YouHolder Review Summary
YouHodler receives a 2.5 out of 5 rating on P2P Empire. While our past experience with the platform was positive—thanks to competitive interest rates and responsive customer support—recent developments have raised concerns. YouHodler now promotes high-risk, speculative features that resemble gambling, and users have reported significant difficulties withdrawing funds due to complicated AML procedures and recurring technical issues.
Key Takeaways From Our YouHodler Review
- Solid legal setup
- Competitive rates
- Helpful support
- Easy-to-use platform
- Earn interest on crypto
If you're looking for a reliable platform to earn interest on your cryptocurrency, YouHodler is one of the best options currently available. However, it’s important to note that YouHodler is one of the few companies still operating in the crypto lending industry, as the majority of its competitors have gone bankrupt. This situation carries additional risks, which readers should be aware of.
We recommend getting familiar with YouHodler’s range of products, as some of them may come with higher risks. Additionally, please note that we do not regularly monitor events surrounding YouHodler, so some of the information provided may be outdated. Be sure to verify the latest details before making any decisions.
What Is YouHodler?
Are you considering depositing your crypto assets on YouHodler to earn interest on your coins? The crypto lending platform promises annual interest rates from 8% to 20% on stablecoins or 2.5% to 11% on your bitcoin.
Is the offer from YouHodler too good to be true, or is YouHolder a legitimate platform? Find out in our YouHodler review.
⭐ Find the best bitcoin lending platform.
Pros
- Transparent business model
- Most reliable crypto interest account
- Easy swaps between FIAT and crypto
- Wide range of supported coins
Cons
- Trading features are risky
- Withdrawal fees
- Strict KYC
- Yield limits for the crypto interest account
Watch our in-depth YouHodler review here 👇👇👇
Note that this video was produced in 2021. Continue reading our YouHodler review to learn more about the new features and rates.
YouHodler Promo
YouHodler runs various promotions. You can use our YouHodler referral code to get the most out of available bonuses. Keep in mind, however, that the platform focuses on providing the best crypto lending product in the industry rather than offering the highest bonuses.
Requirements
Registering on YouHodler is straightforward. You need your email address to access your account. To use it, you must verify your identity with your ID and pass the KYC requirements, including submitting your personal information and a selfie.
The KYC requirements for crypto transactions are minimal. However, you must provide more information about yourself to transact FIAT.
- Be over 18 years old.
- NOT reside in the following countries: USA, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Germany, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria, Crimea
What’s worth mentioning is that the savings feature on YouHodler isn’t available for Swiss users.
When we chatted with the YouHodler support team, they informed us that currently, YouHodler doesn’t have a proper license to run the business in the USA.
While some platforms like Nexo don’t care much about the legal restrictions, it is good to hear that YouHodler aims to expand into different markets only with a dedicated license.
Ready to earn interest on your crypto?
Risk & Return
When you deposit your funds with YouHodler, you are taking on certain risks that vary depending on the products you choose. For an in-depth understanding of YouHodler’s offerings, refer to our "Usability" section, where we break down how each service works.
Counterparty risk is an inherent factor across all YouHodler products. Once you deposit your crypto, you relinquish direct control of your assets in exchange for benefits such as earning interest or accessing loans. Although counterparty risk cannot be fully eliminated, there are ways to manage and potentially reduce it.
YouHodler stores client crypto assets in both hot and cold wallets. Cold storage is provided by Ledger Vault, YouHodler's custodian, which maintains an industry-standard crime insurance program covering up to $150 million through Arch UK Lloyds of London syndicate. By utilizing cold wallets, YouHodler helps minimize the risk of asset loss due to hacking.
In 2019, YouHodler experienced a data breach, though, according to CEO Ilya Volkov, no sensitive information—such as credit card details—was compromised. YouHodler is a member of the Blockchain Association, a self-regulatory body within the crypto community, yet it’s essential to recognize that no system can guarantee complete data security at all times.
Yield Rates
When depositing your valuable crypto assets, you naturally want to maximize your returns with competitive interest rates. YouHodler offers some of the best rates in the industry and currently supports 87 digital assets.
