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How to Get Free Crypto (Legit Ways to Earn Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies)

Compare 9 legitimate ways to earn free cryptocurrency, including sign-up bonuses, Learn & Earn programs, cashback rewards and more.

Yes, it’s possible to earn free crypto, but most methods come with conditions. The easiest legitimate options include exchange sign-up bonuses, Learn & Earn programs, cashback rewards and occasional airdrops. We’ll explain how each works, what you’ll need to do and which offers are worth your time.

The Best Ways to Get Free Crypto at a Glance

Not sure where to start? The table below compares each method by potential reward, effort and whether you’ll need to deposit money first.

MethodWhat you can earnDeposit required?DifficultyBest for
Catch crypto exchange promotions and bonuses$5–$200+UsuallyEasyNew users opening accounts or trying services
Use a crypto credit cardOngoing cashback (typically 1%–5%)NoEasyEarning crypto on everyday purchases
Learn about crypto on a platform or app$5–$50NoEasyBeginners who want to earn while learning
Stake your crypto2%–15%+ APY (varies by asset)Yes (must own crypto)EasyLong-term crypto holders seeking passive rewards
Perform micro tasksPennies to a few dollars per taskNoEasyEarning small amounts in your spare time
Play gamesVaries from a few cents to $100+Usually noEasy–MediumGamers willing to spend time earning rewards
Use a browser or browser extensionA few dollars per monthNoVery easyPassive earners who browse the web regularly
Take advantage of airdropsA few dollars to hundreds (occasionally much more)Usually noMediumActive crypto users willing to complete eligibility requirements
WalkPennies to a few dollars per daySubscription sometimes requiredEasyPeople who want to earn crypto while staying active

Hot tip: Hot tip

While these methods can earn you free crypto, some require creating an account, verifying your identity or completing qualifying activities. If an offer promises large amounts of crypto for little or no effort, it’s likely a scam.

1. Catch crypto exchange promotions and bonuses

Typical reward: $10–$200+

What you’ll need

  • Create an account
  • Complete Know Your Customer (KYC) process
  • Deposit or trade (if required)

How it works: Crypto exchanges often offer bonuses to attract new customers. These promotions may reward you with free Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies after you create an account and complete qualifying actions, such as verifying your identity, making a deposit or completing your first trade.

Pros

  • Typically the highest reward method
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Can be completed in minutes

Cons

  • Offers usually come with terms and conditions, so read the fine print
  • May require a qualifying deposit or trade

Best exchanges offering bonuses

2. Use a crypto credit card

Typical reward: 1%–5% crypto cashback on eligible purchases

What you’ll need

  • An approved crypto credit card
  • A linked crypto account or wallet (depending on the issuer)
  • Eligible purchases

How it works: Crypto credit cards let you earn rewards in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies instead of traditional cashback points. Every eligible purchase earns a percentage back in crypto, which is automatically deposited into your account based on the card’s rewards program.

Pros

  • Earn crypto on everyday spending
  • Rewards accumulate automatically
  • No additional effort once you've started using the card

Cons

  • Rewards are typically capped or limited to certain spending categories
  • Some cards charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees
  • Crypto rewards can fluctuate in value after they're earned

Best crypto credit cards

3. Learn about crypto on a platform or app

Typical reward: $5–$50

What you’ll need

  • An account with a platform that offers Learn & Earn rewards
  • Identity verification (KYC), if required
  • To complete educational lessons or quizzes

How it works: Some cryptocurrency exchanges and apps reward users with free bitcoin or other crypto for completing short educational lessons or quizzes. These Learn & Earn programs are designed to teach beginners about blockchain technology and specific cryptocurrencies while rewarding them with small amounts of crypto that are deposited into their account.

Pros

  • No deposit or purchase required on many platforms
  • Beginner-friendly way to learn about crypto
  • Can be completed in just a few minutes

Cons

  • Rewards are usually limited to new users or one-time promotions
  • Available lessons and rewards vary by platform and region
  • Some programs require identity verification before rewards can be claimed

Best Learn & Earn crypto platforms

4. Stake your crypto

Typical reward: 2%–15%+ APY (varies by cryptocurrency and platform)

What you’ll need

  • Eligible cryptocurrency to stake
  • An exchange or wallet that supports staking
  • To lock up your crypto (some networks have lock-up or unbonding periods)

How it works: Staking lets you earn passive income on crypto by locking up eligible cryptocurrencies to help secure a blockchain network. In return, you’ll receive regular staking rewards, typically paid in the same cryptocurrency you’re staking. Many exchanges make staking as simple as opting in through your account.

