Most Bitcoin holders do one of two things: trade frequently or hold and wait. There is a third option β earning interest on the Bitcoin you already own, without selling a single satoshi.
In 2026, crypto savings accounts have matured enough that earning a meaningful yield on Bitcoin is genuinely practical. Here is what you need to know.
Why Bitcoin doesn't earn interest by default
When you hold Bitcoin in a wallet β whether hardware, software, or exchange β it simply sits there. Unlike a bank deposit, nobody pays you to hold it. Bitcoin itself has no built-in mechanism for generating yield.
Yield comes from putting your Bitcoin to work: lending it to borrowers who pay interest, or depositing it with a financial institution that does the same. The institution collects the spread and passes a portion to you.
What interest rates are realistic in 2026?
Rates vary significantly depending on the provider and the terms attached:
- 4β6% APR is the range offered by established, regulated crypto banks on straightforward savings accounts with no lock-up period
- 6β10% APR is possible with lock-up periods of 30 to 90 days
- 10%+ usually means higher risk β either unregulated providers, DeFi protocols with smart contract exposure, or unusual terms
The key question is not just the rate, but what protections exist around your principal. Rates mean nothing if the provider collapses.
The risk you need to understand
Not all crypto savings accounts are equally safe. Before depositing:
1. Is the provider regulated? Look for licences from recognised financial regulators: FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), or equivalent EU authorities. Unregulated providers can disappear overnight, as several high-profile cases in 2022β2023 demonstrated.
2. Where does the yield come from? Sustainable yield comes from institutional lending β lending your Bitcoin to vetted borrowers at higher rates. Unsustainable yield often comes from subsidies, token emissions, or ponzi-like mechanics.
3. What happens to your Bitcoin if the provider fails? Regulated institutions hold client assets separately from company assets. This is called segregated custody. Always confirm this before depositing.
How a0bank pays 6.25% on crypto deposits
a0bank's savings accounts earn 6.25% per annum on deposits in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and eight other major cryptocurrencies. The rate applies to all balances β there is no minimum deposit tier, and there are no lock-up periods.
Your crypto is held in institutional-grade cold storage (offline), insulated from operational risk. a0bank holds regulatory licences across seven jurisdictions, including FCA authorisation in the UK and MAS in Singapore.
Interest is calculated daily and credited monthly. There are no fees to deposit or withdraw.
How to get started
Getting started takes about five minutes:
- Open an account β create your a0bank account with just your email and a government-issued ID for verification
- Deposit your Bitcoin β transfer from any wallet or exchange to your a0bank BTC address
- Start earning β interest accrues from the day of deposit
You can withdraw at any time. There are no penalties, no notice periods, and no minimum holding term.
Stablecoins as an alternative
If Bitcoin's volatility makes you nervous about an interest-bearing account, stablecoins offer a middle path. Depositing USDT or USDC earns the same 6.25% APR at a0bank, but your balance stays pegged to the US dollar. You capture the yield without the price fluctuation risk.
Many a0bank customers hold a mix β Bitcoin and Ethereum for long-term appreciation potential, USDT for stable yield.
The bottom line
Bitcoin sitting in a wallet earns nothing. Bitcoin sitting in a regulated, interest-bearing account at a0bank earns 6.25% per year β compounding, with no lock-up, and full withdrawal flexibility.
For long-term holders, this is not a trade-off. It is simply making your existing savings work harder.
Open your a0bank account and start earning interest on your crypto today.