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8 Best Crypto Exchanges For Passive Income

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.

By:
Callum Kennard
Reviewed By:
Maria Zatler
Updated: Jun 16, 2025

List of Top Crypto Exchanges for Passive Income

Offers up to 20.9% APR through savings, staking, dual investment, and auto-invest with $1 billion insurance coverage.

Up to 14% APY on a regulated platform with automatic payouts and strong asset security in over 100 countries.

Flexible recurring buys, 470+ s coins, strong compliance, and free deposits make Kraken ideal for long-term investing.

Earn interest through Aave with no lockups on a platform offering $150 million in insurance and full proof of reserves.

KCS holders receive daily trading fee dividends, trading discounts, and access to exclusive airdrops and promotions.

Spot and futures copy trading with live metrics, high liquidity, and a competitive affiliate program for extra earnings.

Lifetime commissions up to 60% on derivatives, daily USDT payouts, and brand support for community leaders.

Yield simulator and earning hub with 100+ tokens supporting staking, dual investment, and structured earning tools.

How Did FXEmpire Choose the Best Crypto Platforms For Passive Income?

Our evaluation of the best crypto exchanges for passive income is based on the following key criteria:

  • Types of Passive Income Products: We looked for exchanges that offer a broad range of options, such as staking, lending, dual investments, and liquidity farming, to cater to different user strategies.
  • Annual Percentage Yields (APY): We compared advertised yields to highlight platforms that offer the most competitive returns across their passive income products.
  • Passive Income Dashboard: We evaluated each platform’s hub for managing rewards to ensure it is user-friendly and well-integrated.
  • Security and Transparency: We prioritized platforms with strong security practices, transparent yield disclosures, and insurance funds or reserves that protect user assets during extreme market conditions.
  • Low Fees: We focused on platforms with minimal or zero fees on passive income products to help users keep more of their earnings.
  • Trading Experience: We tested the overall user experience, from signup to passive income management, highlighting exchanges with seamless navigation and intuitive interfaces.
  • Asset Variety: We looked at the number and diversity of supported coins and favored exchanges offering passive income on a wide range of cryptos.
  • Regional Access & Regulations: We prioritized exchanges with solid regulatory standing and wide regional availability to ensure reliable access for users worldwide.
  • Mobile App Quality: We checked for strong mobile apps that let users track and manage their income investments anytime, anywhere.
  • Yield Simulators: We favored platforms that include calculators or simulators to help users estimate returns and plan better.

This detailed framework keeps traders in mind so they can find exchanges that best align with their trading style, risk tolerance, and overall needs.

Best Crypto Exchanges For Passive Income Comparison Table

ExchangeRankingTaker/MakerAvailable CryptoAccepts FiatPayment MethodsKYC
Binance
Binance
4.6
Read Review
0.1% / 0.1%
403
Yes
Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2P
+1
Yes
Coinbase Exchange
Coinbase Exchange
4.0
Read Review
1.2% / 0.6%
0
No
Payment method: Apple PayPayment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: Credit/Debit Card
+6
Yes
Kraken
Kraken
3.9
Read Review
0.4% / 0.25%
421
Yes
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: E-wallets
+3
Yes
Crypto.com
Crypto.com
3.8
Read Review
0.3% / 0.15%
0
No
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: E-wallets
+3
Full KYC Required
KuCoin
KuCoin
4.2
Read Review
0.1% / 0.1%
968
Yes
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: P2P
+2
Yes
Bybit
Bybit
4.6
Read Review
0.1% / 0.1%
0
No
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: P2P
+2
Yes
HTX
HTX
3.8
Read Review
0.2% / 0.2%
0
No
Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2P
+2
Yes
OKX
OKX
4.1
Read Review
0.1% / 0.08%
0
No
Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: Crypto
+6
YES

Best Overall

  • Available Crypto
    403
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA Transfer
  • Fees
    Low

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.

