You won’t get rich from free crypto offers, but some do offer small, guaranteed returns with little risk or effort.
I’ve downloaded and tested dozens of crypto apps on my phone, including sign-up bonuses, cash-back tools, and learning rewards. This list highlights the crypto apps and platforms that are actually worth your time. Each strategy is ranked by how easy it is to start, how much effort it takes, and how much you can realistically earn.
| Strategy | What You Get | Time & Effort |
| Crypto Sign-Up Bonuses | Up to $75 in BTC for signing up and trading. Bonuses available with multiple platforms. | Fastest way to earn with minimal effort and risk. |
| Coinbase Learning | Free crypto for watching short videos | Great for beginners with no deposit needed |
| Crypto Cash-Back Apps | Bitcoin back when shopping online | Passive earning once set up |
| Crypto Credit Cards | 1–6.5% back in crypto + $200–$500 bonuses | Requires good credit and spending minimums, but good potential once set up. |
| Staking Crypto | 3–5% annually on coins you already own | Medium effort with lock-up periods |
| Crypto Games | Small in-game token rewards | Fun but slow — best for entertainment rather than earnings. |
| Airdrops | Free tokens for using or testing new platforms | Hit-or-miss but can be lucrative |
| Free NFTs | Occasional giveaways from NFT projects | Good for collectors; requires caution |
| Crypto Faucets | Tiny amounts of crypto for microtasks | Time-consuming, low-value returns |
| Brave Browser | Earn BAT for viewing ads while browsing | Easy set-it-and-forget-it option, but low earnings. |
| Reddit Jobs & Tokens | $1–$2/hour for small online tasks | Good for crypto-savvy freelancers |
#1. Get Cryptocurrency Sign-Up Bonuses
Some websites and apps offer crypto as a sign-up bonus. Crypto exchange platforms, like the ones listed below, are the most common places to find these promotions.
The current best offers are:
| Platform | Bonus and Criteria to Earn |
| Gemini | $50 in BTC (or crypto of your choice) after $100 of trading activity within the first 30 days. |
| Kraken | Get $75 BTC bonus after trading $200 in crypto in first 15 days. |
| OKX | Earn a $150 welcome reward plus a separate 5% deposit match up to $250. |
| Uphold | $20 in Bitcoin after trading $100 within 30 days. |
| Crypto.com | Sign up for Crypto.com using referral code swge3atdvd to earn up to $50 in CRO tokens by locking up at least 5,000 CRO (approximately $400 USD). |
| BYDFi | Up to $2,790 in rewards for new users who meet deposit and trading volume requirements. |
| eToro | Earn a $10 BTC bonus for depositing $100 |
| iTrustCapital | $100 for opening a new IRA account and depositing at least $1,000. |
| Choice IRA | $25 in BTC upon opening an IRA (must fund with a minimum of $1). |
| Bitbuy (Canada Only) | Get $20 in CAD after making your first deposit of $250 (CAD) or more. |
| Binance (Outside the U.S.) | Up to $100 in vouchers |
See more of the best offers in our regularly updated list of the best crypto sign-up bonuses.
#2. Coinbase Learning Rewards
When you sign up for Coinbase, you get access to Coinbase Learning Rewards, which can be found in the Coinbase app under the “Learning Rewards” tab.
This is a platform that offers short modules that teach you about different cryptocurrencies. Each module takes a few minutes at most, and they pay out instantly.
As a Coinbase user, I take advantage of these offers as soon as they become available. The picture below shows the crypto I’ve earned through this method (and the amounts they’re worth in USD).
No deposit is required to access Coinbase Learning Rewards, but you do need to verify your account, which requires uploading a photo ID (a process that takes less than five minutes).
Offers come and go, so a good way to stay updated on new ones as they become available is to follow Doctor of Credit on X.
#3. Get Cryptocurrency as Cash-Back
Cryptocurrency cash-back sites give you a percentage of your online purchases back in the form of crypto (or in points that can be redeemed for crypto).
The top sites and apps that offer crypto as cash back include:
- Swagbucks, which is a popular rewards and loyalty program that allows you to earn points by completing various online activities, such as shopping, taking surveys, and signing up for offers. You can redeem your points for rewards including a CryptoVoucher gift card, which can be used to purchase Bitcoin and Ethereum (minus about 11-13% in network transaction fees) on CryptoVoucherGiftCard.com.
- Lolli, which is a free browser extension and mobile app that allows U.S. residents to earn up to 30% back in Bitcoin when shopping online at popular retailers. Earned rewards are automatically sent to your Lolli wallet and invested in Bitcoin. With Lolli, you’ll get a $5 Bitcoin bonus after making your first purchase through the app.
