Young Australians Kicking Themselves for Missing Bitcoin at $400 - The $400 Regret That Haunts a Generation

Bitcoin's meteoric rise leaves Australian millennials facing financial FOMO on an epic scale.
The Missed Opportunity
Thousands of young Australians watched Bitcoin hover around $400 years ago - and did nothing. Now they're calculating what could have been while staring at current prices that make their stomachs drop faster than a crypto flash crash.
Generational Wealth Gap
While some early adopters became crypto millionaires, the hesitant majority now wrestle with regret that stings sharper than any brokerage fee. They're learning the hard lesson that in crypto, timing isn't everything - it's the only thing.
The Psychology of Crypto Regret
Financial advisors report waves of young investors desperate to make up for lost time - and potentially making even riskier bets in the process. Because nothing drives irrational investment behavior quite like the fear of missing out on the next Bitcoin.
As one Sydney-based trader put it: 'We'll probably tell our grandkids about the time we almost bought Bitcoin at $400 - right before they roll their eyes and check their neural implant portfolios.' Because in finance, hindsight isn't just 20/20 - it's downright painful.
TLDR
- Over 40% of young Australians regret not investing in Bitcoin a decade ago, viewing it as their most enormous missed financial opportunity.
- The survey by Swyftx found that nearly half of Australians under 35 wish they had bought Bitcoin when it was priced under $500.
- Bitcoin’s price surge from $172 in 2015 to over $107,500 has fueled feelings of FOMO among young investors; many now seek to invest in crypto.
- Eighty % of Australians under 50 admit to regret over their investment choices in the last decade; Bitcoin is now a top investment priority for young people.
- Regulatory changes in Australia could spark increased Bitcoin investment, as more straightforward guidelines are likely to attract millions more investors to the market.
A new survey reveals that over 40% of young Australians regret not investing in Bitcoin (BTC) a decade ago. The survey, conducted by Australian crypto broker Swyftx and released on Thursday, reveals that many under-35s believe they have missed a significant opportunity. The findings highlight Bitcoin as one of the biggest financial regrets for young Australians, who now wish they had invested earlier.
Missed Bitcoin Opportunity Drives Regret Among Gen Z and Millennials
The YouGov study, which surveyed 3,009 people, found that nearly half of those under 35 regret missing the bitcoin wave. Swyftx spokespersons point out that these young investors feel excluded from the property market. They believe Bitcoin could have helped them afford a home, especially given Australia’s high property prices.
Bitcoin’s price surge from $172 in 2015 to over $107,500 in 2025 has amplified these feelings. Young Australians see Bitcoin’s rise as a missed chance for financial growth.
“Crypto was seen as a chance to get ahead when property became out of reach,” a Swyftx spokesperson explained.
Many feel regretful for not buying Bitcoin when it was still affordable.
The study also indicates that young investors are increasingly interested in Bitcoin as an alternative to traditional assets, such as property. With housing affordability at record lows, the appeal of Bitcoin as an investment has only grown. As the price of Bitcoin continues to rise, many young Australians are eager to get in now, despite having missed earlier opportunities.
80% of Aussies Regret Past Investment Choices
Bitcoin’s dramatic rise has prompted many young Australians to reconsider their investment strategies. The cryptocurrency has gained 23,019% in value, sparking FOMO (fear of missing out) among many.
“Younger generations are looking for high-beta assets, and Bitcoin is seen as one of them,” said a Swyftx spokesperson.
In fact, 80% of Australians under 50 admit to regretting their investment choices over the past decade. Despite missing the Bitcoin opportunity, many younger investors are still looking to get involved in crypto. The momentum behind Bitcoin is strong, and Swyftx predicts that within two years, younger retail investors will treat Bitcoin just as they WOULD traditional stocks.
Australia’s regulatory landscape will play a key role in shaping the future of Bitcoin investments. As governments introduce more straightforward guidelines, an increasing number of young Australians are expected to enter the market. Swyftx’s spokesperson suggests that “regulation will spark a wave of investment” in cryptocurrencies, just as it has in the US, where major banks are now investing in Bitcoin.
Australia’s Crypto Regulations Could Boost Bitcoin Investment
The Australian government is already working on crypto regulations, with new frameworks proposed earlier this year. These regulations could provide the certainty that young investors need to feel confident about investing in Bitcoin. The shift towards more explicit rules may further boost interest in Bitcoin among Australian investors.
While many regret not buying Bitcoin when it was priced under $500, the digital currency’s long-term potential remains strong. “Gen Z investors understand the asset class well,” a Swyftx representative stated. As more Australians become comfortable with cryptocurrency, Bitcoin’s role in their portfolios is likely to continue growing.