Crypto Basics

Crypto Lending Explained - Benefits, Risks and Top Lending Platforms in 2023

Learn everything about crypto lending and get an overview of the top lending platforms of 2023, in this descriptive guide.
Sumit Meghani
8 Minutes
MIN

Are you looking for a new way to invest your cryptocurrency? Or perhaps you're in need of a loan, but tired of dealing with traditional financial institutions. If so, you may want to consider crypto lending.

Crypto lending is a relatively new phenomenon that's gaining popularity among investors and borrowers alike. It's a form of peer-to-peer lending where individuals or institutions can lend or borrow cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, using a decentralized platform.

In this article, we will cover a comprehensive overview of crypto lending, including its functionality, benefits, risks, and the leading platforms for crypto lending in 2023.

What is Crypto Lending?

Crypto lending is a service within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem that enables investors to lend out their cryptocurrency holdings to borrowers. As a lender, you earn regular interest payments on your crypto deposits, similar to how you would earn interest in a traditional savings account.

Image Resource: www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-is-crypto-lending

Crypto lending platforms can either be centralized or decentralized, and they offer varying interest rates depending on the platform and other factors.

On the other hand, borrowers can use cryptocurrency lending platforms to obtain cash loans by collateralizing their crypto holdings. By posting collateral, borrowers can access funds without having to sell their crypto holdings, which can be beneficial during market downturns. 

How Does Crypto Lending Work?

To participate in crypto lending, you'll need to find a reputable platform that offers this service. There are several platforms out there, such as Nexo, BlockFi, and Celsius Network, to name a few.

Once you've found a platform you trust, the process is fairly straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to how crypto lending works:

Step 1: Create an Account - The first step in crypto lending is to create an account on the platform of your choice. This usually involves providing some personal information (KYC), such as your name and email address, and creating a password.

Step 2: Deposit Cryptocurrency - Next, you'll need to deposit cryptocurrency into your account. This will be the cryptocurrency that you use to lend or borrow funds.

Step 3: Choose a Lending or Borrowing Option - Once your account is set up and your cryptocurrency is deposited, you can choose whether you want to lend or borrow funds. If you're looking to lend, you can select a lending option that meets your needs. This may involve choosing the cryptocurrency you want to lend, the interest rate you want to charge, and the length of the loan term.

If you're looking to borrow, you can select a borrowing option that meets your needs. This may involve choosing the cryptocurrency you want to borrow, the interest rate you're willing to pay, and the length of the loan term.

Step 4: Wait for Approval - Once you've selected your lending or borrowing option, you'll need to wait for approval. This may involve a credit check or other verification process, depending on the platform you're using.

Step 5: Receive Funds - If you're approved, you'll receive the funds in your account. If you're lending, the borrower will receive the cryptocurrency they've borrowed. If you're borrowing, you'll receive the cryptocurrency you've borrowed.

Step 6: Make Payments - If you're borrowing, you'll need to make regular payments to repay the loan. This will usually involve paying interest on a monthly basis. If you're lending, you'll receive regular payments from the borrower, which will include the interest you've charged.

Step 7: Close the Loan - Once the loan term is over, you'll need to repay the full amount of the loan, plus any outstanding interest. If you're lending, you'll receive your cryptocurrency back, along with the interest you've earned. If you're borrowing, you'll need to repay the cryptocurrency you've borrowed. 

How to Make Money with Crypto Lending?

Crypto lending can be an effective way to earn passive income with your cryptocurrency holdings. Here are some important things to know, to make money with crypto lending:

  • Choose a reputable crypto lending platform: Selecting a reliable platform is crucial for successful crypto lending. Look for platforms with a proven track record, solid security measures, and transparent lending terms.
  • Determine your lending strategy: Decide on the amount of crypto you want to lend out and for how long. Longer lending periods often yield higher returns, but also carry more risk.
  • Set competitive interest rates: Set an interest rate that's competitive with other lending platforms. A higher rate may attract more borrowers, but also increases the risk of defaults.
  • Manage your risk: Conduct thorough due diligence on potential borrowers and keep a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk. Additionally, consider collateral requirements and loan-to-value ratios when selecting borrowers.
  • Reinvest your earnings: Reinvesting your earned interest can compound your returns over time, increasing your overall profits.