#4. Cash-Back Credit and Debit Cards That Pay in Crypto
Many credit cards offer automatic cash-back on your purchases, either in the form of points or as statement credits. Recently, a new group of credit cards has emerged offering cryptocurrency rewards.
Here are two of the best options for crypto-back credit cards:
- The Gemini Card The Gemini Credit Card offers crypto rewards on every purchase with no annual fee. You can earn 4% back on gas and transit (up to $300 per month), 3% on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else. Rewards are automatically deposited into your Gemini account and can be earned in Bitcoin or over 50 other supported cryptocurrencies. You can change your selected reward at any time. New cardholders can also earn a $200 Bitcoin bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
- Crypto.com Visa Signature Card offers up to 6.5% back in CRO rewards on every purchase, with no annual fee, and new cardholders can earn a $500 crypto bonus after spending $5,000 in the first 90 days.
#5. Earn Interest on the Cryptocurrency You Already Own (Staking)
If you already own crypto, staking lets you earn rewards by helping secure proof-of-stake blockchains like Ethereum or Solana. It works a bit like earning interest — you lock up your crypto, and in return, you receive more over time.
The easiest way to stake is through centralized exchanges like Coinbase, which offer simple access to coins like Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana. However, these platforms take a cut of your rewards in exchange for convenience.
If you’re more advanced, liquid staking services like Lido or Rocket Pool let you keep access to your funds. When you stake with them, you get a token like stETH or rETH that you can trade or use elsewhere while still earning rewards.
Just be aware that some coins have a waiting period before you can withdraw your stake. That means you won’t be able to move or sell your crypto right away, so always check the terms before staking.
#6. Earn Crypto By Playing Games
Crypto games aren’t the money-making machines they once were in 2021 — but they can still be a fun way to explore the world of digital assets and maybe pick up some free tokens along the way.
Back when play-to-earn was booming, some people actually made a living playing these games. Today, that era has passed. Most games now follow a play-and-earn or rewarded gaming model, meaning you can earn small amounts of in-game tokens as a bonus for your time — not a full-time income.
Some important things to know before diving in:
- Most payouts are small. Think pennies to a few dollars a week, not big money.
- Rewards are usually platform-specific tokens, which may have limited utility or liquidity.
- Withdrawal thresholds vary. In some games, it could take weeks to earn enough to cash out — if there’s even liquidity for the token.
Still curious? Here are a few options people are playing in 2025:
- Pixels — A pixelated farming and social game on the Ronin chain that offers token rewards for completing tasks and participating in events. Free to start, and surprisingly fun for casual players.
- Hamster Kombat — A viral, tap-based Telegram game with simple mechanics and upcoming token rewards. It’s a low-effort way to dabble in crypto without needing a wallet right away.
- Splinterlands — A long-running digital card game where you can earn DEC and SPS tokens by winning matches. To compete seriously, you’ll need to buy or rent stronger NFT cards.
Some games, like Axie Infinity and The Sandbox, are still active but have shifted to more complex ecosystems where rewards depend heavily on your time, skill, or upfront investment.
Bottom line: These games won’t build your crypto portfolio — but if you’re already gaming, they can be a fun way to get more familiar with Web3, experiment with wallets and tokens, and potentially pick up a few small rewards while you’re at it. Just don’t spend real money unless you fully understand the risks.
#7. Get Cryptocurrency Airdrops
Airdrops are still one of the more interesting ways to earn free crypto in 2025, but they’ve changed a lot since the early days.
A crypto airdrop is when a project gives away free tokens, often to promote a new launch or reward early users. Sometimes all you have to do is hold a certain token, like ETH or SOL. Other times, you’ll need to complete simple tasks like joining a Discord or using a platform during its test phase.
The most popular kind of airdrop right now is called a “retroactive airdrop.” That’s where projects reward users for actions they already took — such as trading on a decentralized exchange or staking on a platform — before the token launched.
You can also find airdrops that require you to complete social tasks. But always be cautious. Scammers often copy the names of legit projects and send fake airdrop links that drain your wallet. Never connect your wallet to a site you don’t trust, and never share your seed phrase with anyone.
Also beware of dusting attacks, where tiny amounts of crypto show up in your wallet. These can be used to track your activity or trick you into clicking a harmful link.
If you want to find legit opportunities, check:
- Galxe
- Airdrops.io
- DeBank
- Official project accounts on X
Some of these airdrops can be worth hundreds of dollars if you qualify, but there’s no guarantee. The safest strategy is to use good projects you believe in, and if they later decide to airdrop tokens, it’s a nice bonus.
