BlockFi Logo
star star star star_half star_border
LAST UPDATED: July 28th, 2022

Blockfi is an online lending platform that allows customers to earn compound interest on their cryptocurrency savings, as well as use cryptocurrency for a loan. With investment backing from reputable names like Valar Ventures, Galaxy Digital, Fidelity, Akuna Capital, SoFi and Coinbase Ventures, BlockFi has deep pockets to draw on to back the company's financial endeavors. In a newer industry like cryptocurrency, BlockFi has a long history and is one of the most well-known in the space.

Continue reading for a full review of this cryptocurrency exchange company, or jump down to Blockfi reviews.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

The Good

  • Competitive Interest Rates
  • BlockFi Trading Account
  • Crypto-Backed Loans
  • BlockFi Bitcoin Credit Card
  • Loan Options
  • Financial Backing
  • Mobile App

Competitive Interest Rates

BlockFi offers competitively high interest rates on its interest account. Rates vary depending on cryptocurrency type:

  • Bitcoin — earn up to 5% APY
  • GUSD — earn 8.6% APY
  • Ether — earn up to 4.5% APY
  • USDC — earn 8.6% APY

The BlockFi Interest Account has no hidden fees or minimum balances, making it a good option for earning interest on your cryptocurrency assets. Your initial deposit and earned interest will compound from the previous month and then start to earn more interest.

BlockFi Trading Account

BlockFi also offers a trading product through which you can buy, sell, or exchange a variety of cryptocurrencies, on which you can immediately start earning interest the moment your trade is placed.

You can buy, sell, or exchange the following cryptocurrencies:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • PAX Gold (PAXG)
  • USD Coin (USDC)
  • Tether (USDT)
  • Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
  • PAX

Trade execution takes place immediately and will be reflected in your BlockFi Interest Account.

Crypto-Backed Loans

BlockFi offers loans collateralized by your crypto assets — BlockFi will gave you cash and you will give it cryptocurrency as security for repayment. Applying for a loan takes less than 2 minutes and can be funded into your bank account or wallet in as few as 90 minutes.

Many crypto users wonder whether they can make major purchases with crypto assets. The answer is complicated since many financial institutions, such as mortgage providers, don't accept crypto as collateral. However, with BlockFi's crypto-backed loans you can secure cash which can be used for large purchases, such as a house or a car.

BlockFi Bitcoin Credit Card

If you would like to earn and save more Bitcoin, the BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Credit Card allows you to earn an unlimited 1.5 percent back in bitcoin on every purchase made, with no annual fees or foreign transaction fees.

Other rewards include:

  • Earn 2% back in Bitcoin on every purchase over $50,000 in annual spend
  • During your first 3 months of card ownership, earn 3.5% back in Bitcoin
  • Know if you're pre-approved without impacting your credit score

Loan Options 

The company offers loans against the cryptocurrency customers already own. The loan terms are 12 months with a monthly payment only required on the interest (which starts at 4.5 percent APY). This way customers get cash up front, but also don't have to sell cryptocurrency. However, the company's minimum loan amount is $2,000, whereas other competitors like Nexo, offer a starting point of $500.

Secure Financial Backing

While not backed by the FDIC, BlockFi's assets are held by Gemini Trust company and regulated by the New York Department of Financial Services, which has an excellent reputation. Customers can feel secure doing business with BlockFi.

Mobile App

Through the BlockFi app, available on both iOS and Android devices, you can manage your cypto portfolio on the go and access helpful financial tools.

thumb_down

The Bad

  • Withdrawals and Fees
  • Security Breach
  • Not FDIC Insured

Withdrawals and Fees

There is a one day waiting period for withdrawing funds, which can be problematic if assets are needed right away. The company also only allows two withdrawals every month for free; after that fees are charged. It seems likely that active customers will have more than two, so this should be noted and compared to other companies’ offerings.

Security Breach

BlockFi experienced a data breach in May 2020. Although no funds were lost, customers’ personal data was compromised. The company was transparent about the incident and has since made changes to strengthen its cyber security, but customers should be careful to take note of any security issues should a repeat occur.

Not FDIC Insured 

As with digital currencies, customers’ money is not FDIC insured, due to the fact of it not being U.S. dollars. So if BlockFi were to be hacked or have a major incident, customers have no backup or way to recover funds.

gavel

The Bottom Line

BlockFi is a trusted company for earning interest, borrowing cash, and trading crypto assets. 

Through the BlockFi Interest Account you can earn daily interest on your crypto assets with competitively high interest rates compared to other cryptocurrency exchange companies. And you can earn and save even more if you apply and qualify for the BlockFi Bitcoin credit card, allowing you to earn a certain back in Bitcoin on every purchase made.

All accounts and loans can be easily managed through the BlockFi mobile app.

View Best Cryptocurrency Exhange Companies

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info
star star star star_half star_border

9 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

33%

4 grade

22%

3 grade

22%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

22%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star_half star_border

Quality

star star star star star_border

Service

star star star star_border star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star_half star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Nursing for patients Tulsa, OK

I have used this here and there. It is easy to navigate and user friendly. Security seems good so far and no issues with it. I enjoy Blockfi.

2 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Mike Dinh Baton Rouge, LA

I have been with BlockFi for at least a few months now I have a few cryptos parked in BlockFi for an extra dividend.

2 years ago