Can you buy MicroStrategy stock?

This guide answers “can you buy MicroStrategy stock”, explains where MSTR trades, step-by-step how to buy, broker choices, costs, risks tied to Bitcoin exposure, and alternatives.

2026-01-05 05:40:00

By Ravi Clark

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Can you buy MicroStrategy stock?

As an investor asking "can you buy MicroStrategy stock" the short answer is yes: MicroStrategy Incorporated (ticker MSTR, rebranded to Strategy Inc.) is a publicly listed company on the NASDAQ and its shares can be purchased through ordinary brokerage accounts. This article explains where MSTR trades, how to buy it step‑by‑step, what costs and international issues to expect, the special risks tied to MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy, alternatives for Bitcoin exposure, and practical research sources to check before you act.

Note on timing: As of January 18, 2026, according to coverage in CoinSpeaker and Barchart and regulatory filings for Strategy Inc., the company remains the largest corporate Bitcoin treasury holder with roughly 687,410 BTC and ongoing acquisition activity. Relevant price and holding figures quoted in this article reflect publicly reported numbers at that date.

Company overview

MicroStrategy — now operating under the name Strategy Inc. and still frequently referenced by its historical name — is a US public company best known for two major features of its corporate identity:

Business lines: Historically it developed enterprise analytics and business intelligence software (software, analytics and AI-related solutions for enterprises).
Bitcoin treasury strategy: Since 2020 the company shifted a large part of its capital-allocation policy toward accumulating Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset. Executive chairman Michael Saylor has been the most visible public advocate for that strategy.

That strategic shift materially changes the stock’s investment profile. MSTR behaves partly like a software company and partly like a leveraged play on the price of Bitcoin: corporate results, capital issuance decisions, and large Bitcoin purchases can dominate equity performance. Because of this dual nature, volatility in Bitcoin often amplifies moves in MSTR shares.

Key public facts to note (reported figures):

As of January 18, 2026, Strategy’s reported Bitcoin holdings were approximately 687,410 BTC, acquired at an average cost in the ~$60,000–$70,000 per BTC range (source: company regulatory filings and public trackers).
The company disclosed purchases during the period ended Jan. 11, 2026, including a confirmed buy of 13,627 BTC (~$1.25 billion at an average ≈ $91,519/BTC) and earlier buys in January (e.g., 1,286 BTC for about $116 million).
Strategy shares (ticker MSTR) have shown significant volatility—trading around the mid‑$170s per share in mid‑January 2026 while recording large percentage moves over six‑month windows (reports noted ~59% decline over a six‑month stretch even as January showed positive gains).

Because capital allocation (issuing shares or preferred stock, using ATM offerings, or taking debt to buy BTC) directly affects both the balance sheet and share count, investors should treat MicroStrategy/Strategy as a hybrid exposure: part corporate-software company, part corporate Bitcoin treasurer.

Where MicroStrategy stock trades

Exchange: MicroStrategy (Strategy Inc.) is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Ticker symbol: MSTR (still widely used in market quotes and reporting).
Trading hours: Regular U.S. equity market hours are 09:30–16:00 Eastern Time (ET). Many brokers also allow pre-market and after-hours (extended-hours) trading, usually starting as early as 04:00–08:00 ET and continuing to 20:00 ET depending on the platform.
Access: U.S.-listed shares like MSTR are accessible through most regulated brokers globally; international investors can usually buy through domestic brokers that provide access to U.S. markets or via global broker platforms.

If you’ve asked "can you buy MicroStrategy stock" the operational answer is straightforward: yes, buy MSTR via any broker that supports U.S. equities.

How to buy MicroStrategy stock — step-by-step

Below is a practical walkthrough to buy MSTR through a standard broker. This is procedural guidance only and not investment advice.

Choose a broker (see the next section for selection factors).
Open and verify an account with that broker. Expect identity verification (government ID, proof of address) as part of KYC rules.
Fund your account using an accepted deposit method (ACH/bank transfer, wire, card, or international transfer depending on the broker).
Search for the ticker MSTR in the broker’s trading interface.
Decide order size and order type (market vs. limit vs. stop — see below).
Submit the order and monitor execution. You will receive confirmation when the order fills.
Confirm settlement and holdings: U.S. equity trades generally settle in two business days (T+2) for standard cash accounts. Your broker provides trade confirmations and statements.

If you want fractional exposure (buying portions of an expensive share) check whether your broker supports fractional shares; many modern brokers do.

Choosing a broker

When selecting a broker to buy MSTR, compare these factors:

Commissions and fees: many brokers now offer commission‑free trading for U.S. equities; watch for platform or inactivity fees.
Fractional shares: availability matters if you want to invest small amounts in a high-priced share like MSTR.
Supported markets: confirm access to NASDAQ/U.S. equities.
Ease of use: platform interface and mobile app quality.
Regulation and safety: broker licensing and deposit insurance (e.g., SIPC coverage in the U.S.).
Margin and options capability: if you plan to trade with leverage or trade options, confirm margin rates and options support.
Tax reporting: brokers that provide year-end tax forms (1099s in the U.S.) simplify record‑keeping.