#8. Get Free NFTs
Getting free NFTs is similar to receiving airdrops of coins. Some legitimate ways to find free NFTs are:
- Follow NFT projects on social media. Many upcoming NFT projects offer giveaways to their early supporters. Follow the official accounts of NFT projects you’re interested in on X, Discord and Telegram. Turn on notifications to stay updated on any giveaway announcements. If you’re looking for legitimate people to follow, famed angel investor Naval Ravikant has a curated list of crypto influencers on Twitter called “Crypto Core.” Kevin Rose, former CEO of Digg and founder of the popular NFT project Moonbirds, also has a small Twitter list of core NFT influencers on Twitter.
- Engage with the community. Don’t just follow but actively participate in discussions on social media and Discord servers related to the NFT projects. Creators often reward active community members with free NFTs.
- Participate in NFT-related contests. Creators may organize contests, such as art competitions or meme contests, where winners receive free NFTs as prizes. Look for these contests within the NFT communities you follow.
Remember, as with cryptocurrency airdrops, be cautious when claiming free NFTs. Always verify the source’s legitimacy, and never share your private wallet keys.
There are many scams, so this strategy isn’t for those new to managing their own private wallet. Binance has a good article on how to spot a Fake NFT Collection.
#9. Use Cryptocurrency Faucets
A cryptocurrency faucet is an app or website that pays you a small amount of cryptocurrency for completing a task, such as taking a short survey.
In general, the simpler the task is, the less you’ll get paid.
Most cryptocurrency faucets have a minimum withdrawal amount. On some sites, you can hit this amount in as little as a day, while on others, it could take months.
Here are two of the most well-known cryptocurrency faucets:
- Swagbucks offers a way for users to earn Bitcoin by redeeming points earned through various online activities like taking surveys and signing up for offers. Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for a CryptoVoucher gift card, which can then be used to acquire Bitcoin on CryptoVoucherGiftCard.com (although there is a network transaction fee of around 11-13%).
- Cointiply: This site’s earning methods include surveys, quizzes, and even chats. It pays in “Coins,” which can be exchanged for Bitcoin or Dogecoin.
#10. Use the Brave Web Browser
The Brave web browser is fast and compatible with most websites. It also has built-in ad blocking and web tracking protection. Its private browsing mode hides your web traffic using Tor, but its biggest appeal is that it offers a cryptocurrency wallet.
The browser’s currency is the Basic Attention Token (BAT), which is based on the Ethereum blockchain. As a user, you can select whether or not you want to earn a small portion of this currency in return for viewing advertisements.
Rather than simply displaying ads, a push advertisement will be sent. If you choose to view it, you will be paid. PCMag tested the browser for a day and earned about 7 cents.
While this may not seem like much, setting Brave as your default browser and viewing ads daily could be a nice addition to other strategies on this list. Plus, users laud the browser for its security and privacy features.
#11. Join r/Jobs4Bitcoins
r/Jobs4Bitcoins is a subreddit dedicated to odd jobs for those looking to earn Bitcoin.
With over 63,000 members, it’s a popular platform for finding small jobs and tasks in various fields, such as writing, graphic design, programming and virtual assisting.
To find work, simply browse the job postings and apply directly to the ones that interest you. Read the description carefully, communicate clearly with the poster, and use escrow services for larger projects.
Reddit allows users to earn MOON and BRICK tokens by contributing posts and comments that receive upvotes on the r/CryptoCurrency and r/FortNiteBR subreddits, respectively. The amount of tokens earned is based on your accumulated karma points, with highly upvoted posts and comments earning more tokens. Most commenters say they earn between $1 to $2 per hour for their contributions.
Free Crypto FAQs
The business model of each site or app varies.
Sign-up bonuses are offered because the site or company hopes you’ll join and then become a regular customer.
Cash-back portals make money for referring you to a merchant’s website; then they share a portion of that revenue with you.
Crypto faucets pay you for viewing ads (which they get paid for showing), or when you provide them with valuable data (such as through the completion of a survey).
Crypto airdrops use giveaways as advertising to raise awareness about new coins.
Crypto games make money by creating digital assets that have value, but in order to do this, they need an active player base — so they build free crypto earning opportunities into their game models.
A Satoshi is the smallest unit of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, and is named after Satoshi Nakamoto, who is believed to have created the protocols used in Bitcoin and blockchain. 100 million Satoshis is equal to a single Bitcoin. With free crypto sites, you’ll often be paid in Satoshis.
No. Crypto mining requires powerful computers that solve complicated mathematical equations, and which thus use significant amounts of electricity. While it is possible to make money through crypto mining, it’s certainly not free (and can be quite capital intensive to carry out at the scale necessary to become profitable).
How to Get Free Crypto: Summary and Final Thoughts
Yes, there are many different ways to get free crypto. But no, they’re not going to make you rich.
Out of all the options on this list, we think these are the best:
- Taking advantage of the best crypto sign-up bonuses will earn you the most free bitcoin per hour.
- Coinbase’s video series on crypto, which allows you to learn and earn free crypto at the same time, is a great starting point.