  • Diverse Passive Income Options: Binance Earn supports over 300 cryptocurrencies, offering flexible and locked savings, staking, and Dual Investment products, catering to various risk appetites and investment strategies.
  • Top Security: Binance maintains a 1:1 reserve ratio for user assets, verified through its Proof of Reserves system utilizing Merkle Tree and zk-SNARK technology. Additionally, the Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), valued at $1 billion, provides an extra layer of protection against unforeseen events.
Pros
  • $1 billion insurance fund
  • Centralized passive income dashboard
  • Five passive income options
  • No staking fees
  • High security with 1:1 asset backing
Cons
  • Limited region support
  • No fiat deposit options in some areas
  • Not available for new US or UK users

Best For Staking

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Apple PayPayment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: E-wallets
    +4
  • Fees
    High

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.

  • Beginner-Friendly Staking: Intuitive interface with auto-payouts on supported assets like ETH, ADA, and SOL. Depending on the specific crypto and network conditions, it offers variable APYs up to 14%.
  • Global Access: Available in 100+ countries, including the US, UK, France, and Spain.
  • Trusted Security: Regulated in the US with a clean record on staking safety and insurance-backed protection.
Pros
  • Variable APYs up to 14%
  • FDIC pass-through insurance on deposits
  • No staking/unstaking fees
  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
Cons
  • Staking not available in certain U.S. states due to regulatory restrictions
  • Only 8 staking eligible assets
  • 35% commission on staking rewards

Best DCA Platform

  • Available Crypto
    421
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: E-walletsPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: SWIFT Transfer
    +1
  • Fees
    High

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.

  • Automated Recurring Buys: Set up daily, weekly, or monthly purchases with ACH, SEPA, PayPal, wire, or Apple/Google Pay.
  • Proven Security: Registered with FinCEN, fully audited with proof of reserves and no history of lost customer funds.
  • Global Access & Coin Variety: Available in 47 US states and 190 countries, with 470+ supported cryptocurrencies.
Pros
  • 470+ supported cryptocurrencies
  • Free deposits and withdrawals
  • DCA with Apple/Google Pay and cards
  • Transparent proof of reserves
  • Accepts users from the UK & US
Cons
  • Recurring buys not available in Kraken Pro
  • Staking unavailable in some regions

Best For Lending

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: E-walletsPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: SWIFT Transfer
    +1
  • Fees
    Low

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.

  • Flexible DeFi Lending Options: Lend ETH through Aave directly within the Crypto.com app or exchange, earning interest without lock-up periods.
  • Secure and Transparent Platform: The platform maintains a $750 million insurance fund, offering protection against physical damage, destruction, and third-party theft. Crypto.com also provides Proof of Reserves using Merkle Tree verification, allowing users to independently confirm their assets are fully backed.
Pros
  • Easy deposits via ACH, wire transfer, SEPA, and crypto
  • Direct DeFi lending integration
  • Transparent proof of reserves
  • $750 million insurance fund
  • No lock-up period for assets
Cons
  • DeFi lending not available in all regions
  • Limited to ETH lending via Aave
  • No P2P or social trading
  • Service fees apply to rewards

Best Earning Token

  • Available Crypto
    968
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: TPPP (Third-Party Payment Processors)
  • Fees
    High

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.

  • KCS Dividends: KCS holders receive daily payouts from 50% of the platform’s trading fee revenue, paid proportionally to their KCS balance.
  • Extra Perks for Holders: Lower trading fees, access to airdrops, and VIP token launch events provide additional income potential.
  • KuCoin Earn: Offers soft staking, lending, and DeFi access on over 150 assets, with advertised APYs up to 45% on select tokens.
Pros
  • Daily dividends from KCS trading revenue
  • Lower trading fees for KCS holders
  • Exclusive airdrop rewards
  • Supports 150+ staking-eligible tokens
Cons
  • No licensing in many regions
  • Extra fees on some staking products

Best for Copy Trading

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: TPPP (Third-Party Payment Processors)
  • Fees
    High

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.