By following these tips, you can effectively make money with crypto lending while managing your risk and ensuring a stable return on your investment.

Also Read: How to Make Money with Cryptocurrency in 2023

Best Crypto Lending Platforms in 2023

Identifying the ideal lending platform that caters to your requirements can be a daunting task, given the vast number of options available in the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of the best crypto lending platforms that you can consider in 2023.

Celsius Network: With over $20 billion in crypto assets under management, Celsius Network is a trusted and well-established platform for crypto lending. It offers competitive interest rates, ranging from 2.5% to 13.99%, depending on the cryptocurrency you lend and the loan duration.

BlockFi: BlockFi is another leading crypto lending platform that offers interest rates ranging from 0.5% to 8.6%, depending on the cryptocurrency and loan terms. It also provides additional services such as crypto-backed loans and a Bitcoin rewards credit card.

Nexo: Nexo is a popular platform for instant crypto loans, and it allows users to earn up to 12% interest on their crypto assets. It also provides a range of other features, such as crypto-backed loans and a credit card.

Crypto.com: Crypto.com is a leading cryptocurrency platform that offers interest rates of up to 8.5% on a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins. It also provides other features such as a crypto debit card and an exchange platform.

When choosing a crypto lending platform, it's essential to consider factors such as the interest rates offered, the loan terms, and the platform's overall reputation and security measures. By selecting a reliable and trustworthy platform, you can ensure that your crypto lending investments are safe and profitable.

Benefits and Risks of Crypto Lending

Crypto lending has been gaining significant traction lately due to the potential benefits it offers to both lenders and borrowers. However, like any financial activity, there are also some inherent risks involved. 

Lets understand the benefits and risks associated with crypto lending in detail.

Crypto Lending Benefits

Here are some benefits of crypto lending:

High returns: One of the most significant advantages of crypto lending is the potential for high returns. Many lending platforms offer APYs upwards of 10%, which is significantly higher than traditional savings accounts.

Diversification: Crypto lending provides an opportunity for diversification in your investment portfolio, which can help mitigate risks.

Flexibility: Crypto lending platforms offer more flexibility than traditional financial institutions, with features such as short-term lending, early withdrawal options, and customized loan terms.

Risks Associated with Crypto Lending

Here are some risks associated with crypto lending:

Volatility: The crypto market is known for its volatility, which can impact the value of your investments and potentially lead to losses.

Counterparty risk: When lending your crypto assets to borrowers, there is always a risk that they may default on their loan, leading to a loss of your funds.

Security risks: Crypto lending platforms are not immune to hacking attempts, which can result in the loss of your funds.

The Bottom Line

Overall, crypto lending provides a win-win solution for both lenders and borrowers in the DeFi ecosystem. Lenders earn passive income on their crypto deposits, while borrowers can access much-needed funds without liquidating their cryptocurrency investments.

In conclusion, the crypto lending industry is rapidly expanding, and there are plenty of great options available for investors looking to earn passive income on their crypto holdings. Whether you choose Celsius Network, BlockFi, Nexo, YouHodler, or Crypto.com, it's crucial to conduct your due diligence and select a platform that meets your specific needs and goals.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Research

Can I Make Money by Investing in Crypto Indices? What You Need to Know in 2025

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

One of the most common questions in crypto investing today is: “Can I actually make money with a crypto index?” The short answer is yes—but like any investment, your success depends on the market, your strategy, and the type of index you choose.

In 2025, crypto indices have become one of the most popular ways to invest, especially for people who want exposure to digital assets without actively trading. Whether you’re using a passive index to track the top 10 cryptocurrencies or an AI-powered index that rotates between bullish tokens, the potential for profit is real.

This article explores how crypto indices generate returns, how much money you can make, and what you need to know before diving in.

What Is a Crypto Index?

A crypto index is a bundle of cryptocurrencies grouped together into one investment product. The index can track:

  • Top coins by market cap (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL)
  • A specific theme (e.g., DeFi, Memecoins, AI)
  • A strategy (e.g., trend-following, momentum)
  • Signals generated by AI (e.g., Token Metrics AI Indices)

Investors can gain exposure to multiple tokens through a single purchase—and benefit from automatic rebalancing, diversification, and sometimes even active risk management.

How Do You Make Money With Crypto Indices?

