If you have been looking for apps to earn interest with your leftover crypto, but got confused in the process, you’ve come to the right place. The crypto space is complicated, and almost no one is making it simpler for the end user like us. Cryptocurrencies can also be a risky game if we don’t understand it. Many people believe it’s too new to be serious, while others believe they are the future of finance.

I’ve come back and forth many times with crypto, earning money rapidly, but also losing some even more. My approach is not a get “rich quick” scheme, and I’m not someone trying to convince people to invest here and there. I’m a regular guy who just loves cashback and points, simple systems, and to earn a bit of interest in the money I have on my bank account.

If you can relate to that, then probably this post is for you too. After installing and trying A TON of apps, exchanges, and tokens, including Crypto.com, Nexo, Coinbase, Binance, YouHodler, and Plutus, I collected here my top picks when it comes to either staking (Ethereum or Bitcoin), or making a fixed-term investment, and get up to 16% interest on your assets. Let’s start.

Nexo

Best for:
Highest interest rates TrustPilot 4.7

Try Nexo

Revolut

Best for:
Super simple solution
All-in-one app

Try Revolut

Crypto.com

Best for:
Ecosystem
Easy to start app

Try Crypto

Coinbase

Best for:
Staking USDC
Heavily regulated

Try Coinbase

Is It Worth Staking Crypto?

Both staking and fixed-term deposits have their merits and demerits. While staking offers potentially higher returns, it comes with higher risks. Fixed-term deposits are more stable but might offer lower yields, especially in low-interest-rate environments. Your choice between the two should be based on your risk appetite, investment goals, and knowledge about the crypto space.

If you are interested in reading more, jump to this section.

Whether or not staking crypto is “worth it” depends on your individual investment goals, risk tolerance, the specific crypto asset, and personal beliefs in the project’s future. It’s essential to make some research about the staking model of a particular cryptocurrency, understand its implications, and assess the potential risks and rewards. If possible, consider consulting with financial or crypto professionals before making a decision.

Apps to Earn Interest With Crypto in 2023 (Safe Options)

1. Nexo

Nexo offers one of the simplest and most profitable solutions for both staking and fixed-term investments with crypto.

Nexo is a crypto lending platform that offers a variety of services, including crypto loans, crypto savings accounts, and crypto credit cards. Nexo was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. As a separate product, they offer the Nexo Wallet, which is a non-custodial wallet that allows users to store, send, receive, exchange, and stake cryptocurrencies. The wallet is integrated with the Nexo platform so that users can easily transfer their crypto between the two platforms.

Try Nexo My Review

Who is Nexo for?

If you are looking for the best interest rates in 2023. It works both with staking and earning, and has a broad range of tokens you can choose from.

Main advantages of Nexo

High interest rates: Nexo offers some of the highest interest rates on crypto savings accounts in the industry, up to 16% APY on certain cryptocurrencies.
No lock-up periods: You can withdraw your crypto from your Nexo savings account at any time, without any fees or penalties.
Flexible terms: You can choose the terms of your Nexo savings account, from a 1-month term to a 12-month term.
Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies: Nexo supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether.
Secure platform: Nexo uses industry-leading security measures to protect your funds, including cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and DDoS protection.
Easy to use: Nexo is a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and use.
Transparent fees: Nexo has transparent fees that are clearly disclosed on its website.
Nexo token rewards: Nexo token holders can earn additional interest on their crypto holdings and other benefits.
Excellent reviews. Trustpilot score 4.7+

Nexo and the Nexo Wallet: the best app to earn interest with crypto in 2023. Stake Ethereum or Bitcoin, or make a fixed-term investment.

2. Revolut

Revolut is a financial technology company that offers a variety of financial products and services, including a mobile banking app, a cryptocurrency exchange, and a peer-to-peer payment platform. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in London, England.

Revolut Crypto is a feature of the Revolut app that allows users to buy, sell, invest, and trade cryptocurrencies. It supports the major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. Revolut Crypto is available in most countries where Revolut is available (except it is backing off from the US).

