In this article, I will cover the best ways to earn cryptocurrency without trading or mining. If you are a newcomer to cryptocurrency, or if you are looking for alternative passive income avenues
There are numerous options available to you that can help grow your crypto portfolio without the headaches involved in trading or the expensive energy demands of mining. Let’s take a look at 10 of them.
Key Points & The Best Ways to Earn Crypto Without Trading or Mining
| Method | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Staking: Lock your crypto into a blockchain network to help validate transactions and earn rewards. | Ideal for long-term holders Passive income Some lock-up periods apply |
| Airdrops Receive free tokens for completing simple tasks or just holding certain coins. | No investment needed Great for beginners Watch out for scams |
| Play-to-Earn Earn crypto or NFTs by playing games that reward participation and performance. | Fun and interactive Multiple game choices Rewards vary by game economy |
| Learn-to-Earn Get paid in crypto for completing lessons and quizzes on blockchain projects. | Educational + rewarding Beginner-friendly Limited earning potential |
| Yield Farming Provide liquidity to DeFi platforms in exchange for interest and rewards. | High potential returns Many DeFi platforms Higher risk and complexity |
| Crypto Cashback Earn a percentage back in crypto when shopping with crypto cards or platforms. | Great for regular shoppers Easy passive earnings Rewards often capped |
| Freelancing Offer skills and services online, and get paid in Bitcoin or other cryptos. | Global job access Wide platform choice R equires consistent work |
| Affiliate Marketing Promote crypto products or services and earn commissions in crypto. | Scalable income model Works well with blogs/socials Needs effort to build audience |
| Running a Node Support a network by running a node and earn rewards in return. | Good for tech-savvy users Helps decentralization Requires setup and uptime |
| NFT Royalties Create NFTs and earn a cut every time your digital art resells on marketplaces. | Ongoing income Great for digital artists Depends on resale demand |
The Best Ways to Earn Crypto Without Trading or Mining
1. Staking
To stake means to lock your cryptocurrency into a blockchain network. This allows you to earn rewards by validating transactions and maintaining the network’s security.
Staking rewards are usually paid in the same cryptocurrency. This is popular among long-term investors, especially with proof of stake (PoS) coins like Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL). Staking typically requires little effort and provides passive income.
Some platforms do have certain restrictions on withdrawals, and there might be penalties for early withdrawal. Staking is perfect for those looking to passively grow their holdings and support the crypto ecosystem.
| Staking Method | Important Details |
|---|---|
| Proof-of-Stake (PoS) | Stake native tokens (e.g., Ethereum) to secure the network and earn rewards. Requires holding tokens. |
| Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) | Delegate your tokens to trusted validators (e.g., Solana). Rewards are shared based on contribution. |
| Staking-as-a-Service Platforms | Platforms like Coinbase or Binance simplify staking for beginners. Fees apply for ease of use. |
| Liquid Staking | Stake tokens while maintaining liquidity (e.g., Lido). Earn rewards without locking tokens. |
| DeFi Staking | Stake tokens in decentralized finance protocols (e.g., Aave) for high APY rewards. Risk varies. |
| Validator Node Operation | Run a node for networks like Cardano. Requires technical expertise and initial investment. |
| Layer-2 Staking | Stake on scaling solutions like Polygon for additional rewards. |
| NFT Staking | Stake specific NFTs on platforms to earn native tokens. Emerging trend with varying risks. |
| Cross-Chain Staking | Stake tokens across interoperable chains (e.g., Cosmos). Rewards spread across ecosystems. |
| Stablecoin Staking | Stake stablecoins (e.g., USDT, USDC) in protocols for consistent rewards. Lower risk, moderate return. |
2. Airdrops
In the cryptocurrency realm, projects are known for giving out free airdrops of tokens and coins in anticipation of new projects. These tokens are exclusively given to people who have unlocked or reached tasks as simple as follows. Airdrops aspire to reach a level of readiness.
To generate a user base, put in some promotional work. The aerial show goals change, however, most have good projects participating, and so they remain in the lower end of the hundreds.
It’s riskless, aside from scam websites. Reliable names like Airdrop.io and CointMarketCap make collecting scams easier.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Free distribution of tokens by blockchain projects to users. |
| How It Works | Users usually need to hold certain tokens, sign up, or complete simple tasks. |
| Requirements | Typically, a wallet (e.g., MetaMask), a social media account, or basic tasks. |
| Earnings | Varies by project; can range from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on the token’s value. |
| Risks | Low risk, but scams and fake airdrops are common. Always verify the legitimacy. |
| Platforms | CoinMarketCap, Airdrop.io, and various project websites. |
| Pros | Easy entry with no upfront investment; opportunity to discover new projects. |
| Cons | Limited earnings, and sometimes tokens may have low or no market value. |
3. Play-to-Earn (P2E)
A new gaming phenomenon is taking over the world of blockchain technology – Play to Earn games. Games where users win cryptocurrency or NFT on their gaming experiences.
Well-known P2E titles like Gods Unchained and Axie Infinity reward users based on time spent within the game, achievements, and in-game item sales.
