Cryptocurrency platforms have evolved far beyond simple trading interfaces. Today, Coinbase stands as one of the most accessible gateways into the digital asset ecosystem, offering users not just a way to buy and sell crypto—but multiple avenues to earn from it. Whether you're a beginner exploring your first blockchain reward or an experienced investor seeking passive income streams, Coinbase provides diverse opportunities tailored to various risk appetites and skill levels.
In this guide, we’ll explore nine proven ways to make money on Coinbase in 2025, ranging from beginner-friendly learning rewards to advanced DeFi yield strategies—all while maintaining security, simplicity, and scalability.
1. Complete Mini Courses for Free Crypto
One of the easiest and fastest ways to earn cryptocurrency on Coinbase is through its "Learn and Earn" program. This initiative rewards users with small amounts of crypto for watching short educational videos and completing quick quizzes about blockchain projects.
Each lesson takes only a few minutes, and rewards are instantly deposited into your account. As of 2025, users can earn up to $29 across available courses—with new topics added regularly. These might include emerging Layer 1 blockchains, privacy protocols, or decentralized identity solutions.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start earning free crypto by learning online.
For even more earning potential, download the Coinbase Wallet app, which features additional tasks known as “Quests.” These often involve interacting with decentralized apps (dApps) or testing new features, with cumulative rewards reaching up to $149 in crypto incentives.
This method requires no investment, making it ideal for newcomers who want to learn while earning.
2. Stake Cryptocurrency for Passive Income
Staking allows you to earn passive income by locking up proof-of-stake (PoS) cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL). On Coinbase, staking is user-friendly, secure, and accessible with as little as $1.
Rewards vary by asset but can reach up to 10% APY, paid out every 3 to 7 days. The process is fully managed by Coinbase, meaning you don’t need technical expertise—just hold eligible coins in your account.
However, be aware that Coinbase charges a 25%–35% commission on staking rewards (reduced to 15%–25% for Coinbase One subscribers). While convenient, this cut may make other exchanges like Kraken more attractive for cost-conscious stakers.
Still, for users prioritizing ease-of-use and regulatory compliance, Coinbase remains a top choice for secure staking.
3. Earn Cashback with the Coinbase Card
The Coinbase Card is a Visa-powered crypto debit card that lets you spend digital assets directly at over 40 million merchants worldwide. What makes it powerful isn't just convenience—it's the cashback program.
You can earn between 1% and 4% cashback in the cryptocurrency of your choice, depending on ongoing promotions. There are no annual fees, and you can choose to spend either fiat or crypto balances seamlessly.
This turns everyday spending into an earning opportunity—whether you're buying groceries, paying subscriptions, or traveling abroad.
By linking your Coinbase account and using the card consistently, you compound your crypto holdings without active trading or risk exposure.
4. Buy and Hold (HODL) Long-Term Assets
One of the most time-tested strategies in crypto investing is buying and holding, commonly known as HODLing. The idea is simple: purchase high-potential cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) and hold them for years, anticipating long-term value appreciation.
With predictions suggesting the global crypto user base could hit 1 billion by 2030, early adopters today may benefit from exponential growth over the next decade.
Coinbase offers a trusted platform to buy these assets securely. For maximum safety, consider transferring your holdings to a hardware wallet for offline storage—protecting against hacks or exchange failures.
While this strategy demands patience and emotional discipline (especially during market downturns), it has historically delivered strong returns for those who stay committed.
5. Trade Altcoins Strategically
For more active investors, altcoin trading presents a dynamic way to generate returns. Coinbase supports hundreds of altcoins and provides tools like Advanced Trade, which includes professional-grade charts, order types, and real-time data.
You can engage in day trading, swing trading, or position trading based on market cycles and technical analysis. Additionally, Coinbase now offers futures trading through its derivatives platform—though currently available only in select regions.
Keep in mind: Coinbase’s trading fees are higher than some competitors. If cost efficiency is critical, compare fee structures across top exchanges before scaling your activity.
Nonetheless, for traders who value interface clarity and regulatory transparency, Coinbase remains a solid foundation.
6. Flip NFTs on the Coinbase Marketplace
Launched in 2022, the Coinbase NFT marketplace enables users to buy, sell, and trade non-fungible tokens. Similar to flipping sneakers or collectibles, NFT flipping involves purchasing digital art, PFPs (profile pictures), or utility-based tokens at low prices and reselling them for profit.
You can source NFTs through mints, giveaways, or secondary market bargains. Creators can also use built-in tools to launch their own collections directly within the platform.
👉 See how NFTs are reshaping digital ownership and income opportunities.
However, NFT markets are highly speculative and sensitive to trends. Liquidity can dry up quickly during bear markets, so due diligence and timing are essential.
Only invest what you can afford to lose—and always assess the community strength and roadmap behind any NFT project.
7. Earn Yield on USDC Stablecoin Holdings
Holding cash equivalents in crypto doesn’t have to mean zero returns. With USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin co-founded by Circle and Coinbase, users can earn 2%–4% APY just by keeping funds in their account.
There's no minimum lock-up period—earnings start at just $1 invested, with interest distributed monthly. Unlike yield from third-party protocols, Coinbase states that these rewards are funded from company revenue, not risky lending activities.
While this eliminates counterparty risk from DeFi protocols, note that crypto deposits are not FDIC-insured. Still, for conservative investors seeking stable returns amid volatility, USDC yield is a compelling option.
8. Invite Friends Through the Referral Program
Coinbase runs a robust affiliate program where users earn 50% of their referred friends’ trading fees for the first three months after sign-up.
If you have a social media presence or know people interested in crypto, sharing your unique referral link can generate passive income with minimal effort.
Successful referrals depend on trust and education—position it as a helpful onboarding tool rather than a sales pitch. Over time, a growing network of active traders can create meaningful recurring earnings.
9. Generate Yield Through DeFi via Coinbase Wallet
Beyond the main exchange, the Coinbase Wallet unlocks access to thousands of decentralized applications (dApps), particularly in the DeFi (decentralized finance) space.
By connecting your wallet to protocols like Uniswap or Aave, you can:
- Provide liquidity to decentralized exchanges
- Participate in yield farming
- Lend crypto assets for interest
- Stake in governance protocols
These strategies often offer higher yields than centralized options—but come with greater risks such as impermanent loss or smart contract vulnerabilities.
Use this path only if you understand self-custody principles and are comfortable managing private keys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it safe to stake crypto on Coinbase?
A: Yes, staking on Coinbase is considered safe due to its regulated status and strong security infrastructure. However, rewards are subject to service fees (25%–35%), so weigh convenience against potential returns.
Q: Can I earn passive income without investing money on Coinbase?
A: Absolutely. The "Learn and Earn" program allows you to earn free crypto by completing educational quizzes—no initial investment required.
Q: How does the Coinbase Card cashback work?
A: You earn 1%–4% back in crypto on every purchase made with the card. Rewards are automatically credited to your account and can be compounded or withdrawn freely.
Q: Are there risks involved in flipping NFTs?
A: Yes. NFT markets are volatile and illiquid at times. Many projects lose value quickly, so thorough research is crucial before buying any digital collectible.
Q: Does Coinbase offer DeFi integration?
A: Not directly on the exchange—but the standalone Coinbase Wallet app connects you to major DeFi platforms where you can earn yield through lending, liquidity provision, and more.
Q: Is my money insured when earning yield on USDC?
A: No. While USDC is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, crypto holdings on Coinbase are not protected by FDIC or SIPC insurance. Always assess personal risk tolerance before depositing funds.
👉 Start exploring high-reward crypto opportunities today—no matter your experience level.