How to Earn Interest on Crypto with Nexo: Complete 2026 Guide
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Key Takeaways
- Nexo was founded in 2018, manages over $8 billion in assets, and has processed more than $403 billion in transactions across 199+ jurisdictions
- Flexible Savings pays out daily with no lock-up and no minimum balance — deposit any amount and start earning immediately
- Fixed-term Savings offers higher rates for commitments up to 12 months, also with no minimum balance
- Interest rates are dynamic and personalized — you must log into the Nexo app to see your actual rate (no fixed public rates exist)
- NEXO Token holders earn up to 12% annual interest; the Nexo Card Debit Mode pays up to 13% on unspent balances (EEA only)
- The Nexo Card is available in EEA and UK only — not in the US, Canada, Australia, or Asia; non-EEA users still access Savings, Exchange, and Crypto Credit Lines
What Is Nexo?
Nexo is a crypto wealth platform founded in 2018. The concept is straightforward: instead of letting your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins sit idle, you deposit them into Nexo and they earn interest automatically — every single day. No manual compounding, no complex DeFi moves. You deposit, it earns, you withdraw when you want.
Here’s the scale we’re talking about: over $8 billion in assets under management, more than $403 billion in total transaction volume, and registrations across 199+ jurisdictions. Nexo has been operating for seven years, which matters in an industry where platforms have collapsed overnight.
Say you hold 5,000 USDT sitting in a hardware wallet doing nothing. On Nexo, that same USDT earns interest daily with the Flexible Savings option — you can pull it out any time without penalty. Or you lock it for a fixed term (up to 12 months) for a higher rate. The platform handles everything automatically.
I personally think the lack of a minimum balance requirement is underrated. Most traditional savings accounts or DeFi vaults have either minimums, gas costs, or lock-up headaches. Nexo removes all three friction points for the savings product.
What Can Non-EU Users Access?
This is where a lot of US, Canadian, and Asian users get confused. Nexo’s feature set is not identical globally — the Nexo Card in particular is Europe-only. Before you sign up, know exactly what you’re getting.
| Feature | US / Non-EEA Users | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Savings | ✅ Available | Daily payouts, no lock-up, no minimum |
| Fixed-term Savings | ✅ Available | Higher rates, up to 12 months lock-up |
| Nexo Exchange | ✅ Available | Swap crypto within the platform |
| Crypto Credit Lines | ✅ Available | Borrow against crypto collateral |
| Card purchases (Visa/MC, Apple Pay) | ✅ Available | Buy crypto with USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, SGD, HKD, JPY and others |
| Bank transfer (SWIFT) | ✅ Available | USD via SWIFT wire |
| Nexo Card (debit/credit card) | ❌ Not available | EEA + UK residents only |
| Nexo Card cashback | ❌ Not available | Card feature, not available outside EEA/UK |
| Nexo Card ATM withdrawals | ❌ Not available | EEA/UK card feature only |
Bottom line for US users: Nexo is primarily a savings and lending platform for you. The card is off the table. If you specifically want a crypto card, check out our roundup of best crypto cards for alternatives that serve the US market.
How Does Nexo Earn Interest Work?
Nexo offers two savings modes. The choice comes down to one question: do you need flexibility or are you fine locking up funds for a higher return?
| Feature | Flexible Savings | Fixed-term Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Interest rate | Dynamic, personalized (check app) | Dynamic, personalized, higher than Flexible (check app) |
| Payout frequency | Daily | At maturity or daily (asset-dependent) |
| Lock-up period | None — withdraw any time | Up to 12 months, cannot exit early |
| Minimum balance | None | None |
| Best for | Emergency fund, uncertain timeline | Long-term holders targeting maximum yield |
Here’s the part that trips up most newcomers: Nexo does not publish fixed public interest rates. Your actual rate depends on three variables:
- Region: Rates differ by jurisdiction due to regulatory requirements. A US user will see a different rate than a UK user on the same asset.
- Loyalty Tier: The more NEXO Tokens you hold as a percentage of your portfolio, the higher your tier — and your rates improve at each tier level.
- Asset: USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, and other assets each carry their own rate ranges.
Any website (including this one) that publishes specific percentage rates for USDT or BTC is either guessing or publishing stale data. The only place to see your actual rate is inside the Nexo app, in the Earn or Savings section, after you’ve logged in.
Two benchmarks Nexo does disclose publicly: NEXO Token holdings earn up to 12% annual interest, and the Nexo Card Debit Mode pays up to 13% on unspent card balances — the latter is EEA-only and not relevant for US users.
Nexo Loyalty Tiers Explained
Nexo’s loyalty program has four levels: Base, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Your tier affects your savings rates, borrowing rates, and — for EEA users — your card cashback and ATM limits.