While some games require investment in tokens or NFTs, many others are free, thus allowing you to gain NFTs from NFT and crypto exchanges.
Emerging market players gain real value and income while overcoming and defeating opponents during gameplay. And the best part? It can all be done from the comfort of one’s home.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Blockchain-based games where players earn crypto or NFTs through gameplay. |
| How It Works | Players engage in gaming tasks or battles and earn rewards such as tokens or NFTs. |
| Requirements | A compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask), initial investment for in-game assets (optional). |
| Earnings | Varies widely by game, from small rewards to substantial amounts, especially for rare NFTs. |
| Risks | Game token value can be volatile; some games require upfront investment. |
| Platforms | Axie Infinity, Decentraland, The Sandbox, Big Time, and others. |
| Pros | Fun and interactive; potential for significant rewards, especially with rare items. |
| Cons | Earnings depend on time and effort; some games require high initial investment. |
4. Learn-to-Earn
Users are rewarded with a small amount of cryptocurrency for completing educational content about different blockchain projects in Learn-To-Earn programs.
Coinbase Learn and Binance Academy are examples of educational platforms that provide comprehensive video tutorials and quizzes covering topics related to new tokens, DeFi, NFTs, and several others.
After passing the quiz, crypto rewards are automatically transferred to the user’s cryptocurrency wallet. This method is particularly beneficial for beginners as it poses little risk while simultaneously providing knowledge and profit.
The profits, while minimal, can help users explore promising projects early on, and in many cases the abundant resources available for educational purposes are greatly valued than the rewards offered in tokens.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Programs that reward users with cryptocurrency for completing educational tasks or quizzes. |
| How It Works | Users complete educational content, quizzes, or lessons on blockchain and crypto-related topics. |
| Requirements | A wallet for receiving rewards, a platform account (e.g., Coinbase, Binance), and time to learn. |
| Earnings | Typically small rewards, paid in crypto upon completion of quizzes or lessons. |
| Risks | Low risk; minimal time and effort required with a focus on education. |
| Platforms | Coinbase Learn, Binance Learn, Crypto.com Academy, and others. |
| Pros | Great for beginners to learn about crypto; easy and low-risk way to earn. |
| Cons | Earnings are typically small; limited number of lessons and rewards. |
5. Yield Farming
Yield farming is the practice of lending or staking one’s crypto assets on decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms in an effort to earn interest and rewards.
Users provide liquidity to decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap or PancakeSwap, and in return, they receive fees or native tokens.
Apart from yielding high potential returns, yield farming is ridden with significant risks such as impermanent loss, smart contract bugs and exploits through the use of the underlying platform.
Strategy, precise timing, and careful management, sometimes on a frequent basis, are essential components for yield farming success.
If executed properly, yield farming becomes an efficient method of earning passive cryptocurrency income, but is best reserved for users well-versed in the risks and mechanics of DeFi.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Providing liquidity to decentralized platforms in exchange for rewards or interest. |
| How It Works | Users deposit crypto into liquidity pools on DeFi platforms and earn rewards based on their contribution. |
| Requirements | A wallet (e.g., MetaMask), crypto to deposit, and familiarity with DeFi platforms. |
| Earnings | Can offer high returns (up to 100%+ annually), depending on the pool and token pair. |
| Risks | High risk, including impermanent loss, smart contract vulnerabilities, and platform issues. |
| Platforms | Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Aave, Yearn.finance, and others. |
| Pros | Potential for high returns, passive income from liquidity pools. |
| Cons | Complex to set up; high risk of loss due to market volatility and smart contract failures. |
6. Crypto Cashback
Earning crypto rewards on everyday purchases is possible with Crypto cashback. Users with crypto debit cards from Crypto.com or Binance, for example, can earn a percentage of their spending back in Bitcoin or other stablecoins.
Platforms like Bitrefill or Lolli also offer crypto cashback when shopping with fiat currency. Simply spending rewards without changing one’s buying habits makes crypto cashback appealing.
Although the reward percentage is low (1–5%), it can be beneficial in the long run. It’s nonrisk and effortless portfolio growth since users are getting more value for money they already spend.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Earning cryptocurrency as a reward for making purchases with a crypto card or on supported platforms. |
| How It Works | Users spend using a crypto debit card or make purchases through platforms offering cashback in crypto. |
| Requirements | A crypto debit card (e.g., Crypto.com, Binance), a wallet to receive cashback. |
| Earnings | Typically 1–5% cashback on purchases, depending on the card or platform. |
| Risks | Low risk; rewards are usually capped and limited to certain purchases. |
| Platforms | Crypto.com, Bitrefill, Lolli, and others. |
| Pros | Easy to earn crypto on everyday spending; minimal effort. |
| Cons | Cashback is often small and limited; some platforms have fees or restrictions. |
7. Freelancing
Freelancers can now be paid in crypto for services such as writing, design, coding or marketing through crypto centered sites like LaborX, Cryptogrind, and Freelance for Coins.
Transactions are usually made in Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins which is instantaneous and borderless. This approach works best for people in remote banking regions or digital nomads.
