How to Earn Free Crypto: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Zac McClure
ByZac McClure, MBAReviewed byAlex MilesUpdated on October 19, 2023 · minute read
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  • Safely explore various avenues to earn free crypto, such as faucets, airdrops, and staking, while staying vigilant against scams and exercising security measures.

  • Stay informed, set up a secure crypto wallet, engage with reputable platforms, and understand the tax consequences of your actions in order to make the most of legitimate opportunities in the cryptocurrency space.

What is free crypto and why is it worth pursuing?

Free crypto is digital currency you can acquire without having to spend any of your hard-earned fiat. There are a number of options available to start earning free crypto, though some are more reputable than others. 

Notably, the cryptocurrency space is rife with scams, from rug pulls to hackers to honeypots. When you hear about free crypto, it is absolutely crucial to exercise caution, do your own research, and be certain you take precautions before interacting with any opportunity online. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

To help you navigate this complicated space, we've compiled a list of the top ways to earn free crypto and free Bitcoin from reputable projects and platforms. In this article, we also shed light on the tax implications of your earnings.

Understanding the basics of cryptocurrency

Crypto is a digital form of currency that relies on encryption techniques for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions.

Top ways to earn free crypto

Here are some of the top ways to earn free crypto and free Bitcoin today. Always do your research and due diligence before pursuing any opportunity in crypto, and understand the tax implications. When in doubt, work with a crypto tax professional.

Faucets: Claiming small amounts of free crypto

Crypto faucets are an easy way to earn small amounts of cryptocurrency. These websites and applications offer users free tokens in exchange for completing tasks like captcha puzzles. While the rewards are modest, they provide an easy entry point into the world of crypto.

Airdrops: Getting free tokens through promotions

Crypto airdrops are an excellent way to receive free tokens. Typically, new projects distribute tokens to early adopters to stimulate interest and create a user base. However, be cautious, as airdrop scams are common. Stick to reputable sites like CoinMarketCap and Binance to discover legitimate airdrop opportunities.

Staking: Earning passive income with your crypto

Staking in crypto involves locking up a certain amount of your crypto to support the operations of a blockchain network. In return, you receive rewards in the form of additional tokens. It's a way to earn passive crypto income while contributing to the functionality and security of a blockchain.

Crypto lending

Crypto lending platforms let you lend your crypto to others in exchange for interest. Your assets are held as collateral, reducing the risk. It's a way to generate income from your crypto holdings.

Crypto credit cards

Crypto credit cards are a convenient way to earn rewards in the form of cryptocurrency. With these cards, you can earn crypto cashback for everyday purchases, essentially turning your spending into an investment.

Yield farming

Yield farming is a DeFi (decentralized finance) practice that involves providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges or lending platforms. In return, you earn rewards, often in the form of governance tokens, which can be traded or staked for further returns.

Referral programs: Inviting others to earn together

Many cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms offer referral programs. You can earn a share of their trading fees or other rewards by referring friends and family to these services. Consider our own TokenTax affiliate program as a place to begin.

Learn and earn free crypto

For those looking to learn more about the world of cryptocurrency, there are platforms that offer free crypto as a reward for completing educational programs. Coinbase, Binance, Phemex, and CoinMarketCap are some reputable sources for such programs.

Make the most of free crypto sign-up bonuses

Crypto exchanges are highly competitive and often offer sign-up bonuses to attract new users. These bonuses come in various forms, such as a specific cryptocurrency or account credit. Platforms like Binance, KuCoin, and Phemex offer attractive incentives to users who complete specific actions, like deposits or trading, and can be a smart way to enhance your crypto journey with free tokens.

Crypto credit and debit cards for cashback

Crypto credit and debit cards provide an easy way to spend your cryptocurrency at stores that don't typically accept digital assets. What's even better, most of these cards offer free crypto cashback as a reward for using them. Popular options include Crypto.com, Coinbase, and Wirex, which allow users to earn cashback in cryptocurrency when they make purchases.

