Dogecoin, the largest memecoin by market cap, just crossed a new milestone in its long, meme-powered journey into mainstream finance: the first U.S. spot Dogecoin ETF (ticker: DOJE) is expected to begin trading Thursday, September 11, 2025, under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas flagged the debut, calling it likely the first U.S. ETF to hold an asset “with no utility on purpose.” In the week leading up to the news, DOGE jumped ~13–17%, with spot prices hovering around $0.24 and a market capitalization around $3.8 billion.
Dogecoin price surges on news of potential DOGE ETF approval | Source: BingX
Beyond the DOGE ETF, the SEC is weighing dozens of crypto ETF proposals beyond Bitcoin and Ether. 92 filings were noted in late August, while specifically delaying Bitwise’s Dogecoin ETF decision to Nov 12, 2025. That mix of progress and pause sets the context for DOJE’s launch via a different legal route.
This article is your go-to guide to Dogecoin ETFs, what they are, how the new REX-Osprey Doge ETF (DOJE) works, key launch details, risks, and step-by-step instructions to buy DOJE via a broker or DOGE token directly on BingX.
What Is a Dogecoin ETF?
A Dogecoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a regulated investment product that lets you gain exposure to the price of Dogecoin (DOGE) without ever buying or storing the cryptocurrency directly. Instead of setting up a crypto wallet, handling private keys, or trading on a crypto exchange, you can simply purchase ETF shares through a traditional brokerage account, just like you would with stocks or S&P 500 ETFs.
ETFs have proven to be a powerful on-ramp for crypto adoption. As per data by The Block, spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. attracted over $107 billion in assets in their first year, making them some of the fastest-growing funds in history. Analysts expect Dogecoin ETFs to expand that trend into memecoins.
Source: Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas on X
The ETF pools investor money and allocates it toward assets that replicate DOGE’s performance. This makes it a convenient entry point for beginners and institutions who want exposure to memecoins in a familiar, regulated wrapper. For example:
• Accessibility – You can buy DOJE on a stock exchange during normal U.S. market hours from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET, using platforms like Fidelity or Robinhood.
• No wallet needed – The fund handles custody and compliance, removing the risk of losing private keys.
• Retirement accounts – Unlike holding DOGE directly, ETF shares can often be held in tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs or 401(k)s.
• Downside – Unlike holding DOGE itself, ETF shares cannot be used for payments, tipping, or on-chain activities. They are purely for price exposure.
What Is the REX-Osprey Dogecoin ETF (DOJE)?
The REX-Osprey Dogecoin ETF (Ticker:DOJE) is the first U.S. Dogecoin ETF, expected to launch on September 11, 2025. It is sponsored by REX Shares and Osprey Funds, the same team behind the Solana Staking ETF (SSK), which launched in mid-2025.
Rex-Osprey DOGE ETF fund summary | Source: SEC.gov
What makes DOJE unique is its legal structure:
• Filed under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“’40 Act”) – Unlike most spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs that were approved under the 1933 Act, DOJE uses the ’40 Act, which is closer to how mutual funds are regulated. This path allowed it to bypass some of the lengthy SEC approval hurdles.
• Cayman Islands subsidiary – Up to 25% of the fund’s assets can be invested through a wholly-owned Cayman subsidiary that directly holds DOGE or DOGE-linked derivatives, such as futures and swaps. This structure helps the ETF maintain its U.S. tax status as a regulated investment company (RIC).
• Diversification requirements – The ETF must also hold other regulated securities like U.S. Treasuries or crypto-linked ETPs to meet ’40 Act diversification rules. This means DOJE may not perfectly track DOGE’s spot price, especially in volatile markets.
• Fees & costs – While final expense ratios will be disclosed post-launch, memecoin ETFs often carry higher fees, sometimes up to 1.5%, compared to Bitcoin ETFs, which average around 0.25%–0.50%.
Why DOJE’s Structure Is Different From Most BTC/ETH ETFs
Most spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs were launched under the Securities Act of 1933 with explicit SEC approvals. DOJE uses the ’40 Act path, a mutual-fund-style framework used by REX-Osprey for other products, e.g., its Solana + Staking ETF. REX-Osprey’s SOL + Staking ETF (SSK) launched in July 2025, illustrating this team’s track record bringing non-BTC/ETH exposure to U.S. Brokerages.
