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Bitcoin vs Gold: Is the Digital Age Changing the Way We Store Value?

May 22, 2025

8 min read

Bitcoin vs Gold: Is the Digital Age Changing the Way We Store Value?


For centuries, gold has been the ultimate safe haven. When markets wobble or inflation rises, gold is where many investors turn to protect their wealth. It is tangible, globally recognised and limited in supply — making it a reliable store of value across generations and geographies.

But times are changing. We are living in a world where technology is reshaping how we work, spend, invest and save. And in that world, a new contender has entered the ring — Bitcoin.

Often described as digital gold, Bitcoin has become a major talking point in modern wealth strategy. It is no longer just for tech-savvy investors or crypto enthusiasts — it is becoming part of everyday financial conversations. In 2025, with inflation still a hot topic and financial systems under pressure, the question has become louder — could Bitcoin be a better store of value than gold?

Let’s unpack it.

Why has gold always mattered?

Gold has been trusted for thousands of years. It is scarce, durable and not tied to any one country, government or currency. That makes it valuable when the global economy feels shaky.

Throughout history, gold has acted as a hedge — a way to protect wealth when inflation kicks in or financial markets face uncertainty. It cannot be created out of thin air, and it has stood the test of time as a physical reserve that holds its worth.

That said, gold does come with limitations — it is bulky and expensive to store securely, cannot be easily divided or sent online, does not earn yield or generate interest, can be slow to trade and settle, and relies on physical infrastructure and intermediaries.

For investors in a digital-first world, those friction points can make gold less accessible — and less practical.

What makes Bitcoin different?

Bitcoin was created in 2009 as a decentralised digital currency — one that is not controlled by any bank or government. But it is increasingly being recognised not just as a currency, but as a store of value.

Like gold, Bitcoin is limited in supply — only 21 million coins will ever exist. It is independent — not tied to any central authority. It is recognised and traded around the world. It is immune to inflationary printing.

But Bitcoin also brings features that gold cannot match — it is easily divisible, fast to move, borderless, programmable and fully digital. In short, Bitcoin is gold reimagined for the internet era.

What do the returns show — Bitcoin vs gold?

Let’s look at how these assets have performed in recent years.

YearGold returnBitcoin return
2020+25%+305%
2021-5%+60%
2023+8%+155%
2024+12%+108% (estimated)

Over the past decade, gold has delivered steady gains — but Bitcoin has outpaced it by a wide margin. The catch is volatility. Bitcoin has seen much sharper price swings, but those who held on have often come out ahead.

This makes it important to think about your risk tolerance and your goals. If you are investing for the long term and can stomach some ups and downs, Bitcoin has shown strong potential. If you prefer more stability, gold still has a role to play.

What about inflation — who is the better hedge?

In times of inflation, the value of traditional money drops. That is why people often turn to assets that cannot be printed endlessly — like gold.

Historically, gold has been a strong inflation hedge. But in recent years, Bitcoin has emerged as a digital alternative.

Why Bitcoin works in an inflationary environment — it has a fixed supply, is decentralised and reacts quickly to macro shifts.

During periods of money printing, central bank intervention or currency devaluation, Bitcoin has often performed well. It has also benefited from growing adoption as investors seek assets outside of traditional systems.

That said, it is not about replacing gold — it is about expanding your toolkit.

Can you hold both — and why would you?

Absolutely. You do not have to pick one or the other.

In fact, many investors now hold both gold and Bitcoin to create a more balanced, diversified portfolio. Gold brings consistency. Bitcoin brings growth potential and modern accessibility.

Together, they provide a hedge against inflation, currency risk and market shocks — while also giving you exposure to the future of finance.

Think of it this way — gold is your financial anchor. Bitcoin is your digital engine. One protects. The other propels.

What makes Bitcoin more accessible?

Gold is powerful — but it is not always easy to access. You need secure storage, often deal with high fees and depend on intermediaries to buy or sell it.

Bitcoin is open 24/7 — no brokers required. You can buy small amounts regularly, sell instantly on most platforms, transfer value anywhere in the world and use it with just your phone and an internet connection.

For Australians living abroad, investing remotely or wanting to move quickly, that level of control matters.

How are Australians using Bitcoin already?

More Australians are adding Bitcoin to their portfolios — not as a gamble, but as part of a long-term plan.

People are using Bitcoin to diversify beyond super and property, hedge against inflation and global risk, take control of their savings without middlemen and plan for the future using decentralised tools.

Bitcoin is especially popular among younger investors, tech professionals and those setting up self-managed super funds. It is no longer a fringe idea — it is becoming mainstream.

Can you hold Bitcoin in your super?

Yes — you can.

If you have a self-managed super fund (SMSF), you can legally hold Bitcoin and other digital assets as part of your retirement strategy. This is a growing trend in Australia, with SMSFs using Bitcoin to complement traditional holdings like shares and property.

There are rules and compliance steps, but platforms like dcx can help you navigate them. We partner with SMSF experts and custodians to make crypto in super simple, secure and fully compliant.

Always speak with a licensed adviser before changing your super setup — but know that crypto inside super is now a real, regulated option.

How dcx helps you invest in Bitcoin with confidence

At dcx, we make it easy for Australians to buy, hold and understand Bitcoin with clarity and control. Our platform is built for long-term investors — not just traders — with a focus on education, security and simplicity.

You can set up recurring buys to invest gradually over time, access easy-to-understand tools that break down complex crypto topics and rely on licensed custody for secure storage. If you’re managing a self-managed super fund, we also support SMSF-friendly infrastructure and work with trusted partners to ensure full compliance.

And if you ever have questions, our local support team is here to help — so you’re never on your own.

Whether you’re new to crypto or looking to integrate Bitcoin into a broader strategy, dcx is here to help you invest with confidence, at your own pace.

One more reason Bitcoin is gaining attention in Australia

Bitcoin also supports financial independence. Unlike traditional banking systems, which can be slow or restrictive, Bitcoin gives you control over your money — anytime and anywhere. That is especially appealing in times of economic uncertainty or when trust in institutions is low.

For those who value self-reliance, transparency and innovation, Bitcoin offers more than just potential gains — it represents a different way to engage with wealth. And as education around digital assets improves, more Australians are seeing Bitcoin not as a speculative bet, but as a core part of their financial strategy.

From young professionals to retirees looking to diversify, the interest is growing. And with tools, support and regulation catching up fast, there has never been a better time to explore what Bitcoin can offer — alongside gold, property, shares and super.

What does the future of wealth look like?

Gold will always have a place. It is timeless. It is proven.

But Bitcoin is designed for the world we live in now — digital, fast-moving and globally connected. It brings a level of freedom, control and innovation that complements gold’s stability.

As financial systems evolve, smart investors are looking at both. Not to replace one with the other, but to build wealth that can adapt to change.

In a future where flexibility, security and digital access matter more than ever, Bitcoin is not just a trend. It is becoming a pillar of modern wealth strategy.

So… Bitcoin or gold?

Why not both.

Gold gives you peace of mind. Bitcoin gives you power to move fast and think big.

Together, they give you options. And in 2025, that is what building wealth is all about — staying prepared, staying open and staying ahead.