How to Buy BlackRock Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) in India

The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), run by BlackRock, is the world's largest spot Bitcoin ETF. It is not listed in India, but resident Indians can buy it through a US brokerage account funded under the RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Here is exactly how, what it costs and how it is taxed.

What is IBIT?

IBIT is an exchange-traded fund that buys and holds bitcoin, so each share tracks the Bitcoin price minus its fee. It started trading in January 2024, when US regulators first approved spot Bitcoin ETFs. BlackRock's own data shows net assets of about $67 billion and a net asset value of roughly $47.55 per share as of 25 September 2026. The fund's sponsor fee is 0.25% a year, taken out of the fund, so you do not pay it separately.

For a general explanation of spot Bitcoin ETFs and how they compare with owning Bitcoin directly, read can Indians buy Bitcoin ETFs.

Step by step: buying IBIT from India

1. Choose a platform. You have two kinds of options: Indian apps that offer US stocks through a partner US broker, and international brokers that accept Indian residents directly. Check that the platform lists IBIT, since not every broker offers crypto ETFs to Indian clients.
2. Complete KYC. You will need your PAN, Aadhaar or passport, and bank details. Most platforms approve accounts within one or two working days.
3. Send money under LRS. Transfer rupees from your Indian bank to your US account. Your bank will ask for a declaration (often Form A2) with the purpose as overseas portfolio investment. Some apps handle this inside the app.
4. Buy IBIT during US market hours. Search for the ticker IBIT and place a market or limit order. Many apps let you buy a fraction of a share.
5. Keep your statements. Download the contract notes and the yearly statement. You will need them for Schedule FA and capital gains in your ITR.

US market hours in India time

IBIT trades only when Nasdaq is open, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm New York time on weekdays. Because the US changes its clocks and India does not, the IST timing shifts twice a year:

• Until 1 November 2026 (US daylight saving time): 7:00 pm to 1:30 am IST.
• From 2 November 2026: 8:00 pm to 2:30 am IST.

Bitcoin itself trades 24/7, so IBIT can open higher or lower than the previous close if Bitcoin moves while the US market is shut.

Costs to expect

• Fund fee: 0.25% a year, built into the share price.
• Brokerage: varies by platform. Some advertise zero commission but charge on currency conversion or a subscription.
• Currency conversion: banks and apps add a spread on the rupee to dollar rate in both directions. Compare it with the live USD to INR rate.
• Remittance charges: your bank may charge a flat fee per transfer, which makes very small transfers expensive.

LRS and TCS rules

Each resident can send up to US$250,000 abroad per financial year under LRS for all permitted purposes combined. Tax collected at source (TCS) applies to remittances above ₹10 lakh in a financial year for investment purposes. TCS is not an extra tax: it appears in your Form 26AS and you can adjust it against your income tax when you file.

How IBIT is taxed in India

This is the biggest difference from buying Bitcoin on an Indian exchange. IBIT units are generally treated as foreign securities, not virtual digital assets, so the 30% crypto rate and 1% TDS usually do not apply.

• Held more than 24 months: long-term capital gains at 12.5% without indexation, plus cess and any surcharge.
• Held 24 months or less: short-term gains taxed at your income slab rate.
• Losses can be set off under normal capital gains rules, which is not allowed for crypto.
• Schedule FA: report your foreign holdings every year you hold them. Missing this can attract heavy penalties under the Black Money Act.

Gains are worked out in rupees, so a weaker rupee raises your taxable gain. The treatment of crypto-linked foreign funds is a specialised area, so confirm it with a chartered accountant. Compare with the crypto rules in our crypto tax guide.

IBIT or Bitcoin on an Indian exchange?

IBIT suits you if you want Bitcoin exposure without handling wallets, prefer the capital gains tax treatment, and are comfortable with LRS paperwork. Buying on an FIU-registered Indian exchange suits you if you want to start with a few hundred rupees, trade at any hour, or later move coins to your own wallet. See how to buy Bitcoin in India for that route.

Either way, the price risk is the same: IBIT falls as much as Bitcoin does. One Bitcoin is worth about ₹7,965,886 right now; follow it on our Bitcoin price in INR page. ETF demand is also a useful market signal; see our report on the recent seven-day inflow streak.

FAQ

Can I buy BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF in India?

Not on NSE or BSE. Resident Indians can buy IBIT on Nasdaq through a US brokerage account funded under LRS.

What is the minimum amount to invest in IBIT from India?

Platforms that offer fractional shares let you start from about $1, but bank remittance charges make very small transfers costly.

Is IBIT taxed at 30% in India?

Generally no. It is usually treated as a foreign security: 12.5% on long-term gains after 24 months, slab rate on short-term gains. Confirm with a chartered accountant.

What time can I buy IBIT in India?

From 7:00 pm to 1:30 am IST until 1 November 2026, and from 8:00 pm to 2:30 am IST after that, on US working days.

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This article is AI-assisted, educational and general in nature. It is not financial advice and never a guarantee of profit. Every trade is at your own risk on your own exchange. See our risk disclosure and editorial policy.