Best Crypto Airdrops to Claim in January 2026

Two other major opportunities to watch include BasedApp Season 2, a perps DEX with backers like Delphi Digital, and interoperability protocol LayerZero V2, which is airdropping ZRO.

Despite a decline in the crypto market, as bitcoin drops below $100K, the airdrop sector remains popular: MetaMask has announced a rewards program for LINEA and MASK.

This guide features the top airdrops of 2026, selected using our methodology, and shows how to qualify for them safely and efficiently.

Best Crypto Airdrops in 2026 – Editor’s Picks

Best New & Upcoming Crypto Airdrop List in January 2026

1. Hyperliquid Season 2 – World’s largest perpetual DEX distributing 38.88% future emissions to active traders and stakers.
2. MEXC – Centralized Exchange offering rewards and bonuses
3. LayerZero V2 – Cross-chain protocol distributing 30% of ZRO tokens to genuine users across 70+ blockchains.
4. BasedApp – Multi-platform spot and perpetual trading with debit card integration.
5. Abstract Chain – Pudgy Penguins’ Layer 2 blockchain with XP system and potential PENGU holder bonuses.
6. Farcaster Protocol – Decentralized social media with $180 million a16z funding, rewarding active Warpcast users.
7. Pump.fun Native Token – Solana’s leading memecoin launchpad with $710 million revenue, launching native token.
8. Axiom Exchange – Solana trading platform with a points-based cashback program.
9. Arbitrum Drip – Earn airdrops through borrowing and lending USDC on Arbitrum lending protocols.
10. MetaMask – Popular web3 wallet that has announced an upcoming airdrop.
11. Polymarket – Crypto-powered prediction market with a confirmed future airdrop.

Best Crypto Airdrop Reviews and Analysis

We’ve analyzed each project’s fundamentals, tokenomics, and reward potential to help you decide how to prioritize your airdrop farming efforts.

1. Hyperliquid Season 2 – Perpetuals Trading Powerhouse

Hyperliquid is a decentralized perpetuals trading DEX with a Layer 1 blockchain for increased transparency and to enable dApp builders to create other DeFi protocols. The platform reports 100% uptime.

Their first airdrop became the largest-ever by market cap, with HYPE tokens reaching a $6.2 billion valuation. Statistics show that 80% of the wallets received 20% of the airdrop.

How to Qualify:

• Trade on Hyperliquid
• Stake HYPE
• Use dApps built on HyperEVM protocols
• Provide liquidity
• Holding a Hypurr NFT may have benefits

Available in Best Wallet

2. MEXC – CEX Offering Airdrops and Bonuses Redeemable against Futures Trading

MEXC is a centralized exchange that often provides access to tokens only found on Web3. CoinMarketCap ranks it as the 9th biggest CEX, with a 24-hour trading volume of $2.3B (Snapshot from December 15, 2025).

The exchange is offering USDT bonuses for tasks and trading with certain pairs. Be aware that these tokens are usually new and subject to very high volatility.

How to Qualify:

• Deposit fiat and spin the lucky wheel
• Complete tasks like trading and depositing specified pairs
• Trade futures for a share of a 50K USDT futures bonuses
• Invite friends to get bonuses in newly listed currencies

Visit MEXC

3. LayerZero Season 2 – Cross-Chain Infrastructure Leader

LayerZero offers cross-chain liquidity and interoperability without the need for a bridge. It has recently been added to the SUI blockchain, and it has institutional partnerships with Tether, PayPal, and Circle. The protocol connects over 130 chains and is particularly tied to stablecoins, benefiting from 2025 regulations.

15.3% (153M ZRO) of the total 1B supply is reserved for Season 2 airdrops.

How to Qualify:

• Bridge crypto via Stargate/Jumper
• Use LayerZero ecosystem dApps
• Hold and stake ZRO
• Participate in governance

Available in Best Wallet

4. Based – Perps and Spot Orderbook DEX Built on Hyperliquid

Based (formerly BasedApp) is a DEX built on the HyperEVM. It is well-funded by backers like Ethena, Hashed, and Delphi, and has its own ecosystem with a launchpad and airdrops for users of various Hyperliquid protocols.

It can be used on desktop, mobile, and Telegram, and also has a debit card that can earn potential airdrop rewards. Season 2 replaces XP with “Based Gold”.