Here’s a quick overview of the rates for some of the most popular cryptocurrencies. Keep in mind that the exact interest rate depends on your account level, and you need to reach the Basic account level to open a crypto yield account.
| Coin | Jumpstart | Silver | Gold | Platinum | VIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTC | 2.5% | 3.5% | 4.5% | 6% | 11% |
| ETH | 2.5% | 3.5% | 4.5% | 6% | 11% |
| LTC | 7% | 10% | 11% | 12% | 16% |
| ADA | 2.5% | 3.5% | 4.5% | 6% | 11% |
| USDC | 8% | 9% | 11% | 14% | 20% |
To earn yield on your crypto, you need to deposit at least $100 in crypto equivalent.
What’s likely the best feature of YouHodler is that you don’t need utility coins like the Crypto.com Earn or Nexo platforms to unlock higher rates. The reward scheme on YouHodler is relatively straightforward, and the list of supported assets is also comprehensive.
The offered interest rates on YouHodler can fluctuate, so active users seeking to maximize their returns should monitor their accounts for any updates.
While YouHodler doesn’t publicly disclose detailed information on how they use customer deposits, they have confirmed that these funds are part of their liquidity pool to provide collateralized loans. Continue reading to learn more about YouHodler’s business model.
YouHodler Account Levels
YouHodler employs a tiered loyalty program that enhances user benefits based on activity levels. As users engage more with the platform—through activities like conversions and MultiHODL deals—their account level increases, unlocking higher rewards and specific perks.
Elevated account levels offer increased yields on crypto deposits and additional Sparks, which can be utilized in YouHodler's Cloud Miner to generate free Bitcoin.
Below is an overview of the requirements and benefits associated with each account level:
| Account Level | Monthly Trading Volume Requirement | Yield Limit | Max. Yield Account APR | Cloud Miner Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newbie | $0 | $0 | 0% | 0 sparks |
| Basic | $150 | $10K | 10% | 150 sparks |
| Jumpstart | $1,000 | $25K | 15% | 200 sparks |
| Silver | $50,000 | $30K | 20% | 300 sparks |
| Gold | $150,000 | $60K | 22% | 400 sparks |
| Platinum | $500,000 | $80K | 25% | 500 sparks |
| Diamond | $2,000,000 | $100K | 30% | 750 sparks |
| VIP | $5,000,000 | $100K | 40% | 1000 sparks |
By actively participating in YouHodler's offerings, users can ascend through these levels, thereby maximizing their returns and access to exclusive features.
Upon registering with YouHodler, users are initially assigned the Newbie account level. To advance to the Basic level, a minimum deposit of $150 is required. Further progression to higher account levels necessitates engaging in conversions or trades totaling $1,000 within a 30-day period.
Elevating your account level unlocks enhanced benefits, including increased yields on crypto deposits and additional perks.
You can always verify your current account level under the Profile section of your YouHodler account.
How Does YouHodler Make Money?
YouHodler generates revenue primarily through its crypto-backed lending services. When users deposit cryptocurrencies, these assets are exclusively used within the platform to support collateralized loans, ensuring that all loans are backed by collateral and reducing borrower risk.
Unlike some other crypto-lending platforms, YouHodler does not engage in external financial activities, such as investing in DeFi protocols or speculative trading with user deposits. This conservative approach enhances transparency and security for its users.
In contrast, platforms like Nexo reportedly employ more aggressive strategies, including participation in DeFi protocols and other speculative activities, which may introduce additional risks to user deposits.
YouHodler Fees
YouHodler makes money by charging fees to users who decide to use some crypto lending products apart from the savings account.
- Deposit Fees: Bank Wire = No FEES (except SWIFT 25USD), Credit Card = 1%, Crypto = NO FEES, Stablecoins = NO FEES
- Withdrawal Fees: USD SWIFT = 1.5% (min. 70 USD), EUR SEPA = 5€, EUR SWIFT = 55€, GBP,CHF = 0.15%, Crypto = NETWORK FEES ONLY
- Turbocharged: 0.5% - 2.1% for every loan up to 15 loans
- Multi HODL: 0.01% rollover fee, 0.3% - 0.4% profit share fee
- Loans: 1% - 8% fee
- Conversion fee: 0.2% - 2%
You can use YouHodler for FREE by transferring your crypto from your hardware wallet to YouHodler and earning interest on your deposits.
Unlike on many other crypto lending platforms, withdrawals on YouHodler are processed within a few minutes.
Is YouHodler Safe?
Reading the terms and conditions and checking the management's background are key factors that influence the safety of your assets on a dedicated platform.
Are you wondering whether YouHodler is safe? Find out in this video.