  • Spot & Futures Copy Trading: Follow experienced traders across spot and futures markets, with real-time trade execution.
  • Extra Income via Affiliate Program: Competitive referral rewards let users earn passively beyond trading.
  • Trader Transparency: Choose from a broad pool of experts with detailed performance stats like ROI, win rate, and drawdown.
Pros
  • Spot and futures copy trading
  • Competitive affiliate program
  • 750+ spot tokens, 500+ futures markets
  • High liquidity
Cons
  • Futures trading restricted in some regions
  • Security breach reported in 2025

Best Affiliate Program

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA TransferPayment method: Wire Transfer
  • Fees
    Medium

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.

  • High Commission Rates: Up to 60% commission on trading fees (50% for spot and 60% for derivatives), based on performance tiers.
  • Daily USDT Payouts: Commissions are settled daily in USDT, with no minimum payout threshold.
  • Exclusive Affiliate Perks: Includes brand promotion opportunities, special event access, and dedicated account support.
Pros
  • Up to 60% lifetime commissions
  • Daily USDT payouts
  • Dedicated support and promotions
Cons
  • Strict eligibility criteria
  • Region limitations
  • Security breach in 2024

Best Passive Income Dashboard

  • Available Crypto
    -
  • Payment Methods
    Payment method: Bank Transfer (ACH)Payment method: Credit/Debit CardPayment method: CryptoPayment method: P2PPayment method: SEPA Transfer
    +4
  • Fees
    Low

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.

  • Yield Simulator: A simplified options trading product that allows users to earn premiums by selling option contracts. Users can choose between “earn unless price rises” and “earn unless price drops” strategies to express their market view.
  • Dual Investment: Enables users to earn high returns by committing to buy or sell crypto at a predetermined price on a specific date. This product supports various cryptocurrencies and offers flexible terms.
Pros
  • 100+ tokens for earning
  • Yield simulator for easy planning
  • Diverse earning strategies available
  • User-friendly dashboard interface
  • Low trading fees and high liquidity
Cons
  • Regional limitations
  • Some products may be complex for beginners

How to Choose the Best Crypto Exchange for Passive Income?

What Are The Best Passive Income Strategies In Crypto?

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: Locking your crypto to help secure a blockchain network and earn regular rewards.
  • Lending: Providing your assets to borrowers through centralized or decentralized platforms in exchange for interest.
  • Yield farming: Depositing tokens into DeFi protocols that offer returns, usually in the form of native or incentive tokens.
  • Liquidity provision: Supplying liquidity to decentralized exchange (DEX) pools and earning a share of trading fees.
  • Copy Trading: Automatically mirroring the strategies of experienced traders, with profits and losses following their moves.
  • Affiliate Programs: Earning commissions by referring new users to crypto exchanges or services.
  • Dual Investment & Structured Products: Locking your assets into contracts that offer high yields depending on market performance. While these can offer fixed returns in some scenarios, they often carry the risk of receiving less favorable assets if market prices move against your prediction.
  • DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging): While not a yield-generating method, DCA is a long-term strategy that involves investing a fixed amount at regular intervals. It reduces the emotional pressure of timing the market and helps build wealth passively over time.
  • NFT royalties: Earning ongoing payments as a creator or minter when your NFTs are resold on supported platforms.
  • Crypto savings accounts: Depositing crypto assets into interest-earning accounts, similar to traditional bank savings accounts but often with higher yields and associated risks.

What Is The Difference Between Staking And Lending In Crypto?

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

How Do I Automate Passive Income Strategies in Crypto?

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

What Are The Benefits Of Earning Passive Income With Crypto?

Taking on passive income strategies in crypto offers several key benefits, allowing you to grow your wealth with less active management:

  • Portfolio Growth with Less Effort: Your crypto assets work for you, potentially growing your holdings without requiring constant attention or active trading.
  • Diversified Earnings: You can earn income streams beyond just buying and selling, reducing reliance on market timing or speculative trading.
  • Reduced Emotional Trading: Automated passive strategies help remove the urge to make impulsive decisions based on market fluctuations, leading to more disciplined investing.
  • Earning During Market Inactivity: Even when the market is flat or volatile, passive strategies like lending or staking can continue to generate income, making your assets productive even during downturns or sideways movements.
  • Aligned with Wealth-Building Strategies: This approach mirrors how many wealthy individuals generate multiple income streams from their capital, boosting long-term gains and compounding returns.

