9 ways to earn free crypto in 2024

Discover the top ways to earn free crypto in 2024 at no initial cost. Explore opportunities and start building your portfolio today, from airdrops to crypto credit cards and staking.

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, the allure of earning digital currencies for free has captured the imagination of enthusiasts and skeptics alike. As we enter 2024, the landscape offers several methods to acquire crypto without direct investment, each with unique appeal and challenges. 

This guide outlines nine ways to earn free crypto. However, these methods don’t promise instant wealth and carry certain risks and uncertainties. Proceed with caution and a well-informed approach as we delve into these opportunities together.

Airdrops

An airdrop occurs when a blockchain project distributes free tokens or coins directly to the wallets of active community members, often as a strategy to bootstrap a project, reward early adopters, or encourage the decentralization of tokens.

They can be a lucrative means to diversify your crypto portfolio without financial outlay. However, it’s crucial to approach them cautiously, as the space is also ripe with scams. Thorough research and security measures are paramount to benefit from these opportunities safely.

Browsers and search engine rewards

Certain browsers and search platforms, like Brave and Presearch, let you earn crypto rewards simply by viewing advertisements or conducting online searches

Brave rewards users who view ads can earn Basic Attention Tokens (BAT), which can be withdrawn or used to support favored content creators, promoting a cycle of valued content and privacy control.

Similarly, Presearch rewards users for searches made on its decentralized platform, giving up to 0.5 PRE tokens per search. However, the platform sets a minimum withdrawal limit and checks to ensure searches are genuine, aiming to provide users with a fair and satisfying experience.

Crypto credit and debit cards

Earning cryptocurrency through credit cards has become more accessible thanks to crypto-based rewards or cashback options. Nowadays, several credit card providers have embraced the digital currency trend by offering cryptocurrencies as rewards. 

With these cards, you can accumulate rewards on your everyday purchases and then move the earned cryptocurrency into your digital wallet for safekeeping or further use. 

Alternatively, opting for a crypto-specific credit card lets you earn crypto directly as you spend. These cards function much like any regular credit card. Yet, instead of traditional cashback or points, you receive cryptocurrency rewards that you can utilize for a wide range of products and services.

Below are a few examples of crypto-specific credit cards and the cashback each of them offers: 

CARD	CASHBACK
Coinbase Card	4% back in XLM, GRT or 1% back in BTC, ETH, DOGE, DAI
Gemini Mastercard	3% on dining ($6,000 reward cap/ year, then 1%),2% on groceries,1% on other purchasesCashback can be paid out in 60+ supported cryptocurrencies
Binance Card	0,1% in BNB (0 BNB holdings; $50 reward cap/ month),2% in BNB (1 BNB holdings, $100 reward cap/ month),3% in BNB (10 BNB holdings, $150 reward cap/ month),4% in BNB (40 BNB holdings, $200 reward cap/ month),5% in BNB (100 BNB holdings, $275 reward cap/ month),6% in BNB (250 BNB holdings, $350 reward cap/ month)8% in BNB (600 BNB holdings, $500 reward cap/ month)
Nexo	0.5% in NEXO Tokens or 0.1% in BTC (Base user),0.7% in NEXO Tokens or 0.2% in BTC (Silver user),1% in NEXO Tokens or 0.3% in BTC (Gold user),2% in NEXO Tokens or 0.5% in BTC (Platinum user)

Crypto lending

Crypto lending involves lending digital assets to others in exchange for interest payments in cryptocurrency. This can happen on trading platforms, where users lend their crypto to those wanting to trade on margin or on specialized platforms made for crypto loans.

However, it’s important to be cautious when choosing a platform and borrowers to make sure you get repaid. Diversifying your loans or co-lending can help reduce risks. If you choose to do this, partnering with a reliable platform is key.

Here are some examples of crypto lending platforms and the annual percentage yield (APY) they offer on certain cryptocurrencies:

PLATFORM	APY on BTC	APY on ETH	APY on USDT	APY on USDC
AAVE	0.09%	2.05%	10.48%	11.84%
Binance	0.04%	0.63%	5.11%	5.94%
CoinLoan	5.2% – 7.2%	5.2% – 7.2%	10.3% – 12.3%	10.3% – 12.3%
Crypto.com	0.2% – 3.65%	0.2% to 4.2%	0.4% – 5.8%	0.4% – 5.8%

Learn and earn free crypto

The learn and earn method involves crypto enthusiasts engaging with educational content, like videos or articles about new cryptocurrencies, and completing simple quizzes or tasks to get free crypto tokens.