Who runs the company?
YouHodler’s CEO and co-founder is Ilya Volkov. His LinkedIn profile shows he has previous experience in the currency trading business under the Libertex Group in Moscow. In the past, Ilya also worked for Eurokommerz, a factoring company from Russia.
What regulatory requirements should you consider?
YouHodler is self-regulated, following industry standards and opinions from various lawyers in Cyprus (C.Samir & Co. LLC).
The platform’s CEO is also a member of the Crypto Valley Association, which promotes crypto adoption in Switzerland.
In our chat with YouHodler’s support, we learned that the company believes in intelligent regulation, so they also collaborate with regulators in Switzerland.
The services, however, still run under the NAUMARD Limited company, which is incorporated in Limassol, Cyprus. This company is the legal owner of the YouHodler trademark.
It's worth mentioning, however, that most of the management team operates from the headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Curious about how YouHodler operates? Watch our exclusive video from our visit to YouHodler's Lausanne, Switzerland headquarters.
Are there any suspicious terms and conditions?
When reviewing the terms and conditions, you should read the website and the terms for individual services like loans or savings.
The terms and conditions of individual products are complex, and if you are not a lawyer, you will have difficulty understanding what you are signing.
The Service Level Agreement is a bit more precise and gives you a better understanding of the responsibilities of the platform. We recommend reading those, especially if you plan to use the exchange feature on YouHodler.
Potential Red Flags
Currently, we are not aware of any potential red flags
Learn more about possible red flags in our guide about how to avoid investing in P2P lending scams.
Our Opinion On YouHodler
YouHodler presents a compelling option for earning interest on cryptocurrency holdings. Headquartered in Switzerland, it legally operates its crypto interest accounts from Cyprus.
While the European crypto lending space remains largely unregulated, YouHodler makes a concerted effort to operate within legal frameworks, providing certain protections for its users. The platform also obtained a cryptocurrency provider license in Italy, further solidifying its commitment to compliance.
In our direct interactions with YouHodler’s support team, we received responses that were notably more informative than those from competitors like Nexo, shedding light on their operations and policies.
The platform offers a range of services, with its crypto savings account being one of the most user-friendly options for earning interest on Bitcoin.
However, other features such as Multi HODL, Loans, and Turbocharge involve additional risks and fees that aren’t always immediately clear. While leveraging crypto deposits can be enticing, it’s essential to understand the potential downsides before diving in.
For those considering these options, we strongly recommend thoroughly reviewing the terms and understanding the implications to avoid unexpected outcomes.
A feature we particularly appreciate about YouHodler is a specific detail in their terms and conditions.
Unlike many platforms, which claim ownership of your coins upon deposit, YouHodler allows users to retain ownership of their assets when using only the savings feature.
However, since deposits are used to fund loans, this “ownership” still comes with some caveats. While it offers slightly better legal positioning, it’s worth bearing in mind when compared to other platforms or exchanges.
The platform’s tiered account system rewards active users with higher yields and additional perks, but this approach may limit passive users in terms of interest rates and yield limits.
If your strategy is simply to HODL and earn passive income, YouHodler might not be the optimal choice.
For those prioritizing maximum security over yield, a dedicated hardware wallet like Trezor remains the most reliable way to safeguard digital assets. This option provides peace of mind without relying on the single-digit APR available through platforms like YouHodler.
Ready to protect your crypto?
Our YouHodler Experience
Since early 2021, we've actively utilized YouHodler's features, maintaining stakes between €2,500 and €8,500, influenced by daily market volatility
For users who engage regularly, YouHodler's crypto interest account stands out as an excellent avenue for earning passive income on crypto deposits. The platform offers interest rates ranging from 5% to 20% on fiat-backed stablecoins like USDC and EURS, positioning it as a strong alternative to traditional P2P lending platforms.
However, it's important to note that YouHodler has implemented yield limits, which can restrict the maximum returns achievable on the platform.
These limits are tied to the user's loyalty level, which is determined by factors such as trading volume and account activity. As a result, passive users who prefer to hold their assets without frequent transactions may find their potential earnings constrained.
For those seeking to maximize returns, actively engaging with YouHodler's various features and maintaining higher account activity can lead to elevated loyalty levels, thereby increasing yield limits and potential interest earnings. Conversely, users with a more passive investment approach might consider these limitations when evaluating the platform's suitability for their financial goals.