Pros

  • Earn rewards on crypto you already own
  • Little ongoing effort after staking
  • Available through many beginner-friendly exchanges

Cons

  • You must already own crypto
  • Rewards and APYs can change over time
  • Your funds may be locked for a period, depending on the cryptocurrency or platform
  • The value of your staked crypto can fall even while you're earning rewards

Best crypto staking platforms

5. Perform micro tasks

Typical reward: Pennies to a few dollars per task

What you’ll need

  • An account with a microtask platform
  • Time to complete tasks
  • A crypto wallet or supported account to receive rewards

How it works: Some websites and apps reward users with small amounts of cryptocurrency for completing simple online tasks. These micro tasks can include watching videos, answering surveys, testing apps, viewing ads or completing offers. While each task pays only a small amount, the rewards can add up over time.

Pros

  • No upfront investment required from the platform
  • Easy tasks that anyone can complete
  • Flexible way to earn crypto in your spare time

Cons

  • Individual rewards are usually very small
  • Tasks may not always be available
  • Some platforms have minimum withdrawal thresholds

Best crypto microtask platforms

  • Cointiply
  • MicroLancer.io

6. Play games

Typical reward: Varies from a few cents to $100+ (depending on the game and your activity)

What you’ll need

  • An account with a play-to-earn game
  • A crypto wallet (for most games)
  • Time to complete in-game activities
  • An NFT or in-game asset (for some games)

How it works: Play-to-earn (P2E) games reward players with cryptocurrency or in-game tokens for completing quests, winning battles or reaching milestones. Some games also let you earn NFTs that can be traded or sold. While many games are free to start, others require purchasing NFTs or other in-game assets before you can earn rewards.

Pros

  • Earn crypto while playing games
  • Many games are free to try
  • Some games offer additional rewards through NFTs or tournaments

Cons

  • Rewards can be unpredictable
  • Some games require an upfront purchase
  • In-game tokens and NFTs can lose value
  • Earning meaningful rewards may require a significant time commitment

Best play-to-earn crypto games

  • Coin Hunt World
  • CryptoPop
  • THNDR Games

7. Use a browser or browser extension

Typical reward: A few dollars per month

What you’ll need

  • A supported browser or browser extension
  • An account with the rewards program
  • To use the browser or extension regularly

How it works: Some web browsers and browser extensions reward you for everyday online activities, such as viewing privacy-respecting ads or shopping with participating retailers. Rewards are typically earned automatically as you browse and can be redeemed once you meet the platform’s minimum withdrawal requirements.

Pros

  • Earn crypto during everyday browsing
  • Little to no extra effort required
  • Most programs are free to join

Cons

  • Rewards are generally modest
  • Some programs are only available in certain countries
  • You may need to meet a minimum balance before withdrawing rewards

Best crypto browsers and browser extensions

  • Coin Hunt World
  • CryptoPop
  • THNDR Games

8. Take advantage of airdrops

Typical reward: A few dollars to hundreds of dollars (occasionally much more)

What you’ll need

  • A compatible crypto wallet
  • To meet the project’s eligibility requirements
  • To claim your tokens, if required

How it works: Crypto projects sometimes distribute free tokens through airdrops to promote a new cryptocurrency, reward early adopters or encourage participation in their ecosystem. You may qualify by holding a specific cryptocurrency, using a blockchain network, completing simple tasks or registering before a deadline. Eligible tokens are typically sent directly to your crypto wallet once the airdrop is complete.

Pros

  • No purchase required for many airdrops
  • Potential for high-value rewards
  • Opportunity to discover new crypto projects

Cons

  • Many airdrops have strict eligibility requirements
  • Rewards aren't guaranteed and may have little or no value
  • Scam airdrops are common, so always verify offers through official project channels

Related link: See how much you could have earned through airdrops and more in these 6 early crypto giveaways.

9. Walk

Typical reward: Pennies to a few dollars per day

What you’ll need

  • A compatible smartphone or fitness tracker
  • An account with a move-to-earn app
  • To meet the app’s daily activity requirements
  • An NFT or subscription (for some apps)

How it works: Move-to-earn apps reward users with cryptocurrency or tokens for walking, running or completing daily fitness goals. Most apps track your activity using your smartphone or a connected fitness device. Some are completely free to use, while others require purchasing an NFT or paying a subscription before you can earn rewards.