The tier system is driven by one metric: what percentage of your total Nexo portfolio is held in NEXO Tokens. Platinum requires at least 10% of your total portfolio in NEXO. The exact thresholds for Silver and Gold are not publicly disclosed — you need to check the app to see your current tier and what’s required to move up.
| Tier | NEXO Token % Required | Card Cashback — Credit Mode (EEA only) | ATM Monthly Limit (EEA only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Not publicly disclosed | 0.5% in NEXO / 0.1% in BTC | €200 / £180 |
| Silver | Not publicly disclosed | 0.7% in NEXO / 0.2% in BTC | €400 / £360 |
| Gold | Not publicly disclosed | 1% in NEXO / 0.3% in BTC | €1,000 / £900 |
| Platinum | ≥10% of total portfolio | 2% in NEXO / 0.5% in BTC | €2,000 / £1,800 |
For US users: the card cashback and ATM columns above are EEA-only features and don’t apply to you. What does apply is that a higher tier improves your savings interest rates and reduces borrowing rates on Crypto Credit Lines. If you’re putting serious capital into Nexo, the tier system is worth understanding.
One more tier note: accounts above $100,000 USD equivalent unlock Private Client status — dedicated account manager, priority support, and access to exclusive rates and products.
How to Sign Up and Complete KYC
Nexo requires identity verification (KYC) before you can use Savings or withdraw funds. The process runs entirely in the app and takes 10–20 minutes. Have your passport or driver’s license ready along with proof of address.
Step 1: Download the App and Create an Account
Search “Nexo” in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and install the official app. Open it, enter your email address and create a password. You’ll receive a verification email — click the confirmation link to activate your account.
Step 2: Start the KYC Verification
Log in and find the “Verify Identity” option on the home screen or in your profile settings. Tap it to begin. The app walks you through the entire flow — you don’t need to navigate menus.
Step 3: Select Your Document Type
Choose between passport, driver’s license, or national ID card. For US users, a driver’s license or passport works fine. Passport tends to produce cleaner scans because of the high contrast photo page — fewer verification failures.
Step 4: Upload Your ID Photos
Follow the on-screen frame to photograph your ID. Three rules for a fast pass: good lighting (no glare), all four corners visible inside the frame, and text clearly readable. Blurry or cut-off submissions get rejected and restart the process.
Step 5: Complete the Liveness Check
The app runs a liveness detection check — typically aligning your face with an on-screen oval and following brief movement prompts. This confirms you’re a real person, not a static photo. Make sure you have reasonable ambient lighting and your face isn’t obscured.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Automated review typically completes in minutes to a few hours. A small percentage of applications go to manual review, which can take 1–2 business days. You’ll get an email notification either way.
Once approved, immediately set up two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator or Authy. This is the single most important security step — don’t skip it.
US users: Nexo holds a California Financing Law License and operates under US regulations. Crypto earnings are treated as ordinary income by the IRS, so factor in tax reporting from day one. Check your state-level eligibility — availability varies by state.
How to Deposit Funds
Nexo supports several deposit routes. The fastest for most US users is buying crypto directly through the app via card or Apple Pay, then moving it into Savings. If you already hold crypto elsewhere, an on-chain transfer is the most efficient path.
| Method | Supported Currencies | Available to US Users | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit / debit card (Visa, Mastercard) | USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, SGD, HKD, JPY and others | ✅ | Buy crypto directly; card issuer fees apply |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | USD and others | ✅ | Fast checkout, same as card purchase |
| Bank wire (SWIFT) | USD | ✅ | Better for larger amounts; SWIFT fees apply |
| SEPA bank transfer | EUR | ❌ Europe only | US banks don’t support SEPA |
| FPS (Faster Payments) | GBP | ❌ UK only | Not available in the US |
| On-chain crypto transfer | BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC and many others | ✅ | Transfer from any wallet or exchange; most efficient path |
Practical advice for US users: if you’re already holding USDT on Coinbase or Kraken, transfer it on-chain to your Nexo deposit address and move it straight into Flexible Savings. No card fees, no FX conversion. If you’re starting from cash, wire transfer via SWIFT is usually cheaper than card fees for amounts over $1,000.
For a virtual Nexo Card activation (EEA users only), the minimum account balance is $50. A physical card requires $5,000 plus Gold tier status. Again — these thresholds are not relevant for US users since the card isn’t available here.
If you’re evaluating crypto platforms that do offer US-compatible card options, the OKX Card and Jupiter Card are worth reviewing. Both serve broader geographic markets.
Is Nexo Safe? Security and Compliance
After FTX collapsed in late 2022, “is the platform safe?” became a legitimate question for every crypto service. Nexo’s security documentation is among the most detailed in the industry. Here’s what’s actually verified.
