How To Make Money With Cryptocurrency: A Beginner’s Guide

There are many ways to profit in the cryptocurrency world, but for those who are just starting out, it might seem impossible to know where to start. That’s why we’ve prepared a guide to teach you the ropes: you’ll learn how to get into crypto, how to make money in crypto, and more.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Do research from your own side and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

Read this first: safety setup for wallets and funds

Before entertaining any ways to make money with crypto, prioritize your crypto wallet security to protect your crypto assets from hacks and scams:

Use two wallets – one for savings and another for testing apps – and keep your seed phrase stored offline.
Turn on two-factor authentication and set up withdrawal allowlists to secure your accounts.
When trying a new platform, start with a small amount to reduce risk.
Regularly remove unused permissions with tools like Revoke.cash, and stay alert to scams – fake sites, private offers, or anyone requesting your seed phrase.

A secure setup helps you avoid huge losses and focus on earning passive crypto income.

5 beginner-friendly ways to earn money in crypto

There are many ways to make money in crypto, but not all require deep expertise or significant capital. Let’s explore five practical, low-barrier methods designed for beginners who want to start safely and earn passive income over time.

1. Microtasks and surveys that pay in crypto

Microtasks are short, simple online activities that pay small rewards, like answering surveys or testing apps. The payouts might seem minor at first, but they can build up over time and become a steady, low-risk way to earn a bit of extra money.

How it works:

Complete tasks like playing games, answering short surveys, testing apps, or watching ads.
Rewards are paid in digital money, often sent directly to your crypto wallet.
For example, with JumpTask, you can earn crypto online instantly by completing your first microtask.

Tips to start safely:

Some platforms charge transaction fees, so batching withdrawals can save money.
Try one or two tasks to test payout reliability before committing more time./
Choose well-reviewed apps with clear terms to avoid scams.

JumpTask is one of the easiest options for beginners. All you have to do is sign up, finish your first task, and get your rewards in crypto. It’s an easy, low-risk way to start earning passive income while exploring crypto investing at your own pace.

Get crypto without buying it.

Earn JMPT by completing microtasks on JumpTask: fast, beginner-friendly, and fully mobile.

2. Airdrops and points programs for beginners

Airdrops and points programs are free rewards that cryptocurrency projects give early users, often as digital currency or points that later convert into crypto. Companies offer them to promote new products and grow their blockchain database.

How it works:

Projects distribute free tokens to users who try their apps, sign up early, or complete simple tasks.
Points programs track your activity and can unlock future token rewards.
These are beginner-friendly ways to make money without any upfront investment.

Tips to start safely:

Follow project announcements on verified social media and Discord servers.
Engage with features to increase your eligibility for rewards.
Track wallets, tasks, and rewards in a simple spreadsheet.
Skip paid bots or tools that fake activity. They can get you banned and cost you your rewards.

Remember always to note potential tax effects. The Internal Revenue Service considers free tokens ordinary income, so track your rewards’ value from the start.

3. Staking major coins to earn rewards

Staking’s basically just locking up your crypto so the network can do its thing verifying transactions. You’re not glued to charts or trading 24/7 – just chilling while your coins (hopefully) earn you some sweet rewards. If you’re looking for a way to make your crypto work without turning into a full-time trader, staking’s a no-brainer.

How it works:

Beginners usually stake by delegating coins to a trusted validator instead of running their setup, which requires advanced technical expertise.
Your funds remain in your wallet, but the validator stakes those coins on your behalf.
Rewards are based on the validator's performance on the market and overall market trade volume.

Tips to start safely:

Some decentralized protocols lock your funds for days or weeks before withdrawal – know the timeline before staking.
Poorly performing validators can cause substantial losses. Check reliability and community reviews first.
Split funds between two or more validators to minimize the impact of a single one’s failure.

Staking’s a pretty friendly way to get started with crypto. Just don’t go all-in right away, test the waters with a small amount, and take a second to check if your validator’s actually legit.

4. On-chain lending with stablecoins

On-chain lending lets you deposit your stablecoins into trusted platforms or a crypto lending platform to earn interest on your funds. It’s a simple way to earn passive income in the cryptocurrency market. Because stablecoins are tied to traditional currencies, they’re generally less affected by sudden market swings.

How it works:

You supply stablecoins like USDT or USDC to decentralized exchanges (DEX) or decentralized protocols connecting lenders and borrowers.
Your funds go into a liquidity pool, and you earn interest based on borrowing demand and market capitalization.
Popular platforms include Aave, Compound, and MakerDAO.

Tips to start safely:

Lend a small amount first to test withdrawals and check real-time rates.
Make sure you pick platforms that have finished real security audits and have a good reputation.
Lending relies on smart contracts, and any bugs or vulnerabilities in the code could cause losses. Do research before putting your funds at ri

On-chain lending can offer steady returns, but focus on trusted platforms, keep track of your earnings, and avoid unclear projects or those that lack proper security measures.

5. Cryptocurrency trading for absolute beginners

Cryptocurrency trading is buying and selling digital coins, hoping to make some cash when prices jump around. However, there’s a lot of risk here, so don’t feel like you have to dive in, especially if you’re new.