Pros

  • Earn crypto while staying active
  • Encourages healthy habits
  • Many apps are free to download and try

Cons

  • Rewards are generally modest
  • Some apps require an upfront purchase or subscription
  • Token values and earning rates can change over time

Best move-to-earn crypto apps

  • sMiles
  • The STEPN app

Who is most likely to be researching how to get free crypto?

Finder data suggests that men aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.

ResponseMale (%)Female (%)
65+2.64%0.73%
55-643.63%2.44%
45-549.37%3.96%
35-4418.21%6.00%
25-3421.70%7.92%
18-2418.21%5.21%
Source: Finder sample of 1,516 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics

Compare exchanges where you can buy and sell cryptocurrencies

If you’re interested in buying or selling cryptocurrencies instead, use the table below to quickly compare crypto exchange fees, fiat currencies, deposit methods and more. Once you’ve found the right fit, select Go to site to get started.

5 of 17 results
Finder Score Fiat currencies Cryptocurrencies Deposit methods Disclaimer
50
1086
Cryptocurrency, PayPal, P2P
Not available for US citizens
Go to site

Capital at risk

More info
Compare product selection
73
281
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, P2P
Disclaimer: Highly volatile investment product. Your capital is at risk. Not available for US citizens
Go to site

Capital at risk

More info
Compare product selection
141
753
Bank transfer, Credit card, Cryptocurrency, Debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Not available for US citizens
Go to site

Capital at risk

More info
Compare product selection
OKX logo
1
181
Bank transfer (ACH), Debit card, Wire transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Plaid
Go to site

Capital at risk

More info
Compare product selection
eToro logo
26
105
Bank transfer, Debit card, PayPal, Wire transfer
Crypto Trading is offered via eToro USA LLC (NMLS ID: 1769299). This entity is not a registered broker-dealer or FINRA member and your cryptocurrency holdings are not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investments are subject to market risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Important information
Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. [website domain name] is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB.
Go to site

Capital at risk

More info
Compare product selection
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Showing 5 of 17 results

Bottom line

There are plenty of legitimate ways to earn free crypto, but some methods offer much better value than others. Before signing up for any offer, read the eligibility requirements carefully and make sure you understand any deposit, trading or identity verification requirements. Be cautious of promotions that promise guaranteed returns or ask for your private keys or an upfront payment.

By sticking with reputable exchanges and trusted crypto apps, you can earn free bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies while minimizing your risk.

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: This page is not financial advice or an endorsement of digital assets, providers or services. Digital assets are volatile and risky, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Potential regulations or policies can affect their availability and services provided. Talk with a financial professional before making a decision. Finder or the author may own cryptocurrency discussed on this page.

Richard Laycock's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Richard Laycock, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
Holly Jennings's headshot
Written by

Deputy Crypto Editor

Holly Jennings is the deputy crypto editor and updates writer at Finder, working with writers across all niches to deliver quality content to readers. She’s edited hundreds of financial articles ranging from credit cards to investments. With empathy at heart, she especially enjoys content that breaks down complex financial situations into easy-to-understand information. Prior to her role at Finder, she collaborated with dozens of small businesses to maximize the reach and impact of their blog posts, website copy and other content. In her spare time, she is an award-winning author for Penguin Random House, writing about virtual reality worlds, magical girls and lasers that go pew-pew. See full bio

Holly's expertise
Holly has written 49 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Digital assets
  • Investments
  • Personal Banking
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Co-written by

Writer

Frank Corva is business-to-business (B2B) correspondent for Bitcoin Magazine and formerly the cryptocurrency writer and analyst for digital assets at Finder. Frank has turned his hobby of studying and writing about crypto into a career with a mission of educating the world about this burgeoning sector of finance. He worked in Ghana and Venezuela before earning a degree in applied linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University. He also taught writing and entertainment business courses in Japan and worked with UNICEF in Namibia before returning to the US to teach at universities in New York City. Earlier in his career, he spent years working as a publicist and graphic designer for record labels like Warner Music Group and Triple Crown Records. During that time, he was also a music journalist whose writing and photography was in published in Alternative Press, Spin and other outlets. See full bio

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