Freelancing for cryptocurrency provides opportunities to tap into the world’s full client base and can be pursued fulltime or parttime.
Building a lifelong client takes effort and consistent quality of service and a reasonable amount of time in this competitive market, which is the downside of freelancing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Offering services like writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing in exchange for cryptocurrency. |
| How It Works | Freelancers complete projects for clients and receive payment in crypto (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). |
| Requirements | A portfolio or skillset, a freelancing platform that supports crypto payments, and a wallet for receiving payments. |
| Earnings | Varies widely by skill, client, and project type; can be hourly or project-based. |
| Risks | Low risk; however, freelance work can be inconsistent and client-dependent. |
| Platforms | LaborX, Cryptogrind, Bitwage, and others. |
| Pros | Flexible work hours, global client base, and access to a wide range of crypto payments. |
| Cons | Requires consistent work and reputation building; payment may be delayed or inconsistent. |
8. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliates dealing with Crytpo have the opportunity to earn commissions in cryptocurrency by promoting a product, service, or exchange like Binance, Ledger, or Trezor. Users receive a unique link and earn a share of each sign-up, trade, or purchase made through their link.
This technique is outshined by bloggers, YouTubers, and other social media influencers because it’s adaptive in nature. With a targeted audience, affiliate earnings can be a passive, hefty income source.
Transparency, consistency, audience trust, and above all, strong return-on-investment are paramount. Successful strategies are often exponential in growth, but come with the cost of being low in returns initially.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Promoting crypto-related products or services and earning a commission in cryptocurrency for each sale or referral. |
| How It Works | Affiliates share referral links through blogs, websites, or social media. They earn a commission when users sign up or make a purchase via their link. |
| Requirements | A platform to promote (e.g., blog, YouTube, social media), and an affiliate program that pays in crypto. |
| Earnings | Can vary significantly depending on the affiliate program and audience; commissions typically range from 10% to 50%. |
| Risks | Low risk, but earning potential depends on audience size and conversion rates. |
| Platforms | Binance, Ledger, Trezor, Coinbase, and others. |
| Pros | Scalable income, flexible work, and the potential for passive earnings. |
| Cons | Requires effort in building an audience and trust; competition can be high. |
9. Running a Node
Running a specific type of computer known as a node supports and maintains the focal point of a blockchain network alongside verifying transactions. Non Mining nodes like in the Helium or Nodle network will pay you for lap time or uptime in cryptocurrency.
It is less computer intensive but more intensive in terms of requirements to have a good permanent connection to the net and a well defined set of machines.
Automation enthusiasts, software developers, and network engineers are the ideal candidates to tackle the tasks involved.
As blockchain ecosystems expand, contributors to the network also known as node runners have the prospect of earning passive crypto as they aid in building a stronger decentralized network.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Running a node means maintaining and verifying transactions on a blockchain network, often in exchange for crypto rewards. |
| How It Works | Users set up and run a node for a blockchain network, contributing to its decentralization and operation. In return, they earn crypto. |
| Requirements | Technical knowledge to set up and maintain the node, a stable internet connection, and hardware capable of running the node. |
| Earnings | Varies by network; users can earn rewards through transaction validation or data storage. |
| Risks | Medium risk; requires consistent uptime, and the network may face technical issues or performance failures. |
| Platforms | Helium, Nodle, Flux, and others. |
| Pros | Passive income with long-term rewards; helps support decentralized networks. |
| Cons | Requires technical skills, time investment, and the possibility of reduced rewards if the node is not well-maintained. |
10. NFT Royalties
NFT generators get ongoing profits every time their digital asset is resold on value exchange markets like OpenSea and Rarible. This is set up in the smart contract during minting, so artists get their automatic secondary sales percentage (usually 5-10%) for secondary sales.
For digital creators, craftsmen, and composers, it’s a great example of recurring revenue. Once an NFT becomes famous, it pays out royalties in perpetuity after the first sale.
The problem is developing desirable content and cultivating a collector base. In the creator economy, however, passive sustainable income through NFT royalties is a game changer.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What It Is | Earning ongoing payments from the resale of NFTs created or owned by you, embedded with royalty terms. |
| How It Works | When someone resells an NFT you created, a percentage of the sale (typically 5-10%) is automatically paid to you as royalties. |
| Requirements | Create or own NFTs, list them on marketplaces that support royalties (e.g., OpenSea, Rarible). |
| Earnings | Varies depending on the NFT’s popularity and the percentage set for royalties. |
| Risks | Low risk for creators; earnings depend on secondary sales, which can be unpredictable. |
| Platforms | OpenSea, Rarible, Foundation, and others. |
| Pros | Ongoing passive income from secondary market sales; ideal for creators. |
| Cons | Success depends on the NFT’s marketability and demand; royalty fees can be low. |
Conclusion
In summary, passive earning methods such as staking, Airdrops, participating in NFTs, and freelancing provide earning potential without the need of trading or mining.
These methods enable individuals to increase their crypto assets, either passively or actively, with low effort and risk. By utilizing these methods, anyone can easily join the crypto world and successfully build a diverse portfolio.