Education 6 min read

How To Get Free Crypto: Four Of The Safest Ways

There are several legitimate ways of receiving free crypto rewards, including token airdrops, learn-to-earn programs, exchange referrals, and cashbacks. However, users must be wary of potential scams and only use reputable platforms.

Can you actually get free crypto or is it just a myth? Who doesn’t like free money? However, individuals often fall victim to vicious scams targeted by fake ‘free crypto giveaway’ adverts. These campaigns convince users to connect their wallets and use phishing or malware to drain their funds. Some scams even ask you to make small payments to receive larger sums of crypto.

While these scams feed on the potential allure of receiving cryptocurrencies for free, there are legitimate methods to gaining digital assets. Here are some of the most effective and verified ways of receiving free crypto in 2024 and beyond.

Token airdrops

The best possible way of earning free cryptocurrencies is through airdrops. New crypto projects often distribute free tokens to promote their platforms. Participating in these airdrops can yield free crypto assets. Most notably, the recent Telgram tap-to-earn craze has seen millions of users receive free cryptocurrencies through airdrops.

While these airdrops are free, users do have to maintain a certain level of engagement with the projects to become eligible.

Types of airdrops

  1. Standard airdrops
    Tokens are distributed freely to users who meet basic eligibility criteria, such as holding a particular cryptocurrency in their wallet.
  2. Holder airdrops
    Designed for holders of a specific token or cryptocurrency. For instance, a blockchain project might give tokens to wallets holding Ethereum.
  3. Bounty airdrops
    Users earn tokens by completing tasks such as:

    • Following the project on social media.
    • Sharing posts.
    • Signing up for newsletters.
    • Referring friends.
  4. Exclusive airdrops
    These target specific users, such as early adopters or contributors who participated in beta testing or provided feedback.
  5. Fork airdrops
    When a blockchain splits (a fork), holders of the original cryptocurrency might receive an equivalent amount of the new token. A famous example is Bitcoin Cash being distributed to Bitcoin holders after the fork.

Learn-and-earn programs

Several blockchain educational platforms or exchanges offer crypto rewards for completing courses or quizzes. This approach allows users to gain knowledge while earning tokens. Many popular platforms like Coinbase and Binance have such programs.

Notable learn-and-earn platforms for free crypto rewards

  1. Coinbase Earn: Coinbase provides courses on various cryptocurrencies, rewarding users with tokens like NEAR and SHPING upon successful completion.
  2. Binance Academy: Binance offers educational modules on blockchain and crypto topics, allowing users to earn tokens by completing courses and quizzes.
  3. CoinMarketCap Earn: This platform collaborates with emerging crypto projects to offer educational content, rewarding users with tokens upon course completion.
  4. BitDegree: BitDegree provides courses on Web3 technologies, offering rewards such as discounts, tokens, and other benefits upon course completion.
  5. Phemex Learn & Earn: Phemex offers courses focusing on crypto trading and platform features, rewarding users with cash in their trading accounts upon course completion.

Referral programs

Many exchanges or wallets offer users incentives to introduce new participants to a platform. These programs typically provide rewards to both the referrer and the new user, fostering community growth and user engagement.

How do crypto referral programs work?

  • Unique referral links: Participants receive personalized links to share with potential new users.
  • Incentives: Rewards may include cryptocurrency, fee discounts, or other benefits upon successful referrals.
  • Conditions: Eligibility for rewards often depends on the new user completing specific actions, such as account verification or executing a trade.

Top crypto referral programs for 2025

  1. Binance: Offers up to 50% commission on trading fees from referred users. Affiliates with substantial followings (e.g., 5,000+ social media followers) can qualify for higher commissions.
  2. Coinbase: Provides a 50% commission on trading fees generated by referred users during their first three months. This program is suitable for those with large audiences.
  3. KuCoin: Offers up to 60% commission on trading fees from referrals, with a multi-tier reward system. This program is ideal for affiliates with established communities.
  4. Bybit: Provides up to 50% commission on spot and derivative trading products. Affiliates benefit from dedicated account managers and daily payments.
  5. OKX: Offers a mystery box worth up to 50 USDT for each referral sign-up, with additional rewards if the referee makes a deposit.

Considerations when choosing a referral program

  • Commission structure: Evaluate the percentage and duration of commissions to determine potential earnings.
  • Platform reputation: Opt for programs from reputable platforms to ensure reliability and trustworthiness.
  • Target audience alignment: Select programs that resonate with your audience’s interests and needs.
  • Support and resources: Consider the availability of marketing materials and support to aid in promoting the program effectively.