Practically, the DOJE ETF gains DOGE exposure directly and/or via derivatives held through a Cayman subsidiary; funds using this approach typically limit the subsidiary to ~25% of total assets to maintain U.S. tax status as a regulated investment company (RIC).
How Does a Dogecoin ETF Work?
Here’s how a Dogecoin ETF works in practice, with the DOJE ETF as an example:
1. Fund setup – The REX-Osprey Dogecoin ETF (DOJE) is organized under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and uses a Cayman subsidiary to hold DOGE and derivatives. The fund may also hold cash, U.S. Treasuries, or other crypto ETPs to balance exposure.
2. Share creation & redemption – Authorized participants (large trading firms) create or redeem ETF shares against the portfolio, keeping the ETF’s price close to its net asset value (NAV). Early trading may see wider spreads, so investors often use limit orders.
3. Trading – Investors buy and sell DOJE on U.S. exchanges during normal hours. Returns reflect DOGE’s price performance, minus fund fees and any tax or structural drag from the Cayman setup.
How to Buy the Dogecoin ETF (DOJE)
Buying the Dogecoin ETF is similar to buying any other stock or ETF, but there are a few important details to keep in mind. Below is a step-by-step guide for both U.S. and non-U.S. investors.
For U.S. Investors - Brokerage Route
1. Open a brokerage account – Sign up with a broker that offers access to U.S. stock exchanges, such as Fidelity, Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, or Robinhood. Many now allow commission-free ETF trades.
2. Search for the ticker “DOJE” – On or after the official launch day, enter DOJE in your broker’s trading app or website.
3. Place an order – Because new ETFs can have lower trading volume at launch, use a limit order to control the price you pay and avoid overpaying due to wider bid-ask spreads.
4. Choose your account type – Decide whether to hold shares in a taxable brokerage account or a tax-advantaged account like an IRA or 401(k). Retirement accounts can offer tax deferral or tax-free growth, making them attractive for long-term investors.
Are Dogecoin ETFs accessible outside the U.S.?
At launch, DOJE is only listed on a U.S. stock exchange, so access depends on whether your local broker offers U.S. market trading. Some global platforms provide access, but in regions like the EU/UK, rules such as PRIIPs regulations may restrict retail investors from buying U.S. ETFs without special disclosures. For many international users, buying DOGE directly on a global crypto exchange like BingX is often the simpler option.
For Non-U.S. Investors
1. Find a broker with U.S. market access – Options include Interactive Brokers, eToro, or TradeStation Global, depending on what’s available in your country.
2. Check local regulations – For example, EU and UK retail investors may face restrictions due to PRIIPs rules, which block access to U.S. ETFs lacking a Key Information Document (KID). Some investors work around this by using brokers that offer international access, but rules vary by country.
3. Account for currency conversion – Since DOJE is priced in U.S. dollars (USD), your broker will convert your local currency to USD when you place an order. Watch for foreign exchange (FX) fees, which can eat into returns if you trade frequently.
How to Buy Dogecoin (DOGE) on BingX
DOGE/USDT trading pair on the spot market, powered by BingX AI
If you’d rather own Dogecoin directly instead of buying the ETF, the easiest route is through a crypto exchange like BingX. This option gives you 24/7 trading access, the ability to transfer DOGE to your own wallet, and zero fund management fees. Here’s how to get started:
1. Create and verify your account – Sign up on BingX, then complete KYC verification to unlock full trading and deposit features.
2. Deposit funds – Add money to your account using a debit/credit card, bank transfer, or the P2P marketplace for zero-fee local currency deposits.
3. Buy DOGE directly – Navigate to the Spot Trading section, search for DOGE/USDT, enter the amount you want to purchase, and click Buy. Your DOGE will appear instantly in your BingX wallet.
4. Secure your assets – For long-term holding on BingX, enable all available security settings such as two-factor authentication (2FA), anti-phishing codes, withdrawal whitelist, and BingX Shield Fund protection. These features help safeguard your DOGE against unauthorized access while keeping it within your BingX account.
Learn more about how to buy Dogecoin in our comprehensive guide.
Why Choose Direct DOGE Over the DOJE ETF?