Additional Information
YouHodler offers a compelling option for earning interest on cryptocurrency holdings, with interest payments disbursed weekly on Fridays. However, it's important to exercise caution with the platform's high-risk trading features, such as Multi HODL and Turbocharge, which can result in the total loss of invested funds.
Our evaluation of YouHodler centers on its "savings account" feature, comparing it to other crypto lending platforms. Through comprehensive testing and a thorough understanding of YouHodler's revenue model, we regard it as one of the more reliable crypto lending platforms available.
Some crypto enthusiasts may be unfamiliar with YouHodler, leading to skepticism about its services. It's important to recognize that a company's marketing expenditure doesn't necessarily reflect the quality or legitimacy of its offerings. YouHodler's focus on delivering robust services may contribute to its lower profile in the market.
In summary, for those seeking to earn interest on crypto deposits, YouHodler's savings account feature presents a viable option. However, users should approach the platform's high-risk trading features with caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with them.
Usability
YouHodler isn’t just a crypto savings account, as the platform offers a variety of additional products and services. Here’s a breakdown of features that you can use on YouHodler.
Exchange
Exchange is essential to YouHodler as the platform doesn’t offer any interest in your fiat currency.
To earn interest on your coin, you must either deposit your crypto (the cheapest option) or stablecoins to YouHodler or transfer fiat to the platform and exchange it for crypto.
As we conduct our YouHodler review, the platform supports the following coins:
| Supported Cryptos | Supported Stablecoins | Supported Fiat Currencies |
|---|---|---|
| BTC, ETH, LINK, UNI, COMP, MKR, LTC, XRP, XLM, BNB, PAXG, DASH, EOS, BCH, HT, REP, BAT, ADA, DOT and more. | USDT, USDC, PAX, TUSD, DAI, HUSD, EURS, and more. | EUR, USD, GBP, CHF |
Note that you will only earn interest on your stablecoins or cryptocurrencies.
When exchanging currencies, you must respect the minimum exchange amount and pay the exchange fee, typically between 1% and 2%.
Crypto Savings Account
To start earning interest on your crypto, simply deposit your assets into YouHodler’s wallet. Interest is automatically accrued on unused deposits every Friday, in the currency of your deposit. However, using your funds for features like Multi HODL, Turbocharge, or Loans will pause this interest-earning functionality.
All savings deposits are safeguarded by Ledger Vault and insured for up to $150 million, making YouHodler one of the top platforms for earning reliable crypto yields.
Cloud Miner
YouHodler's Cloud Miner is a gamified feature that allows users to earn Bitcoin by utilizing "Sparks," the platform's virtual credits. Sparks can be accumulated through various activities:
- Trading and Converting: Earn Sparks based on the volume of your trades and conversions.
- Regular Bonuses: Receive Sparks automatically at regular intervals.
- Account Level Advancement: Gain additional Sparks upon reaching higher account levels.
To use your Sparks, select the available mining blocks (octagons) on your screen. The mining process duration varies according to your account level. Once mining is complete, you can collect your Bitcoin rewards.
The amount of Bitcoin you can earn through Cloud Miner depends on your account level, with higher levels offering increased rewards. This feature provides an engaging way to enhance your crypto holdings without additional investment.
MultiHODL
MultiHODL is a distinctive feature offered by YouHodler that enables users to leverage a portion of their deposited funds to potentially amplify profits by speculating on the rise or fall of cryptocurrency values.
This process involves initiating a chain of loans, where your crypto assets serve as collateral to acquire additional crypto, repeating this cycle multiple times—up to 100 iterations, depending on your chosen settings.
You leverage your crypto holdings to increase your profit potential.
How does it work?
- You choose the currency pair.
- You choose whether you expect the price to go up or down
- You select the source of your deposits and the amount which you would like to allocate to Multi HODL
- You choose the “Multiplier” (the higher the multiplier, the tighter the margin call)
- You define when you want to take profit
- You define the maximum potential loss you are willing to take
- You accept the terms and start
YouHodler's MultiHODL feature enables users to leverage their cryptocurrency holdings by engaging in trading activities with various crypto pairs.
What’s the catch?
Leveraging your cryptocurrency holdings through tools like YouHodler's MultiHODL can be enticing, but it's important to recognize the associated risks. Our testing indicates that while MultiHODL offers the potential for amplified profits, it also carries a significant risk of losses.