How to Qualify:

• Trade spot or perps. Spot trading grants more points for the airdrops.
• Join competitions
• Join livestreams
• Participate in governance
• Promote referral programs
• Hold the PUP token
• Use Based mini apps
• Use the Based debit card
• Make predictions using BasedApp’s integration of Polymarket

Available in Best Wallet

5. Abstract Chain – Consumer-First Blockchain Experience

Abstract is a Layer 2 and is Pudgy Penguins’ expansion into blockchain infrastructure. It targets mainstream crypto and web3 adoption through a simple user experience and cultural influence via memes. They have partnerships with Gate.io and Dinero.

Abstract is built on zkSync’s ZK Stack with features like the Abstract Global Wallet, enabling email-based wallet creation. The mainnet launched in January 2025.

How to Qualify:

• Collecting badges
• Bridging crypto to Abstract
• Trade on Vertex
• Play the first level of games like Multiplier and Duper

Available in Best Wallet

6. Farcaster Protocol – Decentralized Social Media on Optimism

Farcaster is a decentralized social network built on EVM Layer 2 blockchains. It has $150M in investment from backers, including a16z, Paradigm, and Coinbase Ventures. The protocol lets their users maintain control of their data and social connections through a decentralized identity system, while Warpcast provides a familiar X-like experience.

Farcaster is building its own blockchain called Snapchain.

How to Qualify:

• Sign up for $3 or for free with a US phone number or referral code link
• Use Warpcast regularly
• Earn badges by creating meaningful content and interacting with others
• Join and take part in live streams
• Increase your following and follow others
• Complete verifications
• Use mini-apps
• Spend WARPS crypto

7. Pump.fun – Solana’s Leading Memecoin Launchpad

Pump.fun dominates Solana’s memecoin ecosystem, generating over $820 million in revenue (snapshot from DefiLlama, November 3) with more than 12 million coins since early 2024. The platform reinvented launches by removing the need for upfront liquidity.

A comment in July by co-founder Alon Cohen suggesting that an airdrop won’t happen soon has affected the price of PUMP.

How to Qualify:

• Create tokens
• Trade actively
• Use the Pump Advanced terminal
• Claim a username

Available in Best Wallet

8. Axiom Exchange – Top Solana Revenue Generator

Axiom Trade exchange is one of Solana’s highest-revenue-generating protocols, according to DefiLlama. The trading platform is backed by Y Combinator. It combines perpetual trading through integration with Hyperliquid and offers Solana meme coin trading.

There’s an active points program and rewards system, so this could be a good chance to participate in an airdrop program that hasn’t released a token yet.

How to Qualify:

• Sign up with a referral code such as ‘apoints’ to get bonuses
• Complete quests
• Stay active and maintain trading volume
• Refer users

Available in Best Wallet

9. Arbitrum Drip – Boosted ARB Rewards for DeFi activities

Arbitrum Drip is an initiative funded by Arbitrum DAO to reward users for supplying and borrowing ETH and stablecoins. Drip or ‘DeFi Renaissance Incentive Program,’ aims to get more people involved in DeFi.

Unlike some airdrops, users can see exactly how much each task will provide in rewards and claim daily via the dashboard. The total value of the airdrop is 80M ARB.

How to Qualify:

• Supply and borrow stablecoins or ETH on platforms like Aave, Fluid, and Morpho
• Supply selected coins like GHO to Aave vaults

Available in Best Wallet

10. MetaMask – Web3’s First DeFi Wallet Is Offering LINEA Rewards

MetaMask’s parent company, Consensys, has hinted at a MASK airdrop since 2021. Founder Joe Lubin stated on X that an airdrop is coming sooner than people think, and MetaMask recently registered the domains “claim.metamask.io” and “gift.metamask.io”.

MetaMask has launched a LINEA rewards program, the gas token of the blockchain, also founded by ConsenSys.

How to Qualify:

• Download the mobile app for boosted LINEA rewards
• Hold your LINEA rewards. LINEA earned (and held) through MetaMask’s Season 1 will count for future MASK airdrops
• Buy, swap, and bridge tokens
• Connect existing wallets to retroactively receive points for previous transactions

11. Polymarket – Crypto-Based Prediction Market Announces Airdrop

Polymarket is a betting platform that runs on cryptocurrencies. Users can make predictions about almost any subject. The platform hit new MAUs of close to 480,000 in October 2025 and a monthly trading volume of $3B. Polymarket received a $2B investment from ICE.