There are three primary ways to earn returns from crypto index investing:

✅ 1. Capital Appreciation

When the tokens in your index increase in value, the overall index value rises—and so does your investment.

Example:
If the AI sector pumps and your AI Tokens Index includes FET, AGIX, and TAO, you benefit from their combined price growth—even if you didn’t pick the best-performing token individually.

✅ 2. Rebalancing Gains

Rebalancing can lock in profits from over-performing assets and reallocate them into undervalued ones.

This helps “sell high and buy low” automatically, which can enhance long-term performance—especially in volatile markets.

Example:
If SHIB spikes and becomes 40% of a Memecoin Index, the index may sell SHIB and redistribute gains into PEPE or WIF—helping you capture profits before a correction.

✅ 3. AI Signal Performance (for AI Indices)

AI-powered indices don’t just hold and rebalance—they use real-time signals to actively manage exposure.

This can include:

  • Exiting underperforming or risky tokens
  • Increasing allocation to trending assets
  • Moving capital into stablecoins in bearish conditions

These dynamic strategies often outperform static indices, especially during market uncertainty.

How Much Can You Make?

This depends on several factors:

📊 1. Market Conditions

  • In bull markets, most indices generate strong returns
  • In sideways markets, AI indices typically outperform
  • In bear markets, passive indices may suffer unless they include stablecoin buffers

📈 2. Type of Index

  • AI indices tend to generate higher returns due to active management
  • Passive indices offer more stable, long-term gains

💼 3. Your Strategy

  • Compounding small gains over time leads to powerful results
  • Reinvesting or auto-DCA into indices amplifies returns

Pros of Making Money with Crypto Indices

  • ✅ Don’t need to time individual token pumps
  • ✅ Protection from single-token crashes
  • ✅ Hands-free portfolio management
  • ✅ Exposure to trends without speculation
  • ✅ Smart rebalancing = better trade entries/exits

Potential Pitfalls to Watch Out For

While you can make money with crypto indices, it’s not guaranteed. Be mindful of:

⚠️ 1. Market-Wide Downturns

If the entire crypto market crashes, even diversified indices may lose value—though AI indices can reduce losses better than passive ones.

⚠️ 2. Poor Index Construction

Some indices include illiquid or low-performing tokens. Always check the index methodology.

⚠️ 3. Over-Exposure to a Single Narrative

Putting all your money in a Memecoin or AI index during a hype cycle can be risky. Diversify across index types.

How to Maximize Profits With Crypto Indices

Here are proven tips to make the most of index investing:

  1. Start Early – Let compounding work over time
  2. Use AI Indices in Volatile Markets
  3. Diversify Across Themes – (e.g., 40% passive, 30% AI, 30% thematic)
  4. Reinvest Gains – Set up auto-DCA (dollar-cost averaging)
  5. Monitor Platform Updates – AI logic often improves over time
  6. Choose Indexes With Strong Methodology – Like those from Token Metrics

Beginner-Friendly Earning Strategy

If you’re new to crypto:

  • Start with a Token Metrics HODL Index (e.g., Top 10 or Top 25)
  • Add a low-risk AI-powered index (e.g., RWA or DeFi)
  • Avoid going all-in on trending narratives without a hedge

This gives you a balanced mix of growth and stability, with automated management.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Make Money With Crypto Indices

Crypto indices—especially AI-powered ones—are a smart, strategic way to grow wealth in crypto without having to trade constantly or chase pumps.

You can earn money by:

  • Capturing market-wide gains
  • Letting the index rebalance for you
  • Leveraging AI to rotate into outperforming assets

Platforms like Token Metrics offer some of the best-performing AI indices in 2025, designed to help you make money smarter—not harder.

So yes, you can absolutely make money by investing in crypto indices—if you choose the right ones and manage your exposure wisely.

Crypto Basics

How Do AI Crypto Indices Work? Inside the Future of Smart Investing

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

In the ever-evolving world of crypto, one thing is clear: automation and intelligence are the future. In 2025, AI-powered crypto indices are gaining traction as the most efficient, adaptive, and data-driven way to invest in digital assets. But how exactly do they work?

Unlike traditional crypto indices that follow fixed rules and rebalance on a schedule, AI indices adjust dynamically using real-time market signals, machine learning models, and smart risk management. They take the guesswork—and the emotion—out of investing.