Which Crypto Coins Give the Best Passive Income Returns?

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:

  • Hedera (HBAR), Solana (SOL), and Polkadot (DOT): Popular for staking due to high yield potential. These networks often require you to delegate your tokens to validators or stake through supported wallets. Just remember that high stakes rewards often come with high token inflation, which can reduce long-term price growth.
  • Ethereum (ETH): Supports both direct and liquid staking, allowing you to earn while keeping your funds flexible. Restaking protocols offer additional yield but also introduce new risk layers.
  • Stablecoins like USDC and USDT: Used in DeFi lending platforms to generate yield without price volatility. They’re ideal for lower-risk strategies, but smart contract bugs or protocol failures still pose a risk.
  • KuCoin Token (KCS): Pays daily rewards through the exchange’s revenue-sharing program. To qualify, you must hold a certain amount of KCS in your KuCoin account.
  • BNB and CRO: Native tokens of Binance and Crypto.com. They offer staking rewards and additional perks like trading fee discounts, launchpad access, and cashback programs. Passive income depends on your participation level and whether you hold tokens in the platform’s ecosystem.

Each method has its pros and trade-offs. Check staking lock-up periods, lending terms, and whether your platform offers insurance or safety measures.

How Much Can You Realistically Earn from Passive Income in Crypto?

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:

  • Check your local crypto tax regulations
  • Report your earnings accurately
  • Keep detailed records of all transactions and rewards

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.

What Are the Risks of Earning Passive Income with Crypto?

While crypto has made big strides in security and regulation, the risks remain significant. It’s crucial to understand these before you invest:

  • Hacking: Crypto platforms and personal wallets can be targets for cyberattacks, potentially leading to the loss of your assets.
  • Platform Failures: An exchange or lending platform could go bankrupt or experience technical issues, making your funds inaccessible or permanently lost.
  • Token Devaluation: The value of cryptocurrencies is highly volatile. Even if you earn interest, a sharp drop in the token’s price could erase any gains or lead to a significant loss of your initial investment.
  • Sudden Regulatory Changes: Governments around the world, including the UK, are still developing their approach to crypto. New regulations could negatively impact the availability of services, the value of assets, or the legality of certain activities.
  • Total Loss of Capital: It’s vital to acknowledge that you could lose all the capital you invest in crypto. Therefore, only allocate funds that you are genuinely prepared to lose.

It’s important to understand that you could lose all your invested capital, so only allocate funds you can afford to lose.

FAQ

Passive income in crypto is the process of earning rewards or interest on your assets without actively trading, typically through staking, lending, or liquidity provision.
The easiest way to start is by staking well-known tokens like ETH or SOL or depositing stablecoins on trusted platforms to earn interest.
Yes, passive income involves risks such as token price drops, platform failures, or regulatory changes that can lead to losses.
Yes, in most countries, crypto earnings from staking, lending, or similar methods are considered taxable income.
Reward frequency depends on the platform and method. Staking rewards are often distributed daily or weekly, while lending interest may be paid weekly or monthly.

About the Author

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.

Why you can trust FX Empire

At FXEmpire, we strive to provide unbiased, thorough, and accurate exchange reviews by industry experts to help our users make smarter financial decisions.

Why you can trust FX Empire

Founded in 2011, FXEmpire has established itself as one of the pioneering forex broker review sites and has seamlessly extended its expertise to the world of cryptocurrency. You can trust FXEmpire because of our thorough and unbiased review process. With over a decade of experience, we have a team of industry experts who conduct rigorous tests to ensure our reviews are accurate and unbiased. Our reviews aim to bring clarity and confidence to your cryptocurrency selection process, relying on objective criteria and measurable data. Our editorial team, composed of trading industry professionals and seasoned financial journalists, ensures our reviews are trustworthy and objective. Additionally, our review system is based on 6 core categories and over 200 distinct variables, covering all aspects of a crypto platform before giving a final rating. With FXEmpire, you can trust that you are receiving honest and informative reviews that will help you make an informed decision on which crypto platform will best enable you to reach your financial goals.