Cashback on crypto credit/debit cards

Cashback credit cards offering cryptocurrency rewards have gained popularity, allowing users to earn digital assets through everyday spending. These cards function like traditional credit cards but provide rewards in the form of cryptocurrencies.

Users earn a percentage of their spending back in cryptocurrency, with rates varying by card and purchase category. Rewards may be offered in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, depending on the card issuer. Also, many crypto cashback cards have no annual or foreign transaction fees, though terms can vary.

Best crypto cashback credit cards for 2025:

  • Gemini credit card

Rewards: Earn 4% back on gas and EV charging purchases (up to $200 in spend per month), 3% back on dining, 2% back on groceries, and 1% back on all other purchases.

Cryptocurrencies: Choose from over 50 cryptocurrencies for rewards.

Fees: No annual fee; standard APR applies.

Additional info: Rewards are deposited in real-time into the user’s Gemini account.

  • Venmo credit card

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on your top spend category, 2% on the next, and 1% on all other purchases.

Cryptocurrencies: Option to convert cashback into Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or Bitcoin Cash.

Fees: No annual fee; variable APR applies.

Additional info: Requires a Venmo account in good standing.

  • Crypto.com Visa card

Rewards: Offers 2% to 8% back on everyday transactions, depending on the card tier.

Cryptocurrencies: Rewards are paid in Cronos (CRO).

Fees: No annual fee; staking requirements apply for higher reward tiers.

Additional info: Higher-tier cards offer additional perks like free subscriptions to Netflix and Spotify.

  • Brex card

Rewards: Earn up to 7x points on various business categories.

Cryptocurrencies: Points can be redeemed for Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Fees: No annual fee; no credit check required.

Additional info: Designed for businesses, offering higher limits than traditional business credit cards.

Final thoughts

Users exploring free ways to earn cryptocurrency must prioritize safety to avoid scams and fraud. Always verify the legitimacy of platforms by checking official websites, trusted reviews, and community feedback. Never share private keys, seed phrases, or sensitive wallet information, as legitimate opportunities don’t require them.

Use dedicated wallets for airdrops or faucets to separate earnings from primary funds. Be cautious of phishing attempts, fake websites, or offers that sound too good to be true. Secure your devices with updated software and antivirus protection. By staying vigilant and conducting due diligence, users can safely explore and benefit from free crypto-earning opportunities.

  1. 01.

    Is it possible to get free crypto?

    Yes, acquiring free cryptocurrency is possible through methods such as airdrops, learn-and-earn programs, staking, crypto faucets, play-to-earn games, referral programs, bug bounties, cashback credit cards, content creation, and mining. These avenues allow users to earn digital assets without direct financial investment.

  2. 02.

    What are the best free crypto rewards for Christmas?

    During the Christmas season, various platforms offer promotions and giveaways. For instance, Bitpanda’s Advent calendar has previously featured rewards like 20g of gold, 4,000 BEST tokens, 2 ETH, and 1 BTC. Additionally, exchanges like KuCoin and OKX have offered bonuses up to 100 USDT and supercar prizes valued up to 200k USDT, respectively. It’s advisable to monitor official announcements from reputable platforms for current offers.

  3. 03.

    What are crypto reward scams?

    Crypto reward scams are fraudulent schemes where malicious actors promise free cryptocurrency or high returns to deceive individuals into providing personal information, sending funds, or granting access to their digital wallets. Common tactics include fake giveaways, impersonation of reputable figures or organizations, and phishing attempts. For example, scammers have impersonated Elon Musk in ‘Freedom Giveaway’ scams, luring victims with false promises of free crypto. To protect oneself, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of offers and avoid sharing sensitive information.

  4. 04.

    How do I get $200 free on Coinbase?

    Coinbase offers promotions where new users can earn up to $200 in crypto. To participate, create a Coinbase account, complete identity verification, and make your first cryptocurrency purchase. After the purchase, you’ll have the opportunity to spin a reward wheel, with prizes ranging from $3 to $200 in USD or Bitcoin. Approximately 89% of new users receive between $3 and $5, while 11% receive between $6 and $200.

Mohammad Shahid @ CryptoManiaks
Mohammad Shahid

Mohammad is an experienced crypto writer with a specialisation in cybersecurity. He covers a wide variety of topics spanning everything from blockchain and Web3 to the retail crypto space. He has also worked for several start-ups and ICOs, gaining insight into the mindset and motivation of the founders behind the projects.