To help mitigate these risks, YouHodler has introduced a Stop-Loss function within MultiHODL. This feature allows users to set predefined levels at which positions are automatically closed, aiming to limit potential losses.
Additionally, the Take Profit option enables users to secure gains when a specified profit threshold is reached. These tools provide greater control over trading strategies and can help manage the inherent volatility of leveraged trading.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
At P2P Empire, we rigorously test various platforms and features to provide comprehensive insights. This involves putting our own funds at risk to deliver high-quality reports.
It's crucial to understand that not every feature may align with your investment goals or risk tolerance. Specifically, the MultiHODL tool is a high-risk trading feature that can lead to the total loss of your committed funds. We strongly advise conducting thorough research and fully understanding the mechanics and risks before engaging with such features.
Crypto Loans
YouHodler offers crypto-backed loans, allowing you to use your cryptocurrency as collateral to obtain funds in USD or EUR. The platform provides three standard loan options:
- 90% Loan-to-Value (LTV) for 30 days: Borrow up to 90% of your crypto's value for a 30-day term.
- 70% LTV for 60 days: Borrow up to 70% of your crypto's value for a 60-day term.
- 50% LTV for 180 days: Borrow up to 50% of your crypto's value for a 180-day term.
A higher LTV means you can borrow more relative to your collateral but may come with higher fees and shorter terms. For instance, with a 50% LTV, you'll need to deposit crypto worth twice the loan amount you intend to borrow.
Loan fees vary between 2% and 8%, depending on the selected terms. For example, borrowing $27,306 for 180 days at a 50% LTV might result in a total repayment of $29,490, which includes a $2,184 loan fee over six months.
YouHodler also offers customizable loan conditions. You can set a "Take Profit" price, which automatically sells a portion of your collateral when its value increases to a predetermined level, covering your loan repayment. This feature provides flexibility to manage your loan based on market movements.
Turbocharge
Turbocharge is a feature that allows you to take an initial loan and use it as collateral to obtain additional loans, repeating this process up to 15 times. This compounding structure can increase your exposure to potential gains.
You can set a target price at which YouHodler will automatically sell your collateral to repay the loan, helping you manage potential profits. By clicking the "Turbocharge" button, you’ll see a detailed payment schedule for your crypto-backed loan.
However, leveraging your crypto assets through Turbocharge also increases the risk of liquidation if the value of your collateral drops. Pay close attention to the Price Down Limits (PDL). If the value of your crypto falls below this limit, all turbo loans will be liquidated, meaning YouHodler will sell off your collateral to cover the debt.
The minimum loan amount for Turbocharge is 100 USD, 100 EUR, or 100 USDT. Unlike standard loans, Turbocharge loans aren’t paid out to you directly; instead, they remain on the platform. If the currency value rises, you could exit your position, repay the loan, cover fees, and potentially profit. However, this strategy carries significant risk and should be approached with caution.
🧾Does YouHodler deduct taxes?
YouHodler doesn't deduct taxes from savings account earnings. The platform allows you to download a transaction report with the amounts of interest you earned. You can, however, only get this file by requesting it directly via YouHodler's live chat. You can use this file to report your income to your tax authorities.
Liquidity
You will incur a small fee when withdrawing fiat or cryptocurrency from YouHodler. For fiat withdrawals, SEPA transfers cost €5, while SWIFT transfers are charged at 5% for USD (with a minimum fee of $70) and €55 for EUR.
The minimum withdrawal amount by wire transfer is $500 or €500. For crypto withdrawals, the minimum ranges from $10 to $50 (in crypto equivalent), and for stablecoins, it’s €5.
Crypto withdrawals are typically processed within minutes or hours, depending on the network speed of the specific cryptocurrency. Note that you must be a verified user to withdraw assets. For any fiat transactions, YouHodler requires proof of address.
Fiat withdrawals can take up to 24 hours to process.
Although YouHodler's fees may appear higher than those of some competitors, these charges support the platform’s growth and enable continued development of new services.
Support
YouHodler offers a notably superior support experience compared to many other crypto lending platforms. The platform provides a comprehensive help section, allowing users to explore detailed information on terms, conditions, and product functionalities.
For specific guidance on features like Multi HODL or Turbocharge, the help section is a valuable resource.
Users can reach the support team via live chat or email at support@youhodler.com, making assistance easily accessible.