While it is not the most convenient option for hardcore traders (because of their 1.49% fee), it is certainly the easiest way to buy, sell, and stake crypto for 99% of the people out there that don’t have an account in any other app or exchange.

Try Revolut (3 Months Free Premium) My Review

Who is Revolut for?

Most people out there don’t want to mess it up and prefer to keep it simple. Revolut is excellent at this. It only works for staking Ethereum and a few other tokens, but you’ll have your money right next to your bank account, without any extra apps or hassle.
Ongoing Offer: Get 3 months free premium when you sign-up using my link. Also, get €70 for each friend and family member you refer.

Main advantages of Revolut Crypto

Learn and Earn program: get FREE crypto for taking courses in the app!
Convenience: Revolut is a convenient way to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies. You can do it all in the Revolut app, which you may already be using for your everyday banking needs.
Simplicity: Revolut makes it easy to get started with cryptocurrency investing. You don’t need to create a separate account or learn a new platform.
Low fees: Revolut charges low fees for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. This can save you money on your investments.
Wide range of cryptocurrencies: Revolut supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, so you can choose the ones that you’re interested in.
Security: Revolut uses industry-leading security measures to protect your funds.

Revolut Crypto: app to buy, sell, hold, trade and invest crypto. One of the best options to earn interest staking Ethereum in 2023

3. Crypto.com

Crypto.com is a cryptocurrency exchange and wallet service. It was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Singapore. Crypto.com offers one of the most complete suites of products and services including cryptocurrency exchange, wallet, debit card, earn and DeFi Wallet. The Earn product lets you do both fixed-term investments and stake tokens such as Ethereum. The DeFi wallet lets you stake other tokens as well (such as CRO.

Try Crypto.com (Get $25)

Who is Crypto.com for?

If you use their Visa card or any other product of their ecosystem. It is still one of the simplest platforms to get in and get familiar with. The app is great, and the ecosystem is one of the most solids in the industry. They are also backup up by a ton of investors.

Ongoing Offer: USE REFERRAL CODE kcqyz67f3q TO GET $25.

Main advantages of Crypto.com

Wide range of supported cryptocurrencies: Crypto.com supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and CRO.
Reasonable interest rates: Crypto.com used to offer some of the highest interest rates on crypto savings, but now it has gotten much worse. On fixed tearm
No lock-up periods: You can withdraw your crypto from your Crypto.com savings account at any time, without any fees or penalties.
Flexible terms: You can choose the terms of your Crypto.com savings account, from a 1-month term to a 12-month term.
Secure platform: Crypto.com uses industry-leading security measures to protect your funds, including cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and DDoS protection.
Easy to use: Crypto.com is a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and use.
Transparent fees: Crypto.com has transparent fees that are clearly disclosed on its website.
Crypto.com Visa Card: Crypto.com offers a Visa card that allows users to spend their crypto holdings at merchants around the world. The Crypto.com Visa card offers cashback rewards and other benefits.
CRO token: Crypto.com has its own token, CRO, which can be used to earn discounts on fees and other benefits.

Crypto.com Earn (2023): One of the best apps to earn interest with crypto.

4. Coinbase

Coinbase is one of the giants. It is a cryptocurrency exchange that allows users to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies and the institution behind the stablecoin USDC. It is one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, with over 89 million users, and is heavily regulated by the governments.

Coinbase also offers the Coinbase Wallet, an integrated non-custodial wallet that allows users to store, send, receive, and exchange cryptocurrencies.

Both platforms let you stake cryptocurrencies and earn interest, although the interest rates have decreased heavily recently (like with Crypto.com), because of the strength of the US dollar.

Try Coinbase

Who is Coinbase for?

People who target USDC and safer tokens. It’s a great way to get higher yield than most traditional banks and savings accounts.

