How to get free Bitcoin and other crypto

Since its introduction in 2009, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) has skyrocketed to extraordinary heights, causing many traders to turn to other altcoins or traditional assets with lower entry points – though these typically offer smaller returns. This has left some investors feeling priced out of the Bitcoin market altogether.

The good news is, with a little effort, anyone can learn how to get free Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In this guide, we'll tell you what you need to know.

How to earn free crypto

Surprisingly, earning Bitcoin and other digital assets often requires little more than a stable internet connection (along with, of course, time and persistence). As Bitcoin’s price tends to rise after each halving, even small amounts of BTC can become valuable over time. This means traders now have opportunities to accumulate digital assets without spending any money upfront, making it more accessible to a broader range of investors.

Ready to bank a bit of free crypto? Here’s how:

Educational courses

Some cryptocurrency platforms reward users with small amounts of free crypto in exchange for learning about the technology:

• Coinbase Learn: On Coinbase’s educational platform, Coinbase Learn, users can take video courses on various cryptocurrencies and receive free crypto as a reward. These courses cover everything from how specific tokens function to broader blockchain topics.
• Binance Academy: Operated by the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance, Binance Academy caters to both beginners and experienced traders. Users can earn free crypto by completing quizzes after expanding their knowledge of blockchain, mining, and trading strategies.

Airdrops

Airdrops are promotional events where cryptocurrency companies distribute free tokens to generate interest in new blockchain projects. These tokens are usually sent to active wallets in hopes of encouraging engagement:

• Free airdrops: Some users are randomly selected to receive tokens based on wallet activity or other criteria set by the project. Typically, these airdrops aim to promote a new cryptocurrency or blockchain network, encouraging adoption by providing free tokens to active users. These tokens can be used for trading, staking, or participating in the project’s ecosystem. Users may not need to do anything to qualify for these airdrops other than holding an active wallet address on a specific blockchain.
• Chore-based airdrops: To qualify for these airdrops, users complete specific tasks such as posting on social media, following a project’s accounts, or filling out surveys. These tasks often help boost awareness of the project, increasing visibility within the community. By participating in chore-based airdrops, users actively engage with the project, which may lead to long-term investment opportunities or rewards. The tasks are typically simple, but completing them can earn users small amounts of free crypto.
• Token-holder airdrops: Sometimes, users receive free crypto simply for holding certain digital assets. This happens during events like a hard fork (a split in the blockchain) or blockchain partnerships, where new tokens are distributed based on wallet balances. Token-holder airdrops reward loyalty, often offering governance or utility tokens to engage users in the project’s ecosystem.

Play-to-earn (P2E) games

P2E games let players earn crypto for in-game achievements, integrating blockchain technology for secure, decentralized transactions. Popular P2E games like Axie Infinity reward players with tokens that can be traded or reinvested, allowing gamers to monetize their playtime. These games also attract a diverse player base, from casual gamers to serious investors, with some even turning their gaming sessions into a full-time income source by accumulating valuable in-game assets.

Staking

Staking allows users to earn rewards by locking up their cryptocurrency holdings with a blockchain validator to support network operations. This process is available for cryptocurrencies using a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, such as Ethereum (ETH) or Cardano (ADA). 

By staking, users not only help secure the network and validate transactions but also earn additional crypto as a reward for their contribution. The longer and more substantial the staking commitment, the higher the potential rewards, making it a popular method for generating passive income within the crypto ecosystem.

Crypto faucets

Crypto faucets are websites that offer users small amounts of cryptocurrency in exchange for completing simple tasks such as watching ads, solving captchas, or participating in surveys. Although the rewards are typically minimal, faucets provide a risk-free way for beginners to acquire small amounts of crypto without needing to invest money. Over time, consistent use of faucets can help users accumulate a modest amount of digital assets, offering an accessible entry point into the crypto space.

Referral programs

Referring friends or family members to a cryptocurrency exchange or decentralized application (dApp) is another way to earn free digital assets. These referral programs typically reward users with a set amount of crypto once the person they refer completes their first trade or transaction. Some platforms offer bonuses to both the referrer and the new user, making it a mutually beneficial opportunity to grow one’s crypto holdings while promoting wider adoption of the platform.

Crypto cashback

Many cryptocurrency exchanges offer cashback rewards – such as Coinbase’s Visa debit card and Gemini’s Mastercard credit card – that allow users to earn digital assets by making everyday purchases. The cashback is typically credited as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or stablecoins. By comparing cashback offers across different exchanges, users can find programs that maximize their earnings and align with their spending habits, providing a simple way to grow their crypto holdings while using a familiar payment method.

Streamline your crypto tax process with CoinTracker

Earning crypto may be exciting, but it comes with a catch: keeping track of your gains and losses to stay tax-compliant.

CoinTracker simplifies the process by syncing with all your digital wallets and accounting for every trade. Generate accurate reports in minutes and feel confident that your crypto taxes are handled correctly.

Start for free and see why millions trust CoinTracker for streamlined crypto tax reporting.

Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.