Unlike DOJE, holding DOGE directly lets you send, spend, or use tokens in the crypto ecosystem, such as payments, staking, and DeFi apps. You also avoid ETF management fees and aren’t restricted to stock market hours; DOGE trades 24/7 worldwide.
Risks and Key Considerations of Investing in Dogecoin ETFs
Before investing in the Dogecoin ETF (DOJE), it’s important to understand the risks. Even though ETFs make crypto easier to access, they don’t eliminate the challenges that come with highly volatile assets like Dogecoin.
1. Price volatility: As a leading memecoin, Dogecoin is known for sharp price swings. For example, in early September 2025, DOGE moved from around $0.216 to $0.249 within just a few days, a 15% jump. The DOJE ETF will mirror these moves, meaning your investment can rise or fall quickly, even in a single week.
2. Fund structure and tracking differences: Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs that directly hold the assets, DOJE uses a ’40 Act fund structure with a Cayman Islands subsidiary. This design may cause slight tracking differences between DOJE and the actual DOGE price. It can also create tax drag, since C-corp-style ETFs may owe corporate-level taxes before passing gains to investors.
3. Liquidity and trading spreads: New ETFs often have lower trading volume at launch. This can lead to wider bid-ask spreads or the ETF trading at a premium or discount compared to its net asset value (NAV). In practical terms, you could end up paying more than DOGE’s market value or selling for less. To reduce this risk, beginners should use limit orders instead of market orders when trading DOJE.
4. Tax implications: Like most ETFs, DOJE distributions, such as dividends or capital gains, are taxable in the U.S. If the fund realizes profits from selling DOGE or derivatives, those gains may be passed on to shareholders and taxed as ordinary income or capital gains. Investors holding DOJE in taxable accounts should be aware of this, while those using IRAs or 401(k)s may defer or avoid these taxes depending on their plan rules.
5. Regulatory uncertainty: The SEC is still reviewing other DOGE ETF applications. For example, the Bitwise Dogecoin ETF decision was pushed to November 12, 2025. This shows regulators are cautious. Future rule changes or delays could impact DOJE’s operations, its liquidity, or even whether similar products remain available in the U.S.
Bottom line: While DOJE offers regulated exposure to Dogecoin, it doesn’t remove the underlying risks. Be prepared for volatility, possible tracking issues, and regulatory shifts before investing.
Conclusion
The arrival of DOJE makes Dogecoin exposure as simple as buying a stock, expanding access for investors who prefer regulated brokerage channels over crypto exchanges. If you want convenience and account integration, the ETF route is compelling. On the other hand, if you want around-the-clock trading, self-custody, and on-chain utility, buying DOGE directly on BingX may fit better.
Either way, size positions carefully: Dogecoin remains highly volatile, and the ETF’s ’40-Act/Cayman structure can introduce tracking differences and tax/fee drag versus spot DOGE. Stay informed as SEC decisions evolve and review product documents and costs before investing.
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FAQs on Dogecoin ETFs
1. When does Rex-Osprey Dogecoin ETF (DOJE) launch?
The DOJE ETF is expected to begin trading on September 11, 2025 during normal U.S. stock market hours, 9:30 AM–4:00 PM ET. Its official ticker symbol will be DOJE.
2. Who sponsors the DOGE ETF fund?
The DOJE ETF is managed by REX Shares and Osprey Funds, with distribution handled by Foreside Fund Services, the same team behind other crypto-themed ETFs.
3. Is DOJE a “spot Dogecoin ETF”?
Not exactly. Instead of the standard ’33 Act “spot” structure used for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, DOJE is a ’40 Act ETF that gains exposure to Dogecoin through a Cayman subsidiary holding DOGE and DOGE-linked derivatives.
4. Can I hold DOJE in an IRA/401(k)?
Yes, like most ETFs, DOJE shares can typically be held in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. However, you should confirm with your broker or plan provider.
5. Should I buy Dogecoin ETF?
DOJE provides a regulated, brokerage-based option to gain DOGE exposure. It’s suitable if you prefer familiar platforms, traditional account structures, or retirement-account eligibility.
By contrast, buying DOGE directly on BingX allows 24/7 trading, on-chain utility such as transfers and tipping, and direct wallet control. This option fits better if you value flexibility, fast access, and hands-on ownership.