The token and airdrop have been confirmed by CMO Matthew Modabber, while CoinMarketCap lists a preview page for a token with the ticker ‘POLY’.

How to Qualify:

• Details are unconfirmed, but begin with:
  • Downloading the app
  • Participate in ‘Daily Rewards’ quests
  • Overall trading volume may be a factor

What Users Say

Users on Reddit are mostly positive about Hyperliquid, with one redditor saying that they “got around 50k HYPE airdrop, but I kept selling it all the way up. So in total I’ve sold around $600 k and still held slightly more than $100 k.” (u/noviwu97).

LayerZero airdrop participants on Reddit had mixed feelings about the $0.10 fee per ZRO token to claim, but some felt it helped to protect against sybil farmers. Some early participants on X said they got small allocations despite being “top users”.

In a thread on r/CryptoTrenching, a user suggested a hedge for Polymarket farming, putting a “yes” bet on one prediction site and a “no” on another. This ensures you don’t lose money on the bets but do (hopefully) qualify for airdrops. However, other redditors were skeptical about the lack of criteria or a snapshot date, concerned that prospective trading could be a wasted effort.

Latest Crypto Airdrops Comparison

In this section, we created a table of comparison so that you can easily analyze all the information from the previous segment:

Why Crypto Airdrops Are Trending in 2026

Crypto airdrops are trending because many projects are distributing their tokens through airdrops, and Web3 users have profited from large airdrops such as Jupiter. According to Nasdaq, Jupiter’s first airdrop was worth around $700M in total. Several factors make them more valuable and accessible than before. According to Binance, the total value of airdropped tokens reached $26 billion before last year, and the numbers continue to grow. Let’s examine the reasons behind it.

Low-Cost User Acquisition Strategy

Projects recognize airdrops as the most effective way to bootstrap communities without traditional marketing costs. A successful airdrop can acquire 100,000+ users for under $500,000 in token airdrops, which is far cheaper than conventional advertising channels.

Viral Community Growth

Social media integration can boost airdrop reach. When Arbitrum distributed ARB tokens, over 42 million tokens were claimed in the first hour, creating hype and organic promotion across X, Discord, and Telegram channels. Many airdrops require completing Zealy or Galxe quests that require sharing on social media, leading to social media growth.

Token Distribution Innovation

Modern projects use advanced point systems and tiered rewards to help ensure fairer distribution. Rather than simple social media tasks, 2026 many airdrops reward genuine ecosystem participation, such as DeFi protocol usage, NFT trading, voting in governance, and testnet contributions. Important examples include Jupiter’s ASR (Active Staking Rewards) program, which rewarded those who took part in governance and swaps, and Sanctum, which rewarded those who contributed to the project by a metric they called ‘earnestness’.

Meme Season Catalysts

The growth of meme coins in 2025 has popularized airdrop mechanisms as launch strategies. The success of projects like Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), BONK, and TRUMP shows us how memes can bring crypto beyond traditional circles.

Layer 2 and Restaking Incentives

Ethereum Layer 2 networks and restaking protocols are now using airdrops as structured, multi-season incentive systems to drive early adoption and retain active users. Instead of one-time giveaways, these airdrops are tied to measurable on-chain activity such as staking, liquidity provision, and governance participation.

Ether.fi as a leading example:

• The protocol allocated 7.5% of the total ETHFI supply to its first airdrop (Season 1), distributed based on staking balances and accumulated loyalty points.
• According to its official announcement, 6% of supply went to Season 1 claimants and 5% to Season 2, with a 90-day claim window for each round.
• On March 18, 2024, 60 million ETHFI tokens ($210 million) were airdropped, with about 22 million claimed within the first day.
• Data compiled by Linity shows that top-tier participants in Season 1 received an average of 10,950 ETHFI ($19,500 at listing), while the bottom tier averaged 175 ETHFI ($550).
• A governance proposal for Season 5 earmarks 10 million ETHFI for new staking campaigns and partner initiatives.
• The Season 2 snapshot was taken on June 30, 2024, and the claim period opened July 17, 2024, including vesting schedules for specific categories of contributors.

Multi-season airdrops aim to encourage long-term platform participation and promote ecosystem growth, while stabilizing the price of airdropped tokens.

After Season 1, protocols generally reward or even require airdrop hunters to hold and sometimes stake their token. This usually leads to a higher weighting in future airdrops.

