For people looking to earn returns on their crypto assets, crypto savings accounts are an attractive option. With that in mind, we’ve thoroughly researched and compiled a list of the best crypto savings accounts available today.
Apart from that, we’ll also cover everything from the basics of what these accounts are to detailed instructions on setting them up, their safety protocols, supported coins, fees, and much more.
The Best Crypto Savings Accounts of 2024
- Coinbase – Trusted Crypto Savings Account With FDIC Insurance on USD Balances
- Aqru – High-Quality Crypto Savings Account With Numerous Features
- Binance – High-Interest Crypto Savings Accounts
- BlockFi – Top Crypto Interest Account for Safety
- Crypto.com – Crypto Savings Account to Warn Interest on Stablecoins
Top Crypto Interest Accounts Reviewed
In narrowing our list of the best cryptocurrency savings accounts down to just five providers, we focused on key factors surrounding supported coins, APYs, withdrawal terms, fees, and, most importantly – safety.
No two crypto savings platforms are the same – so be sure to read each review in full before making a decision.
1. Coinbase
If you don’t mind paying higher fees than the market average, Coinbase offers some of the best crypto accounts in terms of security and user-friendliness. Regarding the former, if you’re based in the US and keep idle US dollars in your Coinbase account, this is protected by FDIC insurance. This means that should the unthinkable happen and Coinbase go bankrupt – you’re covered up to $250,000.
However, it is crucial to note that this does not apply to crypto asset balances. With that said, Coinbase is regulated in the US by the SEC, and it’s now a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ. Moreover, you will need to pass two-factor authentication when logging into your account, and 98% of client digital assets are kept offline in cold storage. Taking all of this into account, Coinbase offers a safe and secure way to earn interest on your crypto investments.
In terms of what Coinbase offers, the platform supports interest-earning opportunities for six crypto assets. This includes Ethereum, Cosmos, Algorand, DAI, USDC, and Tezos. The APYs offered by Coinbase are below the industry average, especially when compared to Aqru. For example, while Aqru pays up to 7% on stablecoin deposits, at Coinbase, you’ll get a mere 0.15%.
And, as mentioned earlier, Coinbase is also expensive – especially when depositing US dollars into your account. For example, ACH crypto purchases will set you back 1.49%. If using Visa or MasterCard for this purpose, the fee increases to 3.99%. Withdrawals can also be costly, albeit this depends on the payment method itself. All in all, although we like Coinbase for its commitment to user security and regulation, this does come at a premium when you factor in costs.
Crypto assets are a highly volatile, unregulated investment product.
2. Aqru
Aqru is a user-friendly platform supporting a range of assets – all of which offer an attractive APY helping you to make money with cryptocurrency. For example, you can earn up to 7% per year on cryptocurrency deposits, which is one of the best rates in the market.
Staking is available for BTC, ETH, USDC, and USDC Maple. Moreover, should you wish to earn interest on traditional fiat money, Aqru offers savings accounts in GBP and EUR. As such, this top-rated crypto interest account gives you lots of flexibility in terms of choosing which asset you wish to generate interest on. Flexibility is the keyword here. Most crypto savings accounts available on the Aqru platform come without a minimum redemption period.
This means that at any given time, you can withdraw your funds out of your crypto savings account. In terms of fees, Aqru makes its money by charging a higher interest rate to those who use the platform to borrow capital. This means that the APY you see is the specific rate that you receive – without reductions.
Another factor that makes this yield farming crypto platform stand out as a top crypto savings account is that the provider offers an easy-to-use mobile app. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the app gives you access to all account functionality. This includes deposits and withdrawals, the ability to switch savings accounts, and access to real-time stats on your earnings. Finally, should you require assistance with your Aqru account, you will find a live chat facility on the main website.
Read our Aqru review to learn more about this crypto savings platform.
Crypto assets are a highly volatile, unregulated investment product.
3. Binance – High-Interest Crypto Savings Accounts
Binance is a great option for those seeking high-interest crypto interest accounts. In fact, as of writing, a number of supported digital currencies can be deposited at Binance in return for interest of over 100% per year. Moreover, Binance offers support for a large number of crypto assets across both large-cap and medium-cap projects. This will suit those of you who wish to diversify your crypto-earning objectives.
Another reason why Binance offers one of the best crypto interest accounts in the market is that you can choose from a wide variety of lock-up terms. For instance, some digital tokens can be locked away for 10, 30, 60, or even 90 days. In other cases, you might even be offered the option of a flexible savings account – which means you can make a withdrawal at any time. A good example of this is the Bitcoin interest account at Binance – which is not flexible but yields 5% per year.
