold ownership numbers aren’t provided, but the chart positions Bitcoin ahead.

Gold, prized for its stability, now trails a 2009-born cryptocurrency. The data underscores a market pivot, with Bitcoin drawing a younger, tech-forward crowd over gold’s traditional base.

The River chart offers a clean headline: more Americans hold Bitcoin than gold. But there’s a catch. Gold jewelry—owned by millions—might not be counted. If included, gold ownership could climb higher, narrowing Bitcoin’s lead.

Still, the comparison holds weight. Bitcoin’s 49.6 million owners represent a significant chunk of the market, achieved in just over 15 years. Gold, by contrast, has had millennia to cement its place. That Bitcoin is even in the conversation speaks to its rapid rise.

401(k) Doors Open: A Game-Changer Looms

Bitcoin’s 15% penetration leaves plenty of room to grow. A major boost could come from 401(k) plans, where $8.9 trillion sits untapped. Swan, a cryptocurrency platform, notes that regulatory barriers are easing for 401(k) providers to allocate to Bitcoin.

What’s the impact? A 1% shift of 401(k) assets to Bitcoin equals $89 billion—a hefty sum for any market. Not every provider will jump in; volatility and uncertainty linger. But the path is clearing, and accessibility could soon spike.

This Bitcoin news isn’t just about numbers—it’s about potential. With ownership surpassing gold and 401(k) integration on the horizon, the cryptocurrency’s foothold in U.S. finance looks set to deepen. The market is watching.