Top Passive Income Tools in Crypto
Looking to earn passive income with your crypto? In 2025, there are more tools than ever to help you stake, lend, or earn yield on your assets - across both CeFi and DeFi ecosystems.
📊 Overview Comparison
| Tool | Type | Typical Yield | Custody | Supported Assets | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexo | CeFi | 5–12% | Custodial | BTC, ETH, USDT, more | Insurance, fixed terms, exchange built-in |
| OKX DeFi | CEX DeFi aggregator | Variable | Hybrid | ETH, MATIC, stablecoins | Easy access to DeFi via CEX |
| Kraken Staking | CeFi | 3–12% | Custodial | ETH, DOT, ADA | Regulated, transparent |
| Lido | DeFi (liquid staking) | 3–5% | Non-custodial | ETH, MATIC, SOL | Liquid staking tokens (stETH etc.) |
| Yearn | DeFi (yield aggregator) | 4–10% | Non-custodial | Stablecoins, ETH | Auto-compounding, strategies |
🧠 Tips for Choosing the Right Tool
- Custodial vs. Non-custodial: Are you okay with trusting a platform with your keys?
- Liquidity: Can you withdraw anytime, or is it locked for a term?
- Risk level: DeFi tools may offer higher yield but also come with smart contract risk.
- Asset variety: Some platforms focus only on ETH or stablecoins; others offer a wide range.
❓ FAQ
- Which passive income tool is safest?
- Regulated custodial options like Kraken and Nexo offer added protection, but come with trade-offs.
- Can I use these tools from any country?
- Some platforms (e.g. Curve) are not available in certain regions like Ukraine. Always check availability first.
- Do I pay tax on passive income from crypto?
- Yes - most countries treat staking/lending rewards as taxable income. Track your earnings carefully.