77% of Americans see crypto in retirement plans as risky: Survey

More than three-quarters of Americans view cryptocurrency in workplace retirement plans as risky, as concerns over retirement security mount across the United States, according to a new survey from The National Institute on Retirement Security.

The survey found that 77% of Americans consider crypto in workplace retirement plans risky, including 46% who view it as very risky, while 53% oppose employers offering crypto as an investment option.

The skepticism comes as 80% of respondents said the US faces a retirement crisis, up from 67% in 2020, while 61% expressed concern about achieving financial security in retirement.

Affordability pressures are also weighing on retirement savings, with 68% saying it is becoming harder to prepare for retirement and 77% saying debt prevents them from saving adequately.

The survey was conducted by Greenwald Research between Oct. 24 and Nov. 14, 2025, and included 1,203 Americans aged 25 and older, with results weighted by age, gender and income.

Americans view of crypto in retirement plans. Source: National Institute of Retirement Security

US policymakers move to broaden alternative assets in 401(k)s

While the report indicates Americans broadly view crypto as risky for retirement, the Trump administration and federal regulators have moved to broaden access to alternative assets in retirement accounts, bringing crypto and other nontraditional investments further into the retirement savings debate.