How to Earn Interest on Crypto: Compare Your Options

Updated 10 September 2026

To earn interest on crypto, you must do more than hold a token. You might lend it to a provider, supply a lending protocol or participate in another yield-generating activity. Each route changes who controls your assets and what can prevent you from getting them back.

If you already hold dollar stablecoins, explore Ledn’s USDC and USDT Growth accounts and check eligibility, current rates and risks before transferring funds.

Start with the asset you want to keep

Earning additional units of BTC is different from selling BTC for a stablecoin and earning a dollar-denominated return. The second choice removes that position’s Bitcoin price exposure and may create a taxable disposal. Decide on the asset first; then compare ways to use it.

Bitcoin does not have native proof-of-stake rewards. A provider advertising Bitcoin yield is introducing lending or another arrangement beyond simply owning BTC. Ethereum staking is a different mechanism, with its own validation, service-provider and withdrawal risks.

Four routes, four different exposures

These are not interchangeable “savings” products. Some returns are interest; others are rewards or fees. An annualized percentage does not establish deposit insurance or capital protection.

Calculate APY without counting compounding twice

APR expresses an annual rate without the same compounding assumption as APY. If a product advertises 6% APY, a hypothetical 10,000-unit balance held for a full year would grow to 10,600 units if that rate and all relevant assumptions held. Do not compound the 6% again and call the result the advertised APY.

Variable rates can change during the year. For short holding periods, transfer fees and withdrawal costs can be more important than a small difference in annual yield. Check whether a high rate applies only to a capped balance, a limited promotion or rewards paid in another token.

Where Ledn fits today

Ledn’s Growth offering is for eligible USDC and USDT holders. BTC and ETH Growth accounts were retired in 2025. A Transaction account should not be confused with an interest-bearing Growth account, and borrowing against BTC is not a way to earn interest on that collateral.

Review the current savings product, account agreement and jurisdictional restrictions. Compare the yield source and legal exposure alongside the rate. Product controls can reduce particular risks without eliminating the possibility of loss or delayed access.

Before funding an account

Confirm the exact token and supported network at both ends of a transfer. Understand withdrawal conditions and retain records of deposits, rewards, fees and disposals. Keep money needed for a near-term obligation separate from exposure you cannot afford to lose.

For the next decision, use our stablecoin rate comparison, Bitcoin interest guide or crypto lending risk checklist. Choose the mechanism you can explain, not just the largest number on the page.

This article is for general information, not financial, investment, tax or legal advice. Digital assets and yield products can lose value or principal and may involve delayed access. Borrowing involves interest, fees and the risk of collateral liquidation. Eligibility and terms vary by jurisdiction and may change; the applicable agreement governs. Consult qualified advisers for your circumstances. Read Ledn’s Risk Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers.