Making money with cryptocurrencies can be intimidating for the average person. But worry not because, with the right approach, you can participate in this growing ecosystem teeming with opportunities.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a low-effort way to dip your toes in or someone ready to go all-in, here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular (and realistic) ways to make money with crypto.
💡Key takeaways
You can make money with cryptocurrency by:
- Buying and holding cryptocurrencies
- Loaning your crypto
- Engaging in play-to-earn games
- Trading crypto
- Minting NFTs
- Participating in airdrops
- Offering services in exchange for crypto
- Creating crypto-related content
- Participating in crypto affiliate marketing programs
- Engaging in community management and moderation
- Participating in bug bounty programs
- Utilizing staking and yield farming
1. Buy and hold (a.k.a. HODL)
If patience is your thing, this one’s for you. The idea behind holding or HODLing is simple: buy a cryptocurrency at a low price, sit tight through the market’s rollercoaster dips, and sell when the price soars.
It sounds easy. The hardest part is resisting the urge to panic when prices tank. Holding could pay off big—but it requires nerves of steel.
💡Pro tip: The more you invest, the higher the risk. Crypto is volatile, so don’t go all in unless you can afford to lose it.
2. Loan your crypto
Instead of letting it sit idle, why not lend your crypto and earn interest?
Crypto lending works like traditional lending—borrowers pay interest, and lenders (that’s you) collect passive income.
You can do this through centralized platforms (which have a company overseeing everything) or decentralized ones (which run on smart contracts, no middleman needed). Interest rates vary, so shop around before committing your funds.
3. Play-to-earn games
Love gaming? Then why not make money while doing it?
Play-to-earn blockchain games reward players with tokens they can sell on the market. Some platforms, like Decentraland, even let you buy and sell virtual real estate. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but if you’re already spending hours gaming, this could be a fun way to monetize your gaming hobby.
4. Buy and sell crypto (trading)
This is the classic way people make money with crypto: buy low, sell high. The trick is knowing when to do both, and that’s where it gets tricky.
Prices can swing wildly in minutes, so if you’re not watching the market, you might miss a great opportunity or panic-sell at a loss.
If you’re not into staring at price charts all day, you can automate trading with bots. These bots monitor the market and execute trades for you based on preset conditions. Just be careful—automation doesn’t guarantee profits.
📚 Learn the basics of trading here: An Introduction to Cryptocurrency Day Trading📈
5. Mint your NFTs
Have you ever heard of someone selling a digital picture of a rock for thousands of dollars? That’s the NFT market for you.
If you’re an artist, musician, or even someone with a creative idea, you can turn your work into NFTs and sell them online. Platforms like OpenSea let you mint NFTs for a small fee and list them for sale.
The challenge is standing out in a crowded NFT space. Just because you create something doesn’t mean people will buy it. Marketing and building a following are key.
6. Participate in airdrops
Airdrops are free crypto giveaways. New blockchain projects distribute tokens to people as a marketing strategy, hoping to spread awareness and accelerate adoption. All you need is a compatible wallet and a willingness to complete simple tasks (like following a project on social media). Just be careful—scams are out there, so constantly research. You can make money with crypto airdrops in the following ways:
- Do independent research: Crypto airdrops can be a goldmine and a playground for scammers. Before jumping in, do your homework. Check if the project has a solid website, an active community, and a legit team behind it. If something feels off, trust your gut.
- Set up a crypto wallet: You’ll need a crypto wallet to collect your airdrop rewards. Most airdrops run on major blockchains like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, or Solana, so ensure your wallet supports the right network. MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Phantom are good options, depending on the chain.
- Follow the instructions (yes, all of them): Airdrops usually require you to complete specific tasks—maybe signing up for a newsletter, following social media accounts, or referring friends. Read the fine print and do exactly what’s asked. You could miss out on the free tokens if you miss a step.
- Submit your wallet address (carefully!): Once you’ve done your part, you must provide your wallet address to receive the tokens. Some projects ask you to register on their site, while others use Google Forms or blockchain snapshots. Double-check that you’re submitting the correct address—sending an Ethereum address for a Solana airdrop won’t end well.
- Wait for the actual airdrop: Now comes the most challenging part—waiting. Depending on the project, airdrop distributions can take several days to a few months. Keep an eye on your wallet, but don’t refresh it every five minutes. If the project is legit, the tokens will appear when they’re supposed to.
7. Offer services in exchange for crypto
If you’ve got skills, why not get paid in crypto? Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or business owner, accepting cryptocurrency as payment can open doors to new opportunities, attract tech-savvy clients, and give you more financial flexibility. You can get started in the following ways:
- Identify high-demand skills: Not all services are in high demand within the crypto community. Jobs that get paid with crypto usually involve coding, blockchain development, design, and marketing do well, but anything from writing to coaching can work if you market it right.
- Choose your payment options: Decide which cryptocurrencies you’ll accept. Bitcoin and Ethereum are safe bets, but you might want to consider stablecoins, like USDT or USDC, to avoid volatility.
- Set up a secure crypto wallet: You’ll need a wallet to receive payments. Make sure to store your private keys or seed phrases securely—losing them means losing your funds. Consider using a multi-chain wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet if accepting multiple cryptocurrencies.
- Establish clear payment terms: Be upfront about how and when you expect to be paid. Will you require a deposit? Partial payment upfront? Full payment after delivery? Make sure both parties are on the same page before starting work.
- Promote your services: Put yourself out there. Join crypto-related job boards, post on social media, and engage in online communities like Twitter (X), Reddit, or Discord groups where potential clients hang out. Platforms like CryptoJobs and LaborX can also connect you with gigs.
- Deliver and get paid: Once you’ve completed the work, it’s time to get paid. If you’re using smart contracts or escrow services, verify everything before finalizing the transaction. And remember—crypto payments are final, so always double-check wallet addresses before sending or receiving funds.
8. Create crypto-related content
If you know your way around the crypto world (or are willing to learn fast), creating content can be a great way to make money while sharing your insights. Whether you prefer writing, making videos, podcasting, or building a social media presence, there’s a massive demand for quality crypto content. Plus, with the industry constantly evolving, there’s never a shortage of topics to cover.
Not sure what to focus on? Here are some content ideas that tend to do well:
- Beginner guides – Produce content about getting started on blockchain, Bitcoin, trading & investing, etc.
- Technical analysis—Share insights on price trends, charts, and trading strategies, such as technical and fundamental analysis.
- News & updates – Cover significant developments, new projects, and market shifts.
- DeFi & NFTs – Explore decentralized finance, yield farming, and the NFT space.
- Crypto project reviews – Analyze new and existing blockchain projects (but be transparent about sponsorships).
- Regulations & compliance – Keep up with the legal side of crypto—it’s more important than ever.
- Mining & staking – Offer tips on mining or earning passive income through staking.
How to grow your audience
Great content is only half the battle—you also need people to see it in the following ways:
- Use social media – Promote your content on Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Reddit, and Telegram. Join discussions and engage with crypto communities.
- SEO matters – If you’re writing articles, optimize them for search engines. Research keywords like “best DeFi projects” or “how to stake Ethereum” and use them naturally in your content.
- Collaborate with others – Partner with fellow crypto creators, appear on podcasts, or guest post on established blogs.
- Engage with your audience—Answer questions, respond to comments, and create content based on what they want to see.
Monetizing your crypto content
Once you’ve built an audience, here are some ways to turn your content into income:
- Advertising revenue – Earn from YouTube ads, blog sponsorships, or ad placements.
- Donations & tips – Accept crypto tips through platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or direct wallet addresses.
- Sell digital products – Offer courses, eBooks, or exclusive research reports.
- Membership programs – Create a subscription-based model with premium content.
- NFTs & tokenized content – If you’re feeling creative, turn your content into NFTs or experiment with tokenized access.
9. Participate in crypto affiliate marketing programs
Affiliate marketing is worth considering if you’re looking for a way to earn passive income in crypto. The idea is simple: you promote crypto-related products or services, and when someone signs up, makes a purchase, or completes a specific action using your referral link, you earn a commission.
That sounds easy. Well, yes and no. Success in affiliate marketing takes time, consistency, and a strategy for getting people to click on your links.
Where to promote your affiliate links
You need a platform to share content and engage with your audience. Here are some of the best options:
- Blogs and websites—A dedicated crypto blog can be a great long-term investment. Write articles, guides, and reviews that naturally incorporate your affiliate links (without being overly sales-y).
