Poloniex Passive Earnings Calculator
Calculate your potential earnings from Poloniex's crypto savings feature. The platform offers interest rates that often exceed 5% APY on supported coins.
Results will appear here after calculation
Poloniex was once one of the most respected names in cryptocurrency trading. Founded in 2014, it started as a Bitcoin lending platform and grew into a full crypto exchange trusted by institutional traders and long-term holders. But things changed. As of October 2023, Poloniex no longer serves users in the United States. If you're in the U.S., you can't open an account anymore. Existing accounts were shut down, and you had to move your assets out. For everyone else, Poloniex still operates - but it’s a very different exchange than it used to be.
What Poloniex Still Offers
Poloniex isn’t dead. It still runs its core platform: crypto-to-crypto trading with deep liquidity and a clean, fast API. It supports around 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and lesser-known altcoins. That’s fewer than exchanges like Crypto.com (which lists over 250 coins), but Poloniex never aimed to be a jungle of tokens. It focused on quality. Many users appreciated that it didn’t list every new meme coin or scam project. One G2 reviewer said it helped protect them from worthless coins - and they weren’t wrong.
The exchange is built for traders who don’t need fiat. If you already have Bitcoin or Ethereum from another exchange, you can transfer it over and start trading immediately. Its API is designed for high-frequency trading - low latency, high rate limits, institutional-grade. That’s why hedge funds and algorithmic traders used to favor it. Even today, if you’re running bots or doing serious volume, Poloniex’s infrastructure still holds up.
The Big Problem: No Fiat Support
Here’s the catch: you can’t deposit U.S. dollars, euros, or any fiat currency. Not via bank transfer. Not via credit card. Not via PayPal. You must buy crypto elsewhere - like Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance - then send it to Poloniex. That’s a major hassle for beginners. It adds steps, extra fees, and risk. If you’re new to crypto, this makes Poloniex a terrible starting point.
Even experienced traders hate this. You’re forced to use two exchanges just to get started. You pay withdrawal fees on the first exchange, then wait for the blockchain confirmation, then pay trading fees on Poloniex. It’s inefficient. And if you’re trying to dollar-cost average or buy small amounts regularly, it’s nearly impossible.
Security: Solid, But Not Perfect
Poloniex requires two-factor authentication (2FA) for every withdrawal and API key use. That’s a good sign. It also stores the majority of funds in cold wallets. One verified G2 reviewer called it “one of the safest and most reliable crypto exchanges founded in the USA.” That’s high praise.
But don’t forget the history. Poloniex was hacked in 2014 - right after launch - losing about 12% of its Bitcoin holdings. That was years ago, and they’ve improved since. Still, the memory lingers. Some users still worry. And while security is strong now, customer support isn’t. Multiple reviews on G2 and Cryptoninjas.net mention slow, unhelpful responses. If something goes wrong - a delayed deposit, a failed withdrawal - you’re on your own. There’s no live chat. No phone number. Just tickets. And they take days to reply.
Why the U.S. Exit Matters
The biggest change in 2023 wasn’t a feature update. It was the decision to cut off 40% of its potential user base. Poloniex shut down U.S. operations entirely. No more accounts. No more deposits. No more withdrawals for Americans. The official reason? Regulatory pressure. The U.S. crypto regulatory environment became too complex, too risky, too expensive to navigate.
Compare that to Binance, Kraken, or Coinbase. They spent millions on legal teams, compliance officers, and state-by-state licensing. Poloniex chose to walk away. That tells you something. Either they didn’t want to invest in compliance, or they didn’t believe the U.S. market was worth the cost. Either way, it’s a red flag for long-term users outside the U.S. If they’ll leave one of the world’s biggest markets, what’s stopping them from leaving yours next?
Passive Earnings: The Hidden Strength
One feature Poloniex still does well is crypto savings. You can lock up your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other coins and earn interest - sometimes over 5% APY, depending on the coin. It’s not as flashy as DeFi yields, but it’s simple, safe, and handled directly by the exchange. No smart contract risk. No liquidity pools. Just deposit, earn, withdraw. Many long-term holders use this as their main strategy. One G2 user said it made the platform feel “safer” because they didn’t have to trade constantly. That’s the real value for non-traders.