Asset Custody
User assets are held with Ledger Vault and Fireblocks — both institutional-grade custody providers using multi-signature authorization and hardware security modules (HSMs). This means no single employee or point of failure can access your funds unilaterally.
Security Certifications
| Certification | What It Means |
|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type 2 | 3 consecutive years — validates long-term effectiveness of security controls |
| SOC 3 Type 2 | 3 consecutive years — public-facing security audit report |
| ISO/IEC 27001 (2013 & 2022) | International information security management standard |
| ISO/IEC 27017 | Cloud services security controls |
| ISO/IEC 27018 | Protection of personal data in cloud environments |
| STAR Level 1 | Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) certification |
| CCSS Level 3 | Highest level of the Cryptocurrency Security Standard |
Insurance Coverage
Nexo partners with top-tier insurance providers to cover client assets with millions in coverage. The exact figure is not publicly disclosed — you’ll see “$375M” cited in older articles, but this number is not confirmed by current official sources. Treat it as “substantial institutional insurance” without anchoring to a specific number.
Regulatory Registrations
Nexo holds registrations in 199+ jurisdictions, including: US — California Financing Law License; Australia — AUSTRAC Digital Currency Exchange registration; Hong Kong — Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) License; Poland — Virtual Currency Registry; Seychelles — Securities Dealer License.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk. Regulations vary by jurisdiction — please verify compliance before use. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.
Nexo Fees
Nexo’s model is largely free to enter — fees appear on specific operations. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll actually encounter:
| Fee Type | Amount / Notes |
|---|---|
| Account opening | Free |
| KYC verification | Free |
| Flexible Savings deposit | Free, no minimum |
| Fixed-term Savings deposit | Free, no minimum |
| Card / Apple Pay crypto purchase | Spread + card issuer fees; exact % shown in app at purchase time |
| On-chain crypto withdrawal | Network-dependent; check nexo.com/fees for current rates |
| SWIFT wire deposit | Third-party bank wire fees apply (Nexo does not charge on their end) |
| Nexo Exchange | Embedded in conversion spread; no separate commission |
| Crypto Credit Line interest | Dynamic, personalized; check app |
For the most current fee schedule, go directly to nexo.com/fees. Rates change and vary by region and loyalty tier. If you’re comparing Nexo against other platforms, the Pionex Card review and our best crypto cards roundup cover similar fee structures for comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nexo available in the USA?
Yes, Nexo is available to US users for core features including Flexible Savings, Fixed-term Savings, Nexo Exchange, and Crypto Credit Lines. Nexo holds a California Financing Law License and operates in compliance with US regulations. Note that the Nexo Card is not available in the US — it is restricted to EEA and UK residents only. US users should also be aware that crypto earnings are taxed as ordinary income by the IRS, and state-level eligibility may vary. Check Nexo’s website to confirm availability in your specific state.
What is the minimum amount to earn interest on Nexo?
There is no minimum balance requirement to start earning interest on Nexo. Both Flexible Savings and Fixed-term Savings have zero minimum — you can deposit any amount of USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, or other supported assets and begin earning immediately. This makes Nexo accessible whether you’re testing with a small amount or deploying significant capital.
How do I check my actual interest rate on Nexo?
Nexo does not publish fixed public interest rates. Your actual rate is personalized based on your region, loyalty tier (Base, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), and the specific asset you’re depositing. To see your rate: log into the Nexo app, navigate to the Earn or Savings section, select the asset you want to deposit, and the app displays your personalized annual rate in real time. Any third-party site quoting specific USDT or BTC rates is showing potentially outdated figures — always check the app directly.
Is the Nexo Card available outside Europe?
No. The Nexo Card is only available to residents and citizens of EEA (European Economic Area) countries and the United Kingdom. It is not available in the US, Canada, Australia, or Asian markets. To apply, your KYC identity documents must also be issued by an eligible EEA or UK authority. Users outside these regions can still access all Nexo savings and lending features — only the card is restricted. If you need a crypto card that works outside Europe, see our guide to best crypto cards for alternatives.
How safe is Nexo? What security certifications does it hold?
Nexo publishes more security documentation than most competitors. Client assets are custodied with Ledger Vault and Fireblocks using institutional multi-signature authorization. Security certifications include SOC 2 Type 2 and SOC 3 Type 2 (three consecutive years), ISO/IEC 27001 (2013 and 2022 versions), ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, STAR Level 1, and CCSS Level 3 — the highest level of the Cryptocurrency Security Standard. Insurance coverage exists through top-tier providers; the exact amount is not publicly confirmed. Nexo also holds registrations in 199+ jurisdictions globally.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment or legal advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, including the possible loss of principal. Regulations vary by jurisdiction — please verify compliance before use. Not financial advice. Data as of May 2026; refer to Nexo’s official website for the most current information.