In this article, we’ll break down what AI crypto indices are, how they function, and why they’re outperforming passive strategies in today’s market.

What Is an AI-Powered Crypto Index?

An AI-powered crypto index is a cryptocurrency investment portfolio managed by artificial intelligence. Rather than following rigid rebalancing schedules or fixed token lists, the AI actively decides:

  • Which tokens to include
  • How much weight to assign to each
  • When to buy, hold, or sell
  • Whether to move into stablecoins during market downturns

These decisions are made using a wide range of data inputs, processed through advanced algorithms and predictive models.

The Core Components of AI Crypto Indices

Let’s look under the hood. Here’s how AI-powered indices operate behind the scenes:

1. Data Collection

AI indices analyze vast amounts of crypto market data from multiple sources, including:

  • Price Action: Trends, volatility, momentum
  • Volume & Liquidity: How much is being traded and where
  • Social Sentiment: Mentions on Twitter, Reddit, Telegram, and news
  • Technical Indicators: RSI, MACD, moving averages, Bollinger Bands
  • On-Chain Metrics: Wallet activity, inflows/outflows, network usage
  • Macro Signals: Fed policy, global economic news, BTC dominance

This multi-dimensional data stack forms the foundation of the AI’s decision-making process.

2. Signal Generation

Using the data, the AI identifies bullish, neutral, or bearish conditions for each token under consideration.

It may use:

  • Machine learning classifiers
  • Neural networks trained on historical data
  • Natural language processing (NLP) to assess sentiment

The goal is to forecast short- to mid-term performance potential of each asset in the index.

3. Portfolio Allocation Logic

Once signals are generated, the AI engine builds the portfolio:

  • Include bullish tokens
  • Exclude bearish or sideways tokens
  • Adjust weights based on conviction
  • Cap exposure to volatile or illiquid assets
  • Shift into stablecoins if overall risk is high

This process replaces traditional “Top 10 Market Cap” logic with data-informed positioning.

4. Rebalancing & Execution

AI indices typically rebalance on a weekly or as-needed basis—far more responsive than quarterly rebalancing in passive indices.

Rebalancing involves:

  • Selling underperforming assets
  • Increasing exposure to trending tokens
  • Reducing concentration risk
  • Locking in profits by trimming over-extended positions

Execution may be simulated (in research products) or actual (for tokenized index platforms or connected wallets).

Real-World Example: Token Metrics AI Indices

Token Metrics is a leader in AI index technology. Their indices:

  • Analyze over 80 data points per token
  • Issue weekly buy/sell signals
  • Rebalance portfolios based on market sentiment and momentum

Example: DeFi AI Index

  • Week 1: AAVE, LDO, RUNE get bullish signals → added to the index
  • Week 2: LDO signal turns bearish → replaced by GMX
  • Week 3: Broad DeFi market looks weak → 30% of portfolio shifted into USDC

This approach ensures the portfolio actively adapts to changing market conditions without user intervention.

Benefits of AI-Powered Indices

✅ Smarter Risk Management

Exit early during downturns, move into stablecoins, avoid overexposure.

✅ Better Timing

Capture gains earlier by entering tokens before trend exhaustion.

✅ Emotion-Free Investing

No panic selling or FOMO buying—just data-driven decisions.

✅ Automation at Scale

Ideal for passive investors who want active performance.

✅ Competitive Performance

Outperformed passive indices in 2024–2025 due to faster reaction times and smarter rebalancing.

AI vs. Passive Crypto Indices

Are AI Crypto Indices Safe?

While no crypto investment is “safe,” AI indices help reduce risk compared to manual investing or passive index strategies by:

  • Avoiding weak tokens
  • Reducing exposure in downturns
  • Allocating capital to strong-performing assets

This makes them a compelling choice for both beginners and advanced investors looking for automated performance optimization.

Common Misconceptions

❌ "AI indices are just hype."

Wrong. Real AI indices use trained models and live market data—not just price trends—to make decisions.

❌ "They’re only for pros."

Most platforms now offer user-friendly AI indices that are fully automated and beginner-friendly.

❌ "They’re too risky."

While aggressive AI indices exist (e.g., Memecoins), many offer conservative modes with stablecoin rotation and low-volatility token selection.

Who Should Use AI-Powered Indices?