Who Should Use Poloniex Today?
Poloniex isn’t for everyone. Here’s who it still works for:
- Non-U.S. traders who already hold crypto and want fast, low-latency trading.
- Institutional or algorithmic traders who need a reliable API with high rate limits.
- Long-term holders who want to earn passive interest on stablecoins or major cryptos.
- Users who prefer fewer coins and want to avoid the noise of new, risky tokens.
Here’s who should avoid it:
- U.S. residents - you can’t use it anymore.
- Beginners - too many steps to get started.
- People who need fiat deposits - it doesn’t exist here.
- Those who need fast customer support - you’ll wait.
How It Compares to the Competition
Let’s be clear: Poloniex isn’t the best exchange overall anymore. But it’s not the worst either. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Feature | Poloniex | Bybit | Kraken | Binance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto Selection | 100+ | 200+ | 150+ | 350+ |
| Fiat Deposits | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| U.S. Available | No | Yes (limited) | Yes | No (global only) |
| API Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Passive Earnings | Yes (5%+ APY) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Poor | Medium | Good | Medium |
Bybit and Kraken are better for most users today. They offer fiat, better support, and more coins. Binance has more options globally - but it’s banned in the U.S. too. Kraken is the closest alternative for U.S. users who want a clean, regulated platform with strong security. For non-U.S. users who don’t need fiat and want speed, Poloniex still holds its ground.
The Bottom Line
Poloniex is a relic of crypto’s early days - still functional, still trusted by some, but clearly in decline. Its strength is in its API and curated selection. Its weakness is in its lack of fiat, poor support, and now, its absence from the U.S. market.
If you’re outside the U.S., have crypto already, and want a quiet, no-nonsense exchange for trading or earning interest, Poloniex still works. But if you’re new, or if you need to deposit dollars, or if you want help when things go wrong - look elsewhere.
The crypto world moves fast. Exchanges rise and fall. Poloniex isn’t gone - but it’s no longer the player it once was. The question isn’t whether it’s safe. It’s whether you want to rely on an exchange that chose to leave a major market rather than fight for it.
Is Poloniex still operational in 2025?
Yes, Poloniex is still operational as of 2025, but only for users outside the United States. The exchange shut down all U.S. services in October 2023 and no longer accepts new users or deposits from American residents.
Can I deposit USD or EUR on Poloniex?
No, Poloniex does not support fiat currency deposits. You cannot deposit U.S. dollars, euros, or any other government-issued currency. You must buy cryptocurrency on another exchange and transfer it to Poloniex to trade.
Is Poloniex safe for storing crypto?
Poloniex has strong security practices, including mandatory 2FA for withdrawals and API use, and most funds are stored in cold wallets. However, it has a history of past hacks (notably in 2014), and customer support is slow to respond. It’s safe for experienced users who understand the risks, but not ideal for beginners or those who need quick help.
What are the alternatives to Poloniex for non-U.S. users?
Bybit and Binance are strong alternatives for non-U.S. users. Both offer more cryptocurrencies, fiat on-ramps, better customer support, and similar or better API performance. Kraken is another option if you want a regulated platform with solid security, though it’s less focused on high-frequency trading.
Does Poloniex offer interest on crypto holdings?
Yes, Poloniex offers a savings feature where you can lock up Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported coins to earn passive interest. Rates vary by coin and market conditions, but they often exceed 5% APY. This is one of the platform’s most popular features for long-term holders who don’t want to trade actively.
Why did Poloniex leave the U.S. market?
Poloniex exited the U.S. market in October 2023 due to increasing regulatory pressure and compliance costs. Rather than invest in legal infrastructure to meet U.S. requirements - like Coinbase and Kraken did - Poloniex chose to shut down operations there. This decision reflects a broader trend where some exchanges prioritize global simplicity over navigating complex local regulations.
Ike McMahon
December 16, 2025 AT 09:32Poloniex was my first real exchange back in 2017. I still remember how smooth the API felt compared to the janky alternatives. No fiat? Yeah, annoying. But if you already had BTC or ETH, it was pure speed. Sad they bailed on the US - but honestly, I get it. The regulatory mess isn’t worth it for a niche player.