Data Check: Airdrops by the Numbers

• According to a CoinGecko study, the top 50 airdrops (from 2020 to 2023) cumulatively distributed $26.6 billion in token value (measured at each token’s all-time high).
• Within that dataset, Uniswap, ApeCoin, and dYdX together contributed $11.99 billion, representing 45.1 % of the total.
• In 2023 alone, airdrops totaled about $4.56 billion, with Arbitrum’s $1.97 billion event leading the year.

Retroactive vs Engagement Airdrops

Airdrops are increasingly part of multi-phase incentive systems instead of single events. For example, Binance commentary notes that modern protocols distinguish retroactive airdrops (rewarding past usage) and engagement airdrops (rewarding new tasks or behaviors). MetaMask’s LINEA airdrop is a good example of this, offering both.

What This Means for 2026

In 2026, airdrop campaigns are likely to become more formulaic and performance-based:

• Points systems or tiered metrics to score user activity (like staking, swaps, governance)
• Hybrid models combine retroactive rewards (such as staking airdropped tokens) and active quests
• Protocols are experimenting with multi-season campaigns to maintain retention

While passive tasks like holding tokens and staking are here to stay, the majority of future airdrops are likely to reward consistent engagement as a priority.

What Are Crypto Airdrops?

Crypto airdrops are free token distributions that blockchain projects use to build communities, reward early supporters, and boost network adoption. Think of them as digital promotional campaigns where you receive actual cryptocurrency instead of discount coupons or branded merchandise.

Why do these projects distribute tokens? There are several strategic reasons. New protocols need users to test their platforms, provide feedback, and create initial liquidity. Rather than spending millions on traditional advertising, they allocate a portion of their token supply (typically 5-20%) directly to community members who demonstrate genuine interest and engagement. This, if done well, attracts further attention to the project.

The Evolution from Simple to Advanced

Early airdrops in 2020–2021 required basic social media tasks like following X accounts or joining Telegram groups. Today’s airdrops reward meaningful ecosystem participation: testing new features, providing liquidity, creating content, or contributing to decentralized governance decisions.

Different Distribution Models

Some airdrops distribute tokens immediately after task completion, while others use points-based systems where participants accumulate rewards over months before final distribution. Retroactive airdrops surprise existing users with tokens based on their historical platform usage.

Token Types and Values

Airdropped tokens range from governance tokens (voting rights in protocol decisions) to utility tokens (access to platform features) to pure speculative assets. Values vary dramatically: some airdrops are worth under $10, while others, like Uniswap’s UNI distribution, averaged $12,000 per recipient.

The key insight: legitimate airdrops create mutual value. Projects gain authentic users and community members, while participants receive early access to potentially valuable tokens without financial risk.

How Crypto Airdrops Work

As we know, the classic “cold start” problem is very natural for new startups, so these projects use airdrops as strategic tools to solve it: how do you attract users to a new platform that only becomes more valuable with more participants? The mechanics are elegant in their simplicity but advanced in their execution.

• The Bootstrap Mechanism: New platforms, such as decentralized exchanges, need people to act as liquidity providers so that other people can use them. Protocols reward LPers with airdrops in return.
• Community Building Through Ownership: Tasks that involve community participation in Discord or similar get people engaged, reveal helpful feedback, and even help develop new ideas or functionalities. People are also often asked to participate in governance, increasing their sense of ownership.
• Alternative Marketing: Well-executed airdrops are like viral marketing campaigns. For example, when Arbitrum announced its ARB token airdrop, the news spread organically across X, Discord, and Telegram. People get excited about high-profile airdrops and promote projects they’ve received tokens from or anticipate.
• Tokenomics Integration: Well-thought-out airdrops are designed with long-term tokenomics strategies to maintain price action, such as multi-season airdrops that require holding of the native token, vesting schedules, and genuine utility.

The best airdrops strike a balance between high rewards and creating long-term value for their protocol and its users.

How to Get Crypto Airdrops

To successfully be an airdrop farmer, you must have patience, strategy, and focus. It’s often best to narrow your efforts to a few main airdrops, particularly those that you plan to use anyway. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Keep Watch for Project Airdrop Announcements

Following respected protocols that you are interested in on X can be a great way to find out first about the latest airdrops, as can newsletters and Discord. Guides like this are also another important resource.

