3 Ways to Invest in Cryptocurrencies While Still Earning Passive Income

If you like to earn passive income but recognize the insane growth potential of cryptocurrencies, here are three strategies to maximize your returns.

crypto blockchain

Image source: Getty Images

One of the best things about investing in stocks is that you have the opportunity to receive passive income while still having exposure to a tonne of growth potential. And while the cryptocurrency industry certainly looks intriguing, some investors may be waiting on the sidelines to find investments that can earn passive income.

Luckily, though, with all the innovation that’s consistently ongoing in the space, there are now several different ways to gain exposure to the high-potential industry while earning passive income at the same time.

This is a significant opportunity, because often, if you want to earn a dividend from stocks, particularly a meaningful dividend, it likely doesn’t offer massive growth potential. Conversely, the stocks with the most growth potential usually don’t pay much of a dividend, if any at all.

So, if you’re a passive-income seeker looking to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency industry, here are three of the most popular ways to earn passive income.

On Ethereum’s blockchain, you can lend crypto to earn passive income

First off, one of the most popular ways to earn passive income is to lend the cryptocurrency you own on one of the many growing platforms that operate on Ethereum’s (CRYPTO:ETH) blockchain, such as AAVE (CRYPTO:AAVE).

Being able to borrow and lend cryptocurrencies has a tonne of advantages for investors. It’s especially attractive for those investors who own cryptocurrencies and are bullish on the long-term potential but also need to raise cash for a loan today.

In that case, you put your crypto up as collateral and receive a stable coin in return, which you can then use to cash it out as fiat dollars.

AAVE isn’t the only protocol doing this, but already it’s one of the most popular. And as the cryptocurrency industry continues to gain popularity, earning passive income from lending will continue to become more popular.

Decentralized finance allows investors to stake their tokens to earn more crypto

Another way to earn passive income from your cryptocurrency investments is called staking. Staking is a process that involves committing your crypto to help confirm transactions on a blockchain with proof-of-stake consensus.

In addition, you can deposit your money in liquidity pools to support decentralized exchanges with act as automated market makers. In this case, you would receive liquidity provider tokens, which can then be staked to boost your yield.

There are several decentralized exchanges on Ethereum that allow users to earn a yield, including SushiSwap (CRYPTO:SUSHI). However, with the risk of impermanent loss, it’s crucial to understand how liquidity pools work.

Cryptocurrency ETFs

The first two ways require investors to buy, hold, and invest cryptocurrencies themselves, which can have a steep learning curve at first. So, if you’d prefer an easier way to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies while earning passive income, you may want to consider one of the brand-new cryptocurrency yield ETFs.

For example, you can buy an ETF that owns Ether and employs a covered-call strategy to earn a yield for investors. And although the net asset value of these funds is still low, you can be sure that throughout the year, with more demand from investors, these funds will see the demand for their units grow.

Plus, as the industry progresses, I’d expect even more innovation from financial companies and more opportunities for investors to gain exposure to the high-growth cryptocurrency space.

So, if you’re a passive income seeker but also want exposure to these high-potential assets, these three strategies are some of the best ways to maximize your returns.

Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa owns Ethereum and SushiSwap. The Motley Fool owns and recommends Aave, Ethereum, and SushiSwap.

More on Investing

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Growth Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Looking for some of the smartest growth stocks you can find right now? Here are three top picks to buy…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

10 Years From Now You’ll Be Thrilled You Bought These Outstanding TSX Dividend Stocks

One high-yield play and one steady grower, both primed for 2035. Checkout TELUS stock's 9% yield, and this steady and…

Read more »

RRSP Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan concept
Bank Stocks

Is BNS Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2026?

Following its big rally this year, should you put Bank of Nova Scotia stock in you TFSA or RRSP?

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Dividend Stocks

Got $1,000? These Canadian Stocks Look Like Smart Buys Right Now

Got $1,000? Three quiet Canadian stocks serving essential services can start paying you now and compound for years.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

To Get More Yield From Your Savings, Consider These 3 Top Stocks

Looking for yield? Look no further – these three Canadian dividend stocks could set you up for very long-term passive…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Best Dividend Stocks for Canadian Investors to Buy Now

Explore the benefits of dividend stock investing. Discover sustainable Canadian dividend growth stocks that can boost your total returns.

Read more »

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Stock to Rule Them All in 2026

This top Canadian stock offers a 4.5% yield, significant long-term growth potential, and an ultra-cheap price heading into 2026.

Read more »

Hiker with backpack hiking on the top of a mountain
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $420 per Month in Tax-Free Income

This fund's monthly $0.10 per share payout makes passive income planning easy inside a TFSA.

Read more »