Main advantages of Coinbase

One of the safest options. With over 89 million users and regulated by the government.
Ease of use: Coinbase is a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and use.
Wide range of cryptocurrencies: Coinbase supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, so you can choose the ones that you’re interested in.
Security: Coinbase uses industry-leading security measures to protect your funds.
Liquidity: Coinbase is a very liquid exchange, which means that you can easily buy and sell your cryptocurrencies.
Customer support: Coinbase offers 24/7 customer support, so you can get help if you need it.

Coinbase: Stake and earn interest on Ethereum and USDC

Stake or Earn: What’s the difference?

Staking crypto and fixed-term deposits are both popular methods for earning passive income on assets, but they are fundamentally different in various aspects. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

Quick Comparison (Summary)

Aspect	Staking	Fixed-Term Investment (Earn)
Potential Returns	Returns are often given in the form of additional coins based on the network’s protocol and can vary.	Interest is typically predetermined and may be fixed or variable depending on the agreement.
Risk Level	Moderate. Risks include price volatility and potential “slashing” in certain protocols.	Generally lower risk as it’s a simple savings mechanism, but still exposed to crypto volatility.
Liquidity	Funds are typically locked during the staking period, which can vary in duration.	Funds are locked for the agreed-upon term and may have penalties for early withdrawal.
Complexity	Can be straightforward but requires understanding of the specific staking model and potential penalties.	Generally simple: deposit crypto, wait for the term to end, then withdraw with interest.
Asset Control	Stakers often maintain control over their funds, especially when staking through personal wallets.	Control is ceded to the platform until the end of the term.
Contribution to Network	Directly supports the network’s security and operations.	Doesn’t directly support blockchain network operations but helps platforms grow their capital base.
Passive Income Potential	Once set up, staking provides a continuous stream of rewards.	Fixed interest is accrued over the investment term and paid at the end or at predetermined intervals.
Entry Barrier	Low to moderate, depending on the staking mechanism.	Typically low. Requires depositing crypto into a fixed-term savings product.

1. Nature of the Asset

Staking Crypto: This involves holding and locking up a certain cryptocurrency in a wallet to support the operations of a blockchain network. Typically, Proof of Stake (PoS) or Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) protocols use staking mechanisms. Cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (after its transition to Ethereum 2.0) and Cardano are examples where staking plays a role.

Fixed-Term Deposit: This is a financial instrument offered by banks. You deposit money for a predetermined period, and the bank pays interest in return. The principal is returned at the end of the term.

2. Purpose

Staking Crypto: Staking is crucial for the security and functionality of PoS or DPoS blockchain networks. Stakers are rewarded for validating and adding new transactions to the blockchain.

Fixed-Term Deposit: The primary purpose is savings. The bank uses your deposit to lend it out or invest in other ventures. In return, you get interest as compensation for letting the bank use your funds.

3. Returns (ROI)

Staking Crypto: The returns or staking rewards can be highly variable. They depend on factors like the total amount of cryptocurrency staked in the network, the specific coin’s inflation rate, and network transaction fees.

Fixed-Term Deposit: The interest rate is usually fixed, meaning you know exactly how much you will earn by the end of the term. Some banks might offer variable rates, but these are less common.

4. Liquidity

Staking Crypto: Once you stake your cryptocurrency, it’s usually locked for a certain period, though this can vary. Some networks allow instant unstaking, while others might require days or even weeks.

Fixed-Term Deposit: Your money is locked for the specified term. You might incur penalties or forfeit some interest if you withdraw before the term ends.

5. Risk

Staking Crypto: There’s a higher risk associated with staking. The value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile. There’s also the risk of network attacks, or if you’re using a third-party platform, there might be risks associated with the platform itself.

Fixed-Term Deposit: Generally safer, especially if the bank is insured. The primary risk might be the bank’s insolvency, but even then, many countries have deposit insurance schemes that protect your funds up to a certain limit.

6. Underlying Technology

Staking Crypto: Relies on blockchain technology, which is decentralized and transparent by nature.

Fixed-Term Deposit: Operates within the traditional banking system, which is centralized.