Step 2: Research Project Fundamentals

Go for projects that are known in the community, or if they are new, try meeting some of the team on Discord or socials. Take a look at investor lists for reputable VCs and amounts. Check project metrics via DeFiLlama or Dappradar.

Step 3: Find Out The Criteria and Do the Tasks

Using official sources or guides, ensure you understand and complete all the criteria needed to be eligible for an airdrop. Bankless has a speculative airdrop tool for paying subscribers, though their guess at the requirements is not always accurate.

Step 4: Be Active

Most airdrops prefer people who have interacted with the protocol on several occasions, and often who have done more than one type of task.

Step 5: Get Involved in Social Media

While not essential, if you are genuinely interested in the project, contribute your time and thoughts on Discord. Many projects like Jupiter and Sanctum have retroactively rewarded their active community members.

Step 6: Snapshots and Claim windows

If possible, find out when the snapshots are taken for the airdrops. Even more importantly, be sure to watch out for announcements about the airdrop claim date, so you don’t miss the claim window.

Where to Find the Best Crypto Airdrops

To find high-value airdrops early on, you need to be checking a wide range of sources. Crypto moves fast. And while early-stage airdrops may present more risk (of a less-than-generous distribution, for example), the rewards may also be greater. Always check that any links you click are from official accounts.

Places and people to check and follow:

• Project websites
• X accounts
• Discord servers
• Telegram groups
• Quest websites like Galxe and Zealy
• Project founders, analysts, and influencers like @DefiIgnas, @Coin_Bureau
• Big DeFi partnerships that collaborate with new protocols for distributing airdrops
• Portfolios of top crypto VCs like Paradigm, a16z, and Coinbase Ventures
• Join the testnet Discord servers and GitHub repositories for projects in development
• New Layer 2s, blockchain bridges, DEXs, and cross-chain protocols
• Subreddits like r/CryptoCurrency and r/WallStreetBets

Best Crypto Wallets for Claiming Airdrops

Choosing the right wallet setup is crucial for airdrop success, as different campaigns require various blockchain compatibility, security features, and user experience capabilities. Choose your crypto wallet carefully as it could determine both eligibility for certain airdrops and the safety of your rewards.

• Best Wallet: Emerging as a solution for modern airdrop hunters, Best Wallet combines multi-chain support with unique tokenomics that directly benefit airdrop participants. The wallet’s main feature is the native BEST token, which eliminates gas fees for holders and provides additional airdrop rewards through its own points program. BestWallet’s trading features and access to new token launches make it valuable for users who want to capitalize on airdrop rewards.
• MetaMask: The gold standard for Ethereum-based airdrops, supporting thousands of ERC-20 tokens and most DeFi protocols. Its browser extension smoothly integrates with the airdrop platforms. MetaMask’s widespread adoption means most projects design their interfaces with MetaMask compatibility in mind. MetaMask’s mobile wallet is required for its upcoming LINEA rewards program and MASK airdrop.
• Phantom Wallet: Phantom is one of the top choices for Solana airdrops as it’s compatible with pretty much every Solana dApp. Phantom’s mobile app and browser extension have a simple interface and an in-built swap to help sell or hold any airdrops you receive.
• Margex Wallet: Integrated directly with the Margex exchange, this wallet is suitable for users who want to combine airdrop participation with active trading. It supports popular blockchains, ensures fast access to funds, and benefits from Margex’s security infrastructure. For traders who frequently move between airdrops and margin trading, Margex Wallet provides a very convenient experience.
• Zengo: A non-custodial wallet with advanced keyless security, Zengo is ideal for airdrop hunters who value both safety and simplicity. With support for multiple blockchains, it allows users to claim airdrops across ecosystems without worrying about seed phrases. Its 24/7 in-app recovery system and Web3 integration make it a reliable option for managing airdrop rewards and long-term holdings.
• Binance Web3 Wallet: Available from within the Binance app, this wallet means Binance users don’t need to download anything new. The Binance wallet has a dedicated airdrop zone where users can find airdrop opportunities and complete tasks from within the wallet. Some airdrops are exclusive to Binance.
• Base App: Self-custody option from the major exchange, offering institutional-grade security with a user-friendly design. Projects often trust Base App’s verification systems, and its integration with the Coinbase exchange simplifies token management and selling processes.

For comprehensive wallet comparisons and additional security tips, check our article about the best crypto wallets.

