I've put together some basic overview of lending platforms, which offer interest on your crypto deposits. Lending is a great way to boost your gains. Works with many coins and stablecoins. Generally you can aim for 6% on Bitcoin and around 10 to 12% yearly on stablecoins without too much hustle (unless you are a crypto whale, since many platforms have tiered system where rates drop if you deposit too much).
In this post, i will not cover DeFi, liquidity providing, native staking, etc as this would make this post much more complicated, but be aware that there are other options than CeFi platforms. Specifically, for proof of stake coins always research native staking first, as it is probably considerably less risky. For stablecoins, there is famous Anchor Protocol on terra blockchain, where you can get 19.5% on UST (algorithmic) stablecoin.
Ledn.io
Bitcoin focused platform, giving 6.1% interest rate for first 2 BTC, then rates drop sharply. USDC is only other available coin, with 9% interest.
Celsius
Probably the biggest and best known lending platform, with over 1M users and about $25B AUM. Quite a lot of coins available, competitive (but not top) rates. Has own CEL token, if you hold enough of it and earn your interest in it, you can get better rates. Free withdrawals for all coins. Frequently offers promotions for new and existing users, with pretty sweet rewards.
BlockFi
Another well known platform, but recently the rates dropped sharply, not probably worth it at this moment, but historically they are significant, hopefully the can improve again. Also offers credit card for US customers which gives you 1.5% back in BTC. One free withdrawal for free each month for crypto and one for stablecoins.
Nexo
Also quite a big platform and long standing platform. Good rates, can get better if you earn in their NEXO token, hold some of it (10% to max the benefit) and lock your deposit.
Crypto dot com
One of the fastest growing company in the industry, offers range of products including Earn. Various coins supported, rates can get quite interesting if you buy into their CRO token and lock your deposit for 3 months. CDC offers many more functions, like debit card, trading, etc. High withdrawal fees.
FTX
Formerly Blockfolio, offers attractive 8% p.a. on every supported coin up to $10k worth, 5% afterwards. Strong company behind it. Same rate for every supported coin. Free withdrawals.
Hodlnaut
Attractive offers for small number of coins. Smaller but fast growing company based in Singapure/Hongkong. Medium withdrawal fees.
Other platforms to consider, with various rates and risks:
InvestVoyager, YouHodler, ABRA, BTSE, Coinloan, Gemini, Swissborg... etc.
I will not compare the rates extensively here, as you can easily compare on service like
https://coinlenders.net for any coin you are interested in. It would also bloat this post too much as there are too many services and too many coins.
Some of these platforms offer their own token and offer some benefits like improved rates, i personally do not like this but maybe you will find this interesting.
Be sure to use promotions for new users if you sign up to some of these services.
How does it work?
Generally, you register, pass KYC, deposit your coins and start earning interest. Some products require that you lock up your fund for some predetermined time, most used are 1 a 3 month terms. But mostly you dont have to do this.
What they do with your coins?
They lend them to institutions, peers, use them in DeFi protocols, stake them, whatever to make profit on it. They keep portion of the profit a pay you the rest.
What is the difference between staking and lending?
Staking refers to native way of securing PoS blockchain. Lending has no designated purpose and the borrower can do whatever he likes with the coins.
What are the risks?
Well, not your keys not your coin. The lending platform can get hacked, can lose your funds due to mismanagement, your account can get hacked, the platform can be scam, there are risks, so its probably not a good idea to put all your funds into one platform.
In what jurisdictions is this available?
Depends on the platform. Some jurisdictions are more strict with regulation, so finding available platform might be more challenging.
Resources:
Where are the best rates for your crypto?
You can find detailed comparison on
https://coinlenders.net , just select your coin and other criteria you might have and see what offers are there.
If you are interested in business models of some of these lenders, check this review:
https://prohashing.com/guides/earning-interest-on-cryptocurrenciesMost of these services has own subreddits, where you can reach for additional help/info.