How it works:

You buy crypto coins on a centralized exchange or crypto exchanges and sell them later at a higher value.
Returns depend on market dynamics, trading volume, and overall market capitalization.
This strategy demands patience and discipline since volatile markets can lead to significant losses.

Tips to start safely:

Define your entry price, invalidation level, and take-profit targets in advance.
Document every move to improve decision-making and spot mistakes faster.
Keep only active trading balances on exchanges; move the rest to a trusted wallet for better network security.

Trading can be part of a crypto portfolio, but start small, limit exposure, and avoid emotional decisions in volatile nature markets.

How to estimate earnings and protect capital

Returns vary significantly based on the chosen method, and your goal should be to generate passive income while protecting your capital from risks.

Here’s what you can expect:

Method	Typical return	Payout time	Main risks
Microtasks & Surveys	$5–$50/month	Instant to weekly	Low earnings, transaction fees
Airdrops & Points Programs	Varies (0 to $500+)	Weeks to months	Fake sites, scams, tax implications
Staking Major Coins	4%–12% APY	Daily to monthly	Validator failure, slashing, market volatility
On-Chain Lending	2%–10% APY	Daily to monthly	Smart contracts risk, platform security
Spot Trading	Highly variable	Same day to weeks	High risk, significant losses, emotional trading

How to protect your capital:

Divide it across multiple strategies instead of putting everything into one.
Keep emergency funds outside your crypto portfolio and wallet.
Always define your maximum acceptable loss before entering trades.
Report earnings using fair market value data for tax purposes.
The IRS treats rewards from staking and airdrops as regular income, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Managing your crypto investment with a balanced approach helps you avoid major losses while steadily building wealth in digital currency.

Get into crypto market in 7 days: a starter plan

Starting your journey in crypto can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into small daily steps makes it manageable. This simple plan helps beginners earn passive income, test strategies safely, and build confidence without taking on unnecessary significant risks:

Day 1: Secure your wallet

Set up a crypto wallet and a digital wallet for storage.
Write down your seed phrase on paper and keep it offline.
Enable two-factor authentication for extra network security.

Day 2: Pick your first method

Choose one beginner-friendly path: staking, lending, airdrops, trading, or microtasks.
Avoid spreading your initial crypto investment too thin.

Day 3: Stake or lend a small amount

Deposit a tiny amount into a liquidity pool, lending platforms, or a crypto lending platform to test returns.
Use only funds you can afford to lose.

Day 4: Complete one airdrop or points task

Join one project’s official blockchain network and follow their steps to claim rewards.
Track progress and value in a spreadsheet for tax implications later.

Day 5: Try one microtask on JumpTask

Sign up on JumpTask and complete your first task.
It’s an easy way to make money instantly and start building your online income.

Day 6: Review approvals and secure funds

Revoke unnecessary permissions using a trusted tool like Revoke.cash.
Move long-term holdings into cold storage for better security.

Day 7: Review your results

Check your returns, platforms used, and overall experience.
Decide which strategies to continue, expand, or pause before committing more funds.

This 7-day plan introduces you to multiple crypto investing methods without overwhelming you. By the end of the week, you’ll know which strategies fit your time, budget, and goals.

Top mistakes beginners can avoid in the cryptocurrency market

Here are the top errors to avoid and simple fixes for each:

Chasing unrealistic yields → Stick to trusted platforms and verify value claims.
Keeping large funds on exchanges → Move long-term holdings to a secure wallet.
Ignoring token approvals → Revoke approvals regularly using Revoke.cash.
Using one wallet for everything → Separate wallets for trading, staking, and savings.
Not tracking rewards for taxes → Log income and fair market prices as you earn.

Key takeaways

Focus on beginner-friendly strategies to earn passive income safely.
Secure your wallet, track value, and manage tax implications early.
Diversify across methods, avoid going all-in, and protect your financial assets from significant risks.

Still watching the crypto train pass by?

Hop on by doing a few microtasks and collecting your first tokens through JumpTask: a low-stakes way to dip your toes in.

FAQs

Mining cryptocurrency basically means using your computer’s power to help confirm transactions on a blockchain network. In exchange, you get paid in coins. It used to be easier and more profitable, but today, high energy costs and expensive gear make it less practical for beginners than staking or microtasks.

You don’t need a lot to get started – even $10 to $50 on a cryptocurrency exchange or DEX can be enough. Some beginner-friendly options, like microtasks, airdrops, or learn-to-earn programs, don’t require any investment, making them great for testing before putting in more funds.

You really don’t need to get into trading crypto just to make some passive income. Stuff like staking, lending platforms, liquidity pools, or those reward programs – they all work.

The Internal Revenue Service treats many crypto rewards, including mining income, staking, and airdrops, as everyday income at their value when received. For sales, capital gains rules may apply. Always track earnings accurately and consult a qualified professional for complex cases.

If you want to cash out, go with a trusted exchange or a bank that actually lets you withdraw regular money. Before you hit sell, take a quick look at the trading fees and current prices.

Gabriele Zundaite

Digital Marketing Manager

Meet Gabriele, a marketing specialist focused on digital growth and social media. As a Digital Marketing Manager at JumpTask, she helps others discover new ways to earn online by turning creative ideas into real results. With a degree in Marketing Management and a background in growth marketing and community building, Gabriele shares clear, practical advice for anyone ready to start earning or grow their online presence.