  • Busy Professionals – Want hands-off performance
  • Trend Traders – Prefer smart auto-rebalancing
  • Beginners – Need risk-managed crypto exposure
  • Wealth Builders – Looking for alpha over time

Final Thoughts: AI Indices Are the Future of Crypto Investing

AI-powered crypto indices bring hedge-fund-level sophistication to individual investors. With intelligent signal generation, data-driven risk management, and weekly rebalancing, these indices outperform traditional strategies—especially in volatile markets.

Whether you want to follow the hottest trends, avoid losses during bear markets, or simply invest smarter, AI indices offer an automated and strategic approach to growing your crypto portfolio.

Platforms like Token Metrics lead this space with real-time AI signal engines, offering performance-optimized indices across Memecoins, DeFi, AI tokens, RWAs, and more.

Crypto Basics

Can AI or Data Tools Help Identify Moonshots?

Token Metrics Team
8 min
MIN

From Hype to Science — The Role of AI in Finding Moonshots

In the past, finding a 100x moonshot often meant trolling crypto Twitter threads, scanning Discord servers, or jumping into Telegram groups filled with bots and hype. But times have changed. In 2025, the smartest investors use AI and data analytics tools to uncover hidden gems before they explode.

This blog explores how AI and crypto-specific data platforms like Token Metrics are transforming moonshot discovery into a science — removing the guesswork and helping investors spot massive opportunities early.

Why Human-Only Research Isn’t Enough Anymore

With over 2 million crypto tokens and hundreds launching weekly, it’s virtually impossible to manually research everything. Retail traders are often overwhelmed, relying on gut feelings or influencer tweets.

AI levels the playing field by:

  • Analyzing massive datasets at scale
  • Spotting hidden patterns in price, volume, and sentiment
  • Scoring tokens based on fundamentals, momentum, and risk
  • Filtering out noise, scams, and pump-and-dumps

Simply put, AI sees what the human eye misses.

How AI Tools Detect Moonshots

AI models trained on crypto data can identify early-stage projects by analyzing:

These insights allow you to rank tokens and prioritize research efforts.

How Token Metrics AI Grades Work

Token Metrics, a pioneer in AI-driven crypto analytics, uses machine learning to generate Investor Grades, Trader Grades, and Bullish/Bearish Signals for thousands of tokens.

Here's how:

  • Investor Grade – Long-term potential based on fundamentals, community, tech
  • Trader Grade – Short-term potential based on price action, momentum, liquidity
  • Bullish Signal – Triggered when AI detects high-probability upside within 7–14 days
  • Bearish Signal – Warns of likely downturns or profit-taking zones

Moonshots that rank highly across these metrics are often early movers with breakout potential.

Top Tools to Find Moonshots with AI & Data

Use these tools together to spot patterns others miss.

Case Study: AI Spotting a Moonshot Early

Let’s say a low-cap AI token called NeuroLink AI launches. It’s not yet on CEXs but shows:

  • Spike in GitHub commits
  • Surge in Telegram growth
  • 24h price up 18%, volume 400%
  • Mentioned in 3 Token Metrics Bullish Signals in one week
  • AI Trader Grade: 91/100

That’s a prime moonshot candidate worth further analysis — and most retail traders wouldn’t catch it until it’s up 5x.

Human + AI = The Winning Formula

AI doesn't replace human judgment — it enhances it. The best approach is:

  1. Use AI to scan, sort, and filter top candidates
  2. Manually research the top 5–10 picks
  3. Evaluate community, product, team, and roadmap
  4. Use risk metrics and technicals for entry/exit planning

This hybrid approach minimizes FOMO and maximizes precision.

Moonshot AI Checklist

Before diving in, check:

✅ High AI Trader or Investor Grade (85+)
✅ Momentum score surging
✅ Early-stage narrative (AI, DePIN, RWA, etc.)
✅ Community growth across socials
✅ Smart money inflows on-chain
✅ No major unlocks in next 30 days

If all boxes are ticked, you may have found your next 10x.

Final Thoughts: AI is the Ultimate Edge in 2025

Crypto moonshots are no longer found in meme threads and TikTok videos alone. In 2025, the best investors use AI-powered research to systematically uncover explosive opportunities before they go viral.

By leveraging platforms like Token Metrics, you turn chaos into clarity — and emotion into execution.

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