3 Best Crypto Staking and Rewards Platforms of May 2024 - NerdWallet (2024)

While cryptocurrency marketplaces have traditionally been focused on providing a place for people to buy and sell digital assets, many have introduced rewards programs designed to help people get additional value out of their holdings.

These programs vary in their specifics. Some reward people for "staking" their cryptocurrency, or using it to help verify transactions on the underlying blockchain network. Others offer lending programs in which people can earn interest on their assets by holding them on a platform.

This list considers exchanges that have been reviewed by NerdWallet and offer customers a way to use their cryptocurrencies to earn rewards. Detailed information on each platform's rewards program is included below.

When choosing an exchange for staking or rewards, factors to consider include the rates at which you can earn rewards, how often they're paid out, how easy it is to pull your holdings out of the program and the number of eligible cryptocurrencies. We also looked at key features for any exchange service, such as customer service options, website quality and mobile app ratings.

Before choosing a program, be sure to review the terms and technical aspects in detail to make sure you feel the rewards balance out the potential risks. Also keep in mind that state regulations on crypto staking and lending vary, so not all of these services may be available where you live.

And don't forget that centralized exchanges carry their own risks. Keeping your crypto in the custody of a third party can leave you vulnerable to losses if the company suffers a breach or financial collapse, as happened to FTX in the fall of 2022. Another option, which requires a bit more know-how, is staking crypto from your own wallet without having to trust a third party to do it for you. The scores below represent the platform's overall score, but the platforms on this list received the highest scores in staking categories.

While cryptocurrency marketplaces have traditionally been focused on providing a place for people to buy and sell digital assets, many have introduced rewards programs designed to help people get additional value out of their holdings.

These programs vary in their specifics. Some reward people for "staking" their cryptocurrency, or using it to help verify transactions on the underlying blockchain network. Others offer lending programs in which people can earn interest on their assets by holding them on a platform.

This list considers exchanges that have been reviewed by NerdWallet and offer customers a way to use their cryptocurrencies to earn rewards. Detailed information on each platform's rewards program is included below.

When choosing an exchange for staking or rewards, factors to consider include the rates at which you can earn rewards, how often they're paid out, how easy it is to pull your holdings out of the program and the number of eligible cryptocurrencies. We also looked at key features for any exchange service, such as customer service options, website quality and mobile app ratings.

Before choosing a program, be sure to review the terms and technical aspects in detail to make sure you feel the rewards balance out the potential risks. Also keep in mind that state regulations on crypto staking and lending vary, so not all of these services may be available where you live.

And don't forget that centralized exchanges carry their own risks. Keeping your crypto in the custody of a third party can leave you vulnerable to losses if the company suffers a breach or financial collapse, as happened to FTX in the fall of 2022. Another option, which requires a bit more know-how, is staking crypto from your own wallet without having to trust a third party to do it for you. The scores below represent the platform's overall score, but the platforms on this list received the highest scores in staking categories.