Leading platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and CoinMarketCap offer users the chance to earn free crypto through learning. To participate, users need to open an account and complete the necessary know-your-customer (KYC) verification.

You can earn crypto by watching decentralized YouTube alternatives. Certain platforms reward users with cryptocurrencies for watching videos online.

Play-to-earn

Play-to-earn (P2E) platforms blend the thrill of gaming with the financial incentives of the crypto world, rewarding players with various forms of digital assets, such as coins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 

Utilizing blockchain technology, these games allow players to win free crypto and collect unique digital items, like characters or lands, as valuable assets that can be used to progress in the game or traded in external markets for profit. 

Although an initial investment may be required to acquire these in-game assets, the rewards players earn as they play can be substantial.

Referrals

Many crypto exchanges, wallets, and related services offer rewards for bringing new users on board through referral programs. Such free crypto earning websites let you get coins through bonuses or commissions for successful referrals.

Platforms like Binance and Coinbase are renowned for offering affiliate opportunities that allow existing customers to refer new users through a unique link. On Binance, traders have the opportunity to earn a 100 USDT trading fee rebate voucher by referring friends to sign up and depositing more than $50.

Coinbase provides $10 in Bitcoin for every referral who signs up and purchases at least $100 worth of crypto. 

These programs are generally free to join, although some may have specific prerequisites, such as a minimum number of followers on social media for Binance’s program.

Crypto savings accounts

Crypto savings accounts offer another way for individuals to earn free crypto coins by simply holding their digital assets in an exchange’s rewards program. 

Unlike traditional banking, where saving rates are often minimal, placing crypto in a savings account can significantly increase its underlying value over time. These accounts not only mirror the familiarity of traditional savings accounts but also introduce exclusive perks like bonuses, referral rewards, and access to sophisticated trading tools. 

Beyond interest earnings, opportunities for additional income through staking or yield farming in the decentralized finance space are available, allowing holders to earn rewards by supporting blockchain operations.

Below are some crypto savings accounts and the interest rates users can earn saving different cryptocurrencies:

PLATFORM	BTC INTEREST RATES	ETH INTEREST RATES	USDC INTEREST RATES	USDT INTEREST RATES
Binance	0.05% – 0.25%	3.48%	9.12%	21.83%
OKX	5%	5%	10%	10%
Crypto.com	Up to 4.00%	Up to 4.40%	Up to 4.00%	Up to 5.20%
Youhodler	Up to 7%	Up to 7%	Up to 12%	Up to 12%

Staking

Staking involves locking up a certain amount of your digital coins in a secure digital wallet to help maintain the operation of a blockchain network. Doing so verifies and validates new transactions, contributing to the network’s security and decentralization. In return for your participation, the network rewards you with additional coins, similar to earning interest.

While the reward rates can vary from one digital currency to another, with higher rates often associated with newer, more speculative coins, staking is recognized as one of the simplest and least risky methods to earn free cryptocurrency. 

It can be done directly by engaging with blockchains that use a proof-of-stake system, such as Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), or Cardano (ADA), or indirectly through cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken. 

Below are a few examples of ETH staking platforms and the APY they offer:

Platform	APY
Binance	3.48%
Kraken	3-6%
Kucoin	0.1 – 4.6%
Coinbase	2.77%
Stake.us	3.67%
Rocket Pool	2.94%

Final thoughts

There are various ways to earn free crypto online, ranging from airdrops and browser rewards to crypto credit cards and lending platforms. Each method comes with its own advantages and drawbacks.

While these opportunities can be a good way to start in the crypto market without investing money upfront, it’s important to proceed with caution. Cryptocurrencies are known for their volatility, and there’s also a risk of scams. Therefore, it’s crucial to research thoroughly and approach these opportunities carefully.

If you need to invest money upfront, only put in what you can afford to lose. Remember, just like any financial endeavor, crypto requires a well-thought-out strategy. So, take your time, stay informed, and be mindful of both the risks and the potential rewards.