After analyzing 50+ exchanges this year, our experts identified the 8 best platforms for earning passive income. This guide highlights key features, pros and cons, and includes practical tips for maximizing your earnings.
Our evaluation of the best crypto exchanges for passive income is based on the following key criteria:
This detailed framework keeps traders in mind so they can find exchanges that best align with their trading style, risk tolerance, and overall needs.
Exchange | Ranking | Taker/Maker | Available Crypto | Accepts Fiat | Payment Methods | KYC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Binance | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 403 | Yes | +1 | Yes |
Coinbase Exchange | 4.0 Read Review | 1.2% / 0.6% | 0 | No | +6 | Yes |
Kraken | 3.9 Read Review | 0.4% / 0.25% | 421 | Yes | +3 | Yes |
Crypto.com | 3.8 Read Review | 0.3% / 0.15% | 0 | No | +3 | Full KYC Required |
KuCoin | 4.2 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 968 | Yes | +2 | Yes |
Bybit | 4.6 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.1% | 0 | No | +2 | Yes |
HTX | 3.8 Read Review | 0.2% / 0.2% | 0 | No | +2 | Yes |
OKX | 4.1 Read Review | 0.1% / 0.08% | 0 | No | +6 | YES |
Founded in 2017, Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange and a top platform for generating passive income. Its Earn dashboard gives users access to a wide range of tools and assets, all backed by robust security and transparent fund protection.
Coinbase is a US-regulated, publicly traded exchange that offers a simple and secure way to earn passive income through staking. With support for users in over 100 countries and automatic reward payouts, it’s ideal for beginners.
Kraken is a US-based, licensed exchange known for security and transparency. It supports flexible recurring buys across a wide range of payment methods, making it a reliable choice for disciplined long-term investors using DCA.
Crypto.com offers a user-friendly platform that bridges centralized exchange convenience with decentralized finance (DeFi) lending opportunities. Users can lend assets directly to protocols like Aave, earning passive income without the complexities typically associated with DeFi platforms.
KuCoin is a crypto exchange that offers multiple passive income options, but its standout feature is the KuCoin Token (KCS). Holders earn daily dividends from trading fees and enjoy exclusive benefits like reduced trading fees and airdrops. The platform also supports flexible staking and high-yield DeFi options through KuCoin Earn.
Bybit, founded in 2018, offers one of the most advanced and accessible copy trading platforms in the market. With support for both spot and futures copy trading, detailed trader stats, and low fees, it’s ideal for users seeking passive exposure to expert strategies.
HTX, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Seychelles, is a global crypto exchange known for deep liquidity and high-volume derivatives trading. Its standout affiliate program offers lifetime commissions and exclusive perks tailored to influencers and community leaders.
OKX, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seychelles, offers a comprehensive suite of passive income products through its user-friendly Earn dashboard. With over 100 supported tokens, users can engage in various earning strategies, including staking, dual investments, and DeFi protocols.
Passive income in crypto means building strategies that let your assets earn for you without constant involvement. Whether you’re locking coins, lending funds, or promoting platforms, there are several ways to grow your portfolio over time. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular methods:
Staking and lending are both popular ways to earn passive income in crypto, but they work very differently.
Staking – is the process of locking your coins to support a blockchain network. It’s most common on proof-of-stake blockchains like ETH or SOL. You earn rewards for helping secure the network.
Lending – is when you provide your crypto to other users or platforms and earn interest over time. This is done through centralized services or decentralized lending protocols.
Aspect | Staking | Lending |
How it works | Lock coins to support network operations | Provide coins to borrowers who pay you interest |
Coins used | Proof-of-stake coins – ETH, SOL, ADA, ATOM | Popular coins and stablecoins – BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, DAI |
Rewards | Network rewards (usually paid in the same coin you stake) | Interest – often paid in a stablecoin or a different crypto |
Custody | Usually non-custodial or pooled through validators | Custodial on CEXs or managed by smart contracts in DeFi |
Automating passive income in crypto means using tools that manage your earning strategies with minimal effort.
Method | What It Does | Recommended Exchanges |
Auto-staking | Automatically stakes eligible tokens and deposits rewards | Binance, Kraken, OKX |
DCA | Schedules crypto purchases over time, which is ideal for building long-term positions | Kucoin, Uphold, Coinbase |
Auto-lending | Lends idle assets without manual setup | Crypto.com, Binance |
Bots and rule-based tools | Automates farming, rebalancing, or copy trading based on custom strategies | Bybit, Binance, Kucoin |
Structured products | Subscribes to high-yield or dual investments (often re-invests automatically) | Binance, OKX, Bybit |
Taking on passive income strategies in crypto offers several key benefits, allowing you to grow your wealth with less active management:
There’s no single “best” coin for passive income – it depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and how hands-on you want to be. But some assets are widely used for staking, lending, or earning platform rewards. Here are some top options:
Each method has its pros and trade-offs. Check staking lock-up periods, lending terms, and whether your platform offers insurance or safety measures.
Returns depend on the asset, platform, and risk tolerance. Here’s a breakdown of typical earnings:
Method | Estimated Annual Returns | Good to know |
Staking | 2% – 15% | Varies by coin |
Lending | 1% – 5% APY | Varies per platform |
Yield Farming | 5% – 30% + APY | Yield farming primarily takes place on decentralized exchanges |
Platform Rewards | 1% – 10% | Depends on holdings and platform activity level. |
Yes, earning passive income from crypto is legal in most countries. However, any rewards, interest, or gains you earn are usually subject to taxes, either as capital gains or income.
To stay compliant, make sure to:
Tax rules vary by country, and the classification of crypto income can change based on how you earn it, through staking, lending, or platform rewards. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult a tax advisor familiar with crypto in your region.
While crypto has made big strides in security and regulation, the risks remain significant. It’s crucial to understand these before you invest:
It’s important to understand that you could lose all your invested capital, so only allocate funds you can afford to lose.
Callum Kennard is a crypto trader and crypto journalist based in the UK. Active in the industry since 2017, he focuses on long-term holding, swing trading, and market cycles. At FXEmpire, he has written a dozen in-depth crypto exchange reviews and Europe-focused guides.
At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.