Common retail and professional platforms referenced in broker guides include eToro, Robinhood, Interactive Brokers, Webull, and Stake. For crypto purchases or BTC exposure, Bitget and the Bitget Wallet are recommended platforms for spot crypto trading and custody in the Bitget ecosystem. When choosing any platform, check local availability and regulatory status.

Funding and account types

Cash account: you use settled funds to buy securities; no borrowing allowed. Trades settle typically on T+2.
Margin account: allows borrowing against securities for additional purchasing power. Margin increases risk and can amplify losses; brokers charge margin interest.

Deposit methods commonly supported:

ACH / bank transfer (U.S.) — low cost, takes 1–3 business days.
Wire transfer — faster for larger international deposits, usually carries fees.
Debit/credit card — supported by some brokers for instant or near-instant funding, often with higher fees or limits.
International bank transfer / SWIFT — used by offshore or non-U.S. investors; fees and FX conversions apply.

Account verification typically requires government ID, address verification (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes tax ID or SSN for U.S. residents.

Order types and execution

Market order: buys or sells immediately at the best available price. Good for quick execution but subject to price slippage, especially in volatile moments.
Limit order: sets a maximum buy price (or minimum sell price). The order only executes at that price or better; useful for price control.
Stop order / stop‑loss: becomes a market or limit order once a specified trigger price is reached — used to limit downside.

Execution considerations:

Slippage: a market order can fill at a worse price than expected in fast markets.
Pre-market and after-hours trading: volumes are thinner; spreads usually wider; limit orders are recommended if trading outside regular hours.
Partial fills: large orders or thinly traded periods can result in partial execution.

Fractional shares and minimums

Many brokers now offer fractional-share trading, allowing you to buy a percentage of a high-priced share like MSTR with small amounts of cash (e.g., $10 worth of stock). Fractional holdings simplify diversification for small investors but check broker terms (e.g., fractional shares may not be tradable outside the broker’s ecosystem or may have different tax reporting specifics).

Costs and fees

Possible costs when buying MSTR include:

Trading commissions: many brokers offer zero commissions for U.S. equities, but some platforms still charge trading fees.
Exchange fees and regulatory fees: small transaction-level fees that brokers may pass through.
FX conversion fees: non-USD investors often pay a currency conversion fee when funding accounts or transacting in USD.
Spread costs: the difference between bid and ask especially relevant in extended-hours trading.
Platform or subscription fees: premium research or data feeds may carry fees.
Margin interest: if borrowing on margin, interest is charged on the borrowed amount.

Compare the total cost of ownership across brokers and check the fine print for deposit/withdrawal fees and inactivity charges.

International considerations

Non-U.S. investors should consider:

FX conversion: funding in a non-USD currency usually incurs conversion at the broker’s FX rate (and possible conversion fee).
Local broker availability: some large international brokers offer direct access to U.S. markets; local banks sometimes provide U.S. equity trading as well.
Deposit methods: wire transfers and international payment rails are commonly used; timing and bank fees vary by country.
Regulatory constraints: certain jurisdictions restrict or complicate trading foreign equities; ensure your broker is permitted to serve your country.
Time-zone differences: U.S. market hours may fall outside your active hours; plan order types accordingly (limit orders can help avoid surprise fills).

Risks and things to consider before buying

When you ask "can you buy MicroStrategy stock" it’s equally important to ask whether you should, given the following risk factors unique to MSTR:

Heavy Bitcoin correlation: Strategy’s large BTC holdings cause the stock to move with Bitcoin prices and often with magnified swings due to leverage or capital structure choices.
Volatility: Because of the BTC exposure and capital issuance activity, MSTR can be highly volatile on short notice.
Capital allocation and financing risk: MicroStrategy/Strategy has historically funded BTC purchases through stock offerings, ATM programs, and preferred issuance. New share issuance dilutes existing shareholders; debt issuance increases leverage.
Balance-sheet and liquidity risk: If BTC prices fall materially, the company’s asset value declines and any margin-like borrowing arrangements tied to BTC may create liquidity pressures.
Concentration risk: Holding MSTR is not the same as owning Bitcoin directly; it combines equity and BTC exposure with company operating factors.
Tax and accounting implications: Corporate BTC holdings can affect reported liquidity and may have tax implications for shareholders indirectly (e.g., if the company sells BTC and realizes gains/losses). Individual investors have separate tax treatment when selling MSTR shares.

This article is informational and not investment advice. Perform your own risk assessment and consult a licensed advisor if necessary.

Alternatives to buying MSTR for Bitcoin exposure

If your primary goal is Bitcoin exposure rather than ownership of the enterprise software business, consider these alternatives:

Buy Bitcoin directly: spot BTC purchased on regulated exchanges (Bitget is recommended for spot trading and custody in the Bitget ecosystem) or custodial services and wallets (Bitget Wallet is an option).
Spot Bitcoin ETFs: where available and regulated, spot BTC ETFs provide exchange-traded access to BTC price exposure without owning BTC directly.
Futures-based ETFs or funds: futures funds provide exposure but can suffer roll costs and tracking differences.
Other corporate holders or funds: companies with Bitcoin treasuries or funds/ETPs that hold BTC provide varying degrees of exposure and structure.

Differences to note: owning MSTR gives you equity in a company that manages its own BTC treasury and software business; owning Bitcoin or a BTC ETF gives more direct price exposure with different tax and custody implications.

Taxes and reporting

Tax rules differ by jurisdiction. High-level points:

Capital gains taxes apply to profits from selling MSTR shares; the rate and holding period rules depend on your country.
Dividends: MicroStrategy historically has not paid a regular dividend; check current company policy.
Broker reporting: U.S. brokers provide year-end tax documents (e.g., Form 1099 for U.S. taxpayers). International brokers often provide similar statements or tax reporting support.

Consult a qualified tax professional in your jurisdiction for specifics.

Using options, margin, and shorting (advanced strategies)

For experienced traders only: many brokers offer options trading on MSTR, margin borrowing, and short-selling. These strategies amplify gains and losses:

Options (calls/puts): can be used for directional exposure, hedging, or income (writing options). Options carry time decay, implied volatility risk, and complex payoff profiles.
Margin: borrowing increases buying power but adds interest costs and the risk of margin calls.
Shorting: betting against MSTR by short-selling involves potentially unlimited loss if the stock rises.

Advanced strategies require knowledge of derivatives, margin mechanics, and strict risk management. They are not suitable for most retail investors.

Research and due diligence

Before buying MSTR, follow practical steps:

Read recent SEC filings (10‑K, 10‑Q, 8‑K) and the company’s investor relations releases for confirmed purchases, debt issuance, and equity offerings.
Review earnings reports and management commentary on capital allocation.
Track Bitcoin holdings and average purchase price disclosed in filings.
Monitor social signals from leadership (e.g., Michael Saylor’s public posts) but always verify via official filings.
Check analyst coverage, price targets, and research notes to understand market assumptions.
Use on‑chain and treasury trackers (e.g., public corporate BTC treasury trackers) to verify holdings and rank corporate treasuries.
Combine fundamental analysis (revenues, operating cash flow) with macro/crypto market review to form a balanced view.

Sources to consult include the company’s SEC filings and investor relations materials, major financial news outlets, broker research, and independent crypto treasury trackers.

Historical performance and key metrics

Key metrics to examine for MSTR include:

Market capitalization: fluctuates with share price and outstanding shares.
Revenue and operating income: track enterprise software business performance separately from BTC holdings.
EPS and P/E: standard metrics may be distorted by large unrealized gains/losses tied to BTC holdings; adjusted measures may be used.
Beta and volatility: MSTR historically exhibits elevated beta relative to the market because of BTC correlation.
52‑week range and share float: helpful for trading considerations.
Institutional ownership and insider holdings: may indicate confidence or concentration.

Important context: historical price moves for MSTR reflect both company fundamentals and Bitcoin price action; increases in BTC often produce outsized equity moves, and vice versa.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: can you buy microstrategy stock as a fractional share? A: Yes — many brokers offer fractional-share purchases for U.S. stocks, allowing small-dollar investments in MSTR.

Q: Does MicroStrategy pay dividends? A: Historically MicroStrategy/Strategy has not paid a regular dividend. Check the latest investor communications for current policy.

Q: Is buying MSTR the same as buying Bitcoin? A: No. Buying MSTR is buying equity in a company that holds Bitcoin as a treasury asset and runs an enterprise software business. It provides indirect Bitcoin exposure with corporate governance, operational results, and capital allocation decisions layered on top.

Q: What is MicroStrategy’s ticker symbol? A: MSTR on NASDAQ.

Q: can you buy microstrategy stock from outside the U.S.? A: Yes — international investors can typically buy U.S.-listed stocks through local brokers that provide U.S. market access or global brokerages.

References and primary sources

All practical guidance and company context in this article draws on publicly available investor materials, broker guides, and financial reporting. Representative sources referenced by market coverage include CoinSpeaker, Barchart, and public SEC filings. For authoritative details, consult:

Strategy Inc. / MicroStrategy SEC filings (10‑K, 10‑Q, 8‑K) and official investor relations announcements.
Public corporate Bitcoin treasury trackers and reporting sites.
Broker educational guides and platform help centers (examples cited in broker comparisons include eToro, Robinhood, Interactive Brokers, Webull, and Stake).

As of January 18, 2026, according to regulatory filings and press coverage captured by CoinSpeaker and Barchart, Strategy reported approximately 687,410 BTC and recent purchases disclosed for the reporting period ending Jan. 11, 2026.