The Best Crypto Promotions

1. What counts as a “crypto promotion”, and how is it different from a standard sign-up bonus?

A crypto promotion is any limited-time incentive an exchange or trading platform uses to encourage you to sign up, deposit, trade, invite friends, or use specific features. A standard sign-up bonus is only one type of promotion, usually aimed at brand-new customers and tied to onboarding steps like verification and a first trade. Promotions are broader and can include deposit matches, fee rebates, referral rewards, staking boosts, prize draws, competitions, cashback, learning rewards, and “missions” that unlock rewards in stages. The key difference is scope and timing. A sign-up bonus is typically a one-off entry reward, whereas promotions can run repeatedly throughout the year and may target different user groups, including existing customers, high-volume traders, or users trying a new product feature.

2. Are crypto sign-up bonuses actually free, or do I need to deposit and trade first?

Most sign-up bonuses are not truly “free” in the sense of receiving money with no action required. In practice, the majority require you to complete identity checks, add a payment method, deposit funds, and make an eligible trade. Some platforms offer small rewards for verification alone, but those are less common and often come with limits or are paid as vouchers rather than withdrawable cash. Even when a bonus is marketed as “free crypto”, there is usually a qualifying action, such as buying a minimum amount of crypto or maintaining a balance for a set period. The safest approach is to assume you will need to deposit and complete a transaction. Before joining, check whether the bonus is withdrawable, whether it is locked until you meet conditions, and whether fees could outweigh the reward.

3. What does “up to” mean in offers like “up to $200” or “up to $40,000”?

“Up to” means the maximum possible reward under perfect conditions, not what most users will receive. These offers usually have tiers, where larger deposits, higher trading volumes, or completing more tasks unlock higher rewards. For example, a new user might receive a small bonus for a first trade, then additional rewards for reaching certain deposit thresholds, using advanced products, or maintaining activity for a period. Very large “up to” figures are often geared towards high-volume traders, users with significant capital, or people trading derivatives, where volume requirements can be substantial. To judge the real value, look for the minimum qualifying actions and the typical reward for those actions. If the steps to reach the maximum feel unrealistic for your budget or risk tolerance, treat the offer as a marketing headline rather than an expected payout.

4. What are the most common types of crypto promotions in 2025?

In 2025, the most common promotions tend to fall into a few predictable categories. First are welcome offers, which reward account creation, verification, and a first purchase. Second are deposit promotions, which may match a percentage of your deposit or provide vouchers once funds arrive. Third are referral schemes, where you and a friend earn rewards when your friend signs up and trades. Fourth are trading incentives, including fee rebates, reduced commissions, and rewards linked to trading volume over a set period. Fifth are “missions” and task-based rewards, which pay out when you complete steps such as making your first deposit, setting up recurring buys, or trying a feature. Finally, there are seasonal campaigns, prize draws, and competitions, often used around market spikes or holidays. The common thread is that most rewards are tied to measurable behaviour, not passive sign-ups.

5. Which is usually better value, a deposit match or a fee rebate voucher?

It depends on how you plan to use the platform. A deposit match can be good value if you were already intending to fund the account and your planned trading activity meets the unlock conditions. However, deposit matches often come with restrictions, such as needing to trade a certain volume before the bonus becomes available or withdrawable. Fee rebate vouchers tend to benefit active traders most because they reduce ongoing costs. If you trade frequently, saving on fees can beat a one-off bonus over time. For beginners making occasional buys, a small deposit match or fixed welcome reward may feel more tangible than a voucher that only applies to high-volume trading. The best way to compare is to estimate your likely trading volume over the next month or two, calculate fees you would pay, and then compare that saving to the bonus amount you can realistically unlock.

6. How do referral bonuses work, and do both people always get paid?

Referral bonuses usually work through a unique link or code. You share it, your friend signs up using it, and both of you receive rewards once your friend completes the qualifying steps. Those steps often include identity verification and a minimum trade amount within a set time window. Both people do not always get paid. Some programmes only reward the referrer, some only reward the new user, and others reward both but only if all conditions are met. It is also common for rewards to differ, for example the referrer might receive a larger amount, or both parties might receive equal rewards but only after a minimum deposit and trade. Another detail is that referral programmes often have limits, such as a cap on how many referral bonuses you can earn per month. Always check whether the reward is paid in crypto, cash, or vouchers, and whether it is instantly available or locked.

7. Can I combine a welcome bonus with a referral bonus, or are they sometimes mutually exclusive?

Sometimes you can combine them, but it is not guaranteed. Many exchanges allow a new user to claim a welcome bonus and also be part of a referral programme, but some restrict stacking to prevent double payouts. Common restrictions include “one promotion per account,” exclusions for certain regions, or rules that prioritise one offer over another. For example, if you join through a referral link, the platform may consider that your “welcome offer,” and you might not be eligible for a separate promo code. Conversely, entering a promo code may disable referral eligibility. The safest approach is to decide which option gives you higher realistic value before you register, because you often cannot change it later. If the referral reward is guaranteed after a small trade, that might beat a complicated welcome offer with higher thresholds. If the welcome offer is more generous at low deposits, go with that.

8. What is KYC, and why do most promotions require identity verification?

KYC stands for “Know Your Customer”. It refers to identity verification checks that financial platforms use to comply with anti-money laundering and fraud prevention rules. Exchanges commonly require KYC to confirm you are a real person, to reduce fraud such as duplicate accounts created to farm bonuses, and to comply with regulatory obligations in the regions where they operate. Promotions often require KYC because incentives attract abuse. Without identity checks, a platform could be overwhelmed by fake accounts claiming bonuses repeatedly. From your perspective, KYC is also tied to account functionality. Many exchanges limit deposits, withdrawals, or access to certain products until verification is complete. If you are uncomfortable providing documents, you should consider whether the platform is suitable for you, because most regulated exchanges will require verification at some point. For promotions specifically, you should assume that no KYC usually means limited rewards or non-withdrawable incentives.

9. How long do I normally have to complete the steps to qualify for a bonus?

Time windows vary, but most promotions set clear deadlines to encourage quick activation. For sign-up bonuses, it is common to see requirements like completing verification within a few days, making a first deposit within a set period, and placing an eligible trade within a time limit. Referral programmes often give new users a period such as 14 or 30 days to make their qualifying trade. Some deposit promotions require you to fund the account within a short window after registration, while mission-based campaigns may have staged deadlines, for example completing step one in a week and step two in a month. You should treat the published window as strict. If you miss it, you may not be able to claim the reward. If you prefer a slower approach, look for promotions without aggressive timelines, or wait until you are ready to complete all steps in one go so you do not lose eligibility halfway through.

10. What is a trading volume requirement, and how do I know if I can realistically meet it?

A trading volume requirement is a minimum amount of trading activity you must complete to unlock a reward. It is usually measured in the notional value of trades, meaning the total value bought and sold, not your profit. For example, if a platform requires £5,000 volume, you could potentially reach that by making multiple trades that add up to £5,000, even if your account balance is lower. However, frequent trading can create costs through fees and spreads, and it can increase risk if it encourages impulsive decisions. To judge whether it is realistic, estimate how many trades you would normally do and at what size, then calculate total volume over the promotion period. If the volume target forces you to trade more often than your plan, it is probably not worth it. A bonus that requires heavy volume can easily be outweighed by fees, slippage, or losses caused by rushed trading.