How payroll-to-crypto works

The mechanics of Astra P2C are intentionally simple for both employers and employees. Here's exactly what happens from opt-in to Bitcoin landing in your account.

Step 1: You opt in

As an employee, you choose how much of your net pay you want to convert to Bitcoin. This can be a fixed dollar amount (e.g., $50 per paycheck) or a percentage of your pay. This election is stored in Astra's system alongside your payroll record.

Step 2: Your payroll runs normally

Nothing changes about how your employer runs payroll. Astra integrates via a standard payroll file feed, the same mechanism used by 401(k) providers and other benefit deductions. Your employer doesn't need custom software or a new payroll system.

Step 3: Astra receives the deduction data

After each payroll run, Astra receives your contribution amount. This triggers a Bitcoin purchase executed through Coinbase, meaning the purchase happens at real market rates with institutional-grade execution.

Step 4: Bitcoin is purchased weekly

Contributions are batched and used to buy Bitcoin once a week. Your purchase lands in your personal Astra account as cbBTC, which is Coinbase's 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset. You own it outright.

One important detail: post-tax

Astra contributions come from post-tax (net pay) dollars. This means the deduction happens after taxes are calculated, similar in structure to a Roth account rather than a traditional 401(k). When you eventually sell your Bitcoin, you'll owe capital gains tax on any appreciation.

You stay in control

You can adjust your contribution amount, pause, or stop at any time. When you're ready to take full ownership, you can withdraw your Bitcoin to a personal wallet, a process called self-custody that Astra fully supports and encourages.