We should note, however, that we came across a number of attractive APYs that were subsequently sold out. This is because, with some supported digital currencies, a maximum allocation is put in place by Binance. Nevertheless, if you can’t find a crypto savings account that meets your needs, Binance also offers crypto staking services. This works much the same way, as you will be paid a rate of interest for locking away your tokens.
The only difference is that instead of generating income by loaning out tokens, this is covered by blockchain transaction fees. Additionally, Binance also offers farming pools that allow you to grow your crypto wealth by providing the platform with liquidity.
Crypto assets are a highly volatile, unregulated investment product.
4. BlockFi – Top Crypto Savings Account for Safety
Although BlockFi does not offer the most attractive yields in the market, this crypto lending platform does have a reputation as being one of the safest crypto savings account providers. Since launching its platform in 2017, BlockFi has made every effort possible to ensure that it provides a safe means to earn interest on your crypto investments.
For example, BlockFi claims that the vast bulk of client digital funds are kept at various locations in cold storage. This includes a partnership with US-based broker Gemini, which is regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Moreover, BlockFi ensures that all users go through a KYC process before they access any services – which subsequently requires a copy of a government-issued ID.
When it comes to supported digital currencies, BlockFi offers savings accounts for both stablecoins and conventional crypto assets. The former includes DAI, USDC, Tether, Gemini Coin, and more. The latter covers everything from Bitcoin, Filecoin, and Ethereum to Polkadot, Solana, and Litecoin. As is the case with all of the best crypto interest account providers we discuss today, APYs will depend on your preferred digital currency and lock-up terms.
Nevertheless, to give you an idea of potential interest rates, Tether and Gemini Coin yield up to 9.25% and 8.75%, respectively. BlockFi offers a range of alternative crypto-centric services – such as a fully-fledged exchange, cryptocurrency wallet, and support for institutional products. Moreover, BlockFi also offers a crypto credit card and an avenue to borrow funds.
Crypto assets are a highly volatile, unregulated investment product.
5. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is one of the best crypto savings accounts for those of you who wish to earn interest on stablecoins. These are digital currencies pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar or euro, meaning that volatility is virtually non-existent. This means that, in theory, you know exactly how much you will make by depositing your stablecoins in a Crypto.com savings account.
For instance, Some of the options you have in this respect include Tether, TrueGBP, TrueAUD, USDC, and DAI – all of which yield up to 14% APY. However, in order to get this highly attractive rate, certain conditions need to be met. This includes taking at least 40,000 CRO tokens and agreeing to a lock-up period of three months. If you don’t fancy staking any CRO tokens or you require 24/7 access to your funds – lower APYs are offered.
For example, if you reduce the lock-up period from three months to 1-month but still stake over 40,000 CRO tokens, Crypto.com offers an APY of 12% on stablecoins. But, by switching to a flexible plan with no staked CRO tokens, the APY is reduced to 6%. Nevertheless, in addition to stablecoins, Crypto.com offers savings accounts for dozens of conventional cryptocurrencies. Among many others, this includes the likes of Bitcoin, Algorand, EOS, Cardano, BNB, and Litecoin. You can also reap several crypto rewards via the Crypto.com credit card.
APYs can and will vary depending on which digital assets you want to earn interest on, so check the Crypto.com website to assess what’s on offer. In terms of distributions, you will receive interest payouts daily on a non-compounding basis. In choosing Crypto.com as your go-to savings account provider, you will also have access to exchange services, alongside margin and derivatives trading, a software wallet app, and a Visa debit card.
Crypto assets are a highly volatile, unregulated investment product.
What is a Crypto Savings Account?
As the name suggests, crypto savings accounts allow you to store your digital currencies via a third-party provider. And in doing so, you will have the opportunity to earn interest on your deposits.
This concept mirrors that of a traditional CD account. This is because crypto savings accounts pay various rates of APYs depending on the term you agree to. And, just like traditional CDs, the amount of interest on offer is also determined by your chosen crypto savings account provider. This is why it often pays off to shop around so that you get the best deal in the market.
What Cryptos Can You Save and Earn Interest On?
The best crypto savings accounts that we came across generally offer support for two segments of the blockchain asset industry.
First, you have stablecoins that are pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar. In all but a few rare cases, stablecoins attract the highest interest rates at crypto savings platforms.
Naturally, this is because the platform doesn’t need to take any volatility risk, as stablecoins like USDT and USDC remain at $1 at all times – give or take a few micro-percentage points.
Second, you have cryptocurrencies outside of the stablecoin arena – which covers everything from Bitcoin, Litecoin, and EOS to Cardano, XRP, and Dogecoin. Ultimately, any coin can be supported by a crypto savings account, as the concept remains the same.
That is to say, by depositing a digital token into the platform, the provider will subsequently lend the funds to a third party, which, in turn, will pay interest.