Earn free crypto by browsing with Brave

Switching from mainstream browsers to Brave offers a more private and secure browsing experience, where you can opt-in for ads. By doing so, you receive a portion of the ad revenue in Basic Attention Tokens (BAT). This enables users to earn free crypto while seeing fewer intrusive ads.

Freelancing and earning in crypto

Cryptocurrency offers freelancers an alternative way to receive payments. You can accumulate digital assets as you work by offering your services and getting paid in crypto.

Tips for safely earning and managing free crypto

Here’s a set of quick tips so you can begin to safely earn crypto, and manage the crypto you receive.

Security measures to protect your earnings

Protect your cryptocurrency earnings by using reputable wallets and exchanges. Employ strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be vigilant against phishing attempts and scams.

Tax considerations for earning free crypto

Earning free crypto is typically not exempt from taxation. The tax treatment of your crypto earnings depends on your country's tax regulations. In most cases, you'll pay income and/or capital gains tax on your crypto. Taxable crypto events include:

  • Selling crypto for fiat currency.

  • Trading one cryptocurrency for another.

  • Spending cryptocurrency on goods or services.

Schedule a FREE crypto tax consultation

How to get started on your free crypto journey

Now that you're aware of various ways to earn free crypto, it's time to get started. Here's how:

Setting up a cryptocurrency wallet

To start earning and managing crypto, you'll need a cryptocurrency wallet. Choose a credible crypto wallet that suits your needs and ensures the security of your assets.

Finding legitimate opportunities

Research and due diligence are crucial. Stick to reputable platforms and projects, and be cautious of offers that sound too good to be true.

Staying informed in the crypto space

The cryptocurrency space is dynamic and ever-changing. Stay informed by following crypto news websites, participating in forums and communities, and considering educational courses and tutorials.

Additional resources for earning free crypto

Here are some helpful resources to help guide you in earning free crypto. Always do your own research and take precautions to remain secure when doing anything in crypto.

Crypto forums and communities

Engage with the cryptocurrency community through forums and social media groups. You can learn from experienced users, share your knowledge, and discover new earning opportunities.

Cryptocurrency news websites

Stay up to date with the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world by regularly checking trusted cryptocurrency news websites, including CoinDesk and the Block.

Educational crypto courses and tutorials

Enhance your knowledge of cryptocurrency by enrolling in educational courses and tutorials. These resources can help you understand the intricacies of the crypto space and make informed decisions about earning and managing your digital assets. Coinbase and Binance have "learn and earn" programs allowing users to earn crypto while learning.

Earn free crypto FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about earning free Bitcoin and free crypto.

How often can you earn free crypto on Coinbase?

Opportunities to earn free crypto on Coinbase can vary in frequency. The platform regularly updates its "Earn" section with new educational content and corresponding cryptocurrency rewards. Keep an eye on this section to discover opportunities to earn crypto by learning about different digital assets. Coinbase often introduces new programs, so you can return periodically to find fresh earning opportunities.

Can I earn crypto by learning?

Yes, you can earn crypto by learning about various cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects. Many platforms and exchanges offer educational programs that reward users with free cryptocurrency for completing courses or modules. Coinbase, for example, frequently provides learning programs with rewards in different cryptocurrencies.

What apps pay you to learn about cryptocurrency?

Several apps and platforms offer incentives for learning about cryptocurrency. Coinbase and Binance are well-known for their "learn and earn" programs, which allow users to earn cryptocurrency while expanding their knowledge. Be sure to explore these platforms and stay updated on their educational offerings to earn free Bitcoin and crypto through learning.

To stay up to date on the latest, follow TokenTax on Twitter @tokentax.

Zac McClure
Zac McClureCo-Founder & CEO at TokenTax
Zac co-founded TokenTax after his career in international finance and accounting at JPMorgan, Imprint Capital and Bain. He has worked in more than half-dozen countries and received his MBA from the UPenn Wharton School.
Alex Miles
Reviewed byAlex MilesCo-Founder at TokenTax
Prior to TokenTax, Alex worked as a Product Designer at Dropbox and before that Readmill (acquired by Dropbox). He holds a BS in Digital Information Design - Interactive Media from Winthrop University.

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