Kathleen Sudborough
December 16, 2025 AT 15:56They had the cleanest UI back then. No spammy meme coins, no fake volume tricks. Just real trading. I miss that. Now I use Kraken, but I still check Poloniex sometimes… like visiting an old friend who moved away. 🥲
Vidhi Kotak
December 17, 2025 AT 16:38I’m from India and still use Poloniex. No fiat is a pain, but I buy on WazirX and send over. The interest rates on ETH are insane - 7.5% APY last month. Support is slow, but if you’re not doing big trades, you don’t need it. Also, their API is still the most reliable for bot trading I’ve used.
US users lost out, but the rest of us? Still got a solid tool.
Kurt Chambers
December 19, 2025 AT 06:19USA got screwed by regulators and now we can't even use a good exchange? Pathetic. Kraken and Coinbase are just compliance bots with a crypto facade. Poloniex had balls. They didn't kowtow to the feds. Respect. If you're still using fiat onramps, you're not a real trader. You're a tourist.
Kelly Burn
December 21, 2025 AT 05:56Poloniex was the OG for serious traders 🧠💎. No fiat? Totally fine if you’re HODLing and earning interest. Their savings program is basically free money. And their API? Chef’s kiss. 🤌 I’ve run bots on it for 3 years. Zero downtime. Even after the US exit, it’s still the quiet king of low-latency trading.
John Sebastian
December 22, 2025 AT 00:32People act like Poloniex was some noble martyr. It wasn’t. They just didn’t want to spend the money on lawyers. Same reason Binance left the US. It’s not about principle - it’s about profit margins. Don’t romanticize corporate retreats.
Jessica Eacker
December 23, 2025 AT 07:49If you're outside the US and you already have crypto, Poloniex is still a gem. No fluff, no drama, just clean trades and solid interest. I use it for my stablecoin stack. 6% APY on USDT? Yes please. Support is slow but I don't need it unless something breaks - and it rarely does.
Andy Walton
December 25, 2025 AT 01:23poloniex was the best until they left the us 😭 i miss it so much like i miss my first car… it was simple, it was fast, it didnt try to be everything… now i have to use binance which is like a mall full of scam coins 🤡
Candace Murangi
December 26, 2025 AT 03:06As someone who grew up in crypto during the 2017 boom, Poloniex felt like home. Clean, quiet, no hype. I moved to Canada last year and reactivated my account. Still works like a charm. The lack of fiat is a barrier for newbies, but for those who know how to navigate it? It’s a zen experience.
Regulators didn’t kill it. The market just moved on. And honestly? That’s okay.
Jessica Petry
December 26, 2025 AT 20:23Let’s be real - Poloniex was never for the masses. It was a trader’s exchange for people who didn’t need hand-holding. The fact that it’s still alive without fiat or US users proves it was never about growth. It was about integrity. Most exchanges now are crypto-themed online casinos. Poloniex was a library. Quiet. Clean. Focused.
Anselmo Buffet
December 28, 2025 AT 11:40Used it for years. Never had a problem. Support took a week once but the funds were always there. The API is still unmatched. I run a grid bot on it and it hasn’t missed a beat since 2022. US users? You had your chance. Now you get to pay extra fees on Coinbase and pretend it’s not a walled garden.
Patricia Whitaker
December 28, 2025 AT 18:51Poloniex? Still alive? Wow. I thought it died with the 2018 crash. Honestly, if you're still using it, you're living in the past. Get with the times. Kraken has fiat, better support, and 200+ coins. Why cling to a relic?
Joey Cacace
December 30, 2025 AT 18:27While I appreciate the technical excellence of Poloniex's infrastructure, I must emphasize that the absence of fiat on-ramps significantly impedes accessibility for a broad demographic. Furthermore, the customer support infrastructure, while functional in principle, lacks the responsiveness expected of a modern financial platform. As such, while I acknowledge its historical significance and niche utility, I cannot in good conscience recommend it as a primary exchange for any user seeking seamless, end-to-end cryptocurrency integration.