On the other hand, if you are looking to earn interest on an obscure cryptocurrency, you’ll struggle to find a platform that supports the token. As such, it’s best to stick with large-cap projects for the purpose of earning interest.
How to Setup a Crypto Savings Account?
The process of getting started with a crypto savings account is relatively straightforward.
In most instances, it’s simply a case of:
- Open an account with your chosen provider
- Deposit the crypto tokens you wish to earn interest on
- Sit back and allow your digital assets to work for you.
If, however, this is your first time using a crypto savings account provider, the guidelines below will walk you through the set-up process with the top-rated platform Coinbase.
Step 1: Open an Account
In order to start earning interest on your crypto investments at Coinbase, you first need to go through a quick account opening process. This is split into two sections.
First, you will need to provide some personal information – such as your name, nationality, and email address. Next, you will need to upload a copy of your government-issued ID.
This is because, unlike many crypto savings account providers in this space, Coinbase complies with regulations surrounding anti-money laundering controls.
The entire account opening procedure at Coinbase should take no more than five minutes from start to finish.
Step 2: Deposit Funds
The next step is to deposit some funds into your Coinbase account. The most efficient way of doing this is to deposit the specific digital asset that you want to earn interest on.
For instance, if you’re looking to earn annual interest on Bitcoin, deposit BTC. You might also want to check out the best crypto banks in 2024.
To do this, you will first need to copy the wallet address that is unique to your Coinbase account.
Then, head over to your private wallet and transfer the funds to the Coinbase address you just copied.
If, however, you do not have any cryptocurrencies to hand, Coinbase allows you to deposit fiat money. Supported currencies here include euros and British pounds.
Step 3: Earn Interest
Once you have made a deposit into your chosen Coinbase crypto savings account – there is nothing more for you to do. As each day passes, you will receive an interest payment directly into your account.
And this will continue to be the case until you decide to cash out. When you eventually decide to make a withdrawal, you will get your principal amount back, plus the respective interest.
This means that if the respective crypto asset has increased in value, your investment will now be worth more.
Are Crypto Savings Accounts Safe?
Before you proceed to open a crypto savings account, several risks need to be considered.
No Insurance or Government Protection
There is a significant difference in the risks involved between traditional bank accounts and crypto savings platforms.
After all, when you deposit US dollars into a bank account that is a member of the FDIC, you are covered up to the first $250,000 – should the financial institution collapse.
This is the same with the UK’s FSCS program, which covers bank deposits up to the first £85,000. However, when depositing funds into a crypto savings account – no such protection exists.
This means that if the worst happens and the platform runs into financial difficulties, your crypto savings are at risk. This is why crypto savings platforms offer much higher APYs when compared to traditional bank accounts.
APY Rate Change
Another risk to consider is that the APY you are offered by your chosen crypto savings account provider is not guaranteed. This means that at any given time, you might find that you are offered a less favorable rate.
This is much the same as opening a flexible savings account with a traditional bank.
Falling Crypto Prices
We mentioned earlier that when your crypto savings are loaned to third parties, the borrower must put up a security deposit in the form of collateral.
However, this collateral can very quickly lose value if the broader cryptocurrency markets go through a major downward trend. If this does happen and defaults begin to increase at a rapid pace, the platform might not have enough equity to cover your balance.
Token Value vs APY
If you are looking to buy cryptocurrency with the sole intention of earning interest, you should proceed with caution.
This is because, while you might earn a decent rate of return via a crypto savings account, you must not forget that the value of your digital currency holdings will go up and down as per market forces. In the case of a downturn, from an investment perspective, you are worse off.
This is why it might be a much better idea to opt for a stablecoin when opening a crypto savings account. In doing so, you can alleviate the risk of volatility, as stablecoins like USDC are pegged to the US dollar.
Is Crypto Interest Taxed?
You might already know that many jurisdictions tax cryptocurrency trading profits in the same way as other assets that generate capital gains.
But what about crypto interest?
Well, this really does depend on the jurisdiction that you are a resident of for tax purposes – as there is no universally accepted system.
With that said, you might find that if your respective jurisdiction does tax the earnings you make via a crypto interest account, this might be initiated in the same way as dividend income.
But, once again, it is imperative that you seek professional guidance from a qualified tax specialist.
Conclusion
We’ve carefully explored the best crypto savings accounts on the market, delving into what makes them stand out. We’ve also covered the most essential aspects of how to set them up, what are their safety protocols, fees as well as which cryptocurrencies offer the best interest-earning potential.
All things considered, Coinbase is the top interest savings account today. It takes security and regulation very seriously and offers a huge suite of services to customers.
Crypto assets are a highly volatile, unregulated investment product.