- YouTube channels – Videos on crypto news, tutorials, and product reviews perform well. Just make sure to add your affiliate links in the description.
- Social media – Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok are great for sharing quick insights and recommendations. Engage with your audience instead of just spamming links.
- Email newsletters – Build a subscriber list and send valuable updates, tips, and exclusive offers that include your affiliate links.
- Podcasts—If you enjoy discussing crypto, a podcast could be a solid way to promote affiliate products while discussing industry trends.
10. Engaging in community management and moderation
Why not get paid if you spend a lot of time in crypto communities on Telegram, Discord, Reddit, or X?
Community management and moderation are essential roles in the crypto space. They help projects maintain active, engaged, and scam-free communities. But make no mistake—this isn’t just about banning trolls and answering FAQs.
A good community manager fosters discussions, builds trust, and keeps the vibe positive while navigating the chaos of crypto.
What It takes to succeed
To do well in this field, you’ll need:
- Crypto knowledge—You don’t have to be a blockchain developer, but understanding key concepts like DeFi, NFTs, and tokenomics helps.
- Strong communication skills – You’ll answer questions, defuse conflicts, and keep conversations engaging.
- Thick skin & patience – Crypto communities can get… intense. Market crashes, FUD, and spam come with the territory.
- Attention to detail – Spotting scams, fake accounts, and misinformation is a big part of the job.
Ways to get paid
Once you land a community management or moderation gig, here’s how you can earn:
- Fixed salary – Some projects offer stable monthly payments in crypto or fiat. Best for long-term roles.
- Token rewards – Some teams pay in their native tokens, which could increase in value (or not, depending on the project’s success).
- Bounties and incentives—Earn crypto for specific tasks, such as bringing in new members, hosting AMAs, or organizing events.
- Freelance work – Offer moderation services on platforms like Upwork, CryptoJobs, or LaborX and negotiate payments in Bitcoin, ETH, or stablecoins.
11. Participate in bug bounty programs
If you have a knack for finding security flaws, bug bounty programs can be a lucrative way to earn crypto while helping make blockchain projects safer.
Crypto exchanges, DeFi platforms, and blockchain companies offer bounties to ethical hackers and security researchers who identify vulnerabilities before bad actors can exploit them. This is how it works:
- Find a program – Many crypto companies list bug bounties on platforms like HackerOne, Immunefi, or Gitcoin.
- Hunt for bugs – Look for coding errors, security flaws, or exploits in smart contracts, exchanges, and wallets.
- Report your findings – Submit a detailed report explaining the issue, how it can be exploited, and (if possible) how to fix it.
- Get rewarded – If your report is accepted, you’ll receive a payout based on the severity of the vulnerability. Critical exploits can pay out tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
12. Utilize staking and yield farming
Want to put your crypto to work instead of letting it sit in your wallet? Staking and yield farming are two ways to earn passive income while holding onto your assets.
Both involve locking up your tokens to generate rewards, but they work in different ways—and come with varying levels of risk.
- Staking: Staking is a low-risk way to earn crypto rewards by helping secure blockchain networks. When you stake, you lock up tokens in a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain to validate transactions. In return, you receive staking rewards—kind of like earning interest.
- Yield farming: Yield farming is like staking on steroids—instead of securing a blockchain, you lend or provide liquidity to DeFi platforms and earn rewards. It’s one of the most profitable ways to make passive income in crypto, but it comes with higher risks.
Final thoughts: earning in crypto isn’t just about money—it’s about opportunity
The crypto space isn’t just a place to trade coins and chase pumps—it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving ecosystem with endless ways to earn.
That said, crypto isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes smart risk management, continuous learning, and patience for long-term success. Approach it with the right mindset, do your research, and you might find yourself not just profiting but thriving in the crypto space.
Important Note: Siloscrow does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice, and you are solely responsible for determining whether any financial transaction strategy or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, economic circumstances, and risk tolerance. Siloscrow may provide information that includes but is not limited to blog posts, articles, podcasts, tutorials, and videos. The information contained therein does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice, and you should not treat any of the content as such. Siloscrow does not recommend that any digital asset should be bought, earned, sold, lent out, or held by you, and will not be held responsible for the decisions you make to buy, sell, trade, lend, or hold digital assets based on the information provided by us.