Risks of Claiming New Crypto Airdrops

While airdrops offer exciting earning potential, they come with several risks that can result in financial losses or compromised security. It’s essential that you understand these risks:

Phishing Scams and Fake Websites

Scammers use look-alike domains, clones of airdrop sites, to steal user funds. Watch out for fake emails saying you are eligible for an airdrop, and fake announcements on social media and Telegram. In 2024, phishing scams stole approximately $494 million, according to ScamSniffer.

How to avoid: Always open links from official channels and bookmark the real URL.

Malicious Smart Contracts

Some airdrops require you to sign approvals that grant unlimited spending to a draining contract. Chainalysis classifies these “drainers” as purpose-built phishing toolkits for Web3; losses from such techniques surged across 2024 and 2025.

How to avoid: Revoke unneeded allowances after any interaction.

Wallet Drainer Attacks

Advanced kits trick users into signing a single “verification” that authorizes asset transfers. A recent wave abused new batch-transaction flows (e.g., EIP-7702) and drained seven-figure sums from a handful of victims in August 2025.

How to avoid: Use transaction simulation and check requested permissions before signing.

Worthless Token airdrops

Fake “airdrop” tokens can be used to funnel users to phishing sites, and many giveaway tokens never list or accrue liquidity. Treat unsolicited airdrops as suspect and verify details on the project’s official channels before interacting.

How to avoid: Ignore random tokens, don’t connect to unknown sites, and check only official channels.

Tax Reporting Complications

In several jurisdictions, airdrops are taxable when received. The IRS states that airdropped crypto can be considered ordinary income at fair market value when you have dominion and control; HMRC similarly treats many airdrops as income, depending on the circumstances. Keep precise records.

How to avoid: Track every airdrop’s date, value, and source using reliable record-keeping tools.

Farming Penalties and Retroactive Disqualifications

Airdrop farming demands significant time and gas with uncertain payoff, especially as sybil filters expand. Linea, for example, excluded ~517k addresses from eligibility; LayerZero’s program reduced allocations for self-reported sybils to 15%.

How to avoid: Prefer published-rule campaigns, one wallet per project, log usage, avoid bots.

Identity and Privacy Exposure

Some campaigns ask for KYC, social links, or emails, which can later be used for phishing. Past breaches, such as the Ledger customer data leak and the OpenSea email list exposure, led to persistent targeted scams.

How to avoid: Use burner email and dedicated wallets, skip KYC, submit only via verified domains.

Pros and Cons of Crypto Airdrops

Who doesn’t want a free crypto airdrop? Well, there are pros and cons to consider, as most things in life aren’t truly free.

Pros

• Low Financial Risk: Quest-based tasks often don’t require any financial investment.
• High Return Potential: Though airdrop amounts vary dramatically, some have earned $50,000+ from a single campaign
• Community Building: Taking part in community activities can promote a sense of belonging and enjoyment
• Educational Value: Airdrops attract new people to crypto and web3, teaching them practical skills in wallets, DeFi, and blockchain
• Rewards for passive actions. Some airdrops simply involve holding a Liquid Staked version of the token, eg, SOL or ETH.
• Portfolio Building: Receiving free tokens can be a great way to get your portfolio started or increase your wealth

Cons

• Time Investment: Many airdrops need a high level of participation over a long period of time, without a guaranteed return.
• Scams: A high number of airdrops are phishing attacks that steal funds or harvest personal information
• Unpredictable Value: Some airdropped tokens lose value quickly,
• Financial Risk: Tokens you have purchased to become eligible could also drop in value. Trading, especially on Perps, can be very risky.
• Tax Complexity: Airdrops carry tax liabilities in most countries
• Opportunity Cost: Hunting and farming take time that may be better spent elsewhere

Are Crypto Airdrops Legal in 2026?

Most jurisdictions allow citizens to receive airdrops, though rules are not always clear; users should keep up to date with country-based info.

United States

Airdrops can fall under U.S. securities. Crypto airdrops can be legal in the U.S. if the tokens aren’t securities (like utility or governance tokens), but they may be illegal if the tokens function as investment securities.

United Kingdom

Airdrops are legal, but marketing any qualifying cryptoasset to UK consumers must comply with the FCA’s financial promotions regime (effective 8 October 2023), including risk warnings.

European Union

Under the EU’s MiCA rules, free airdrops are generally exempt from disclosure and licensing requirements since no payment or consideration is involved. However, if users must provide data or perform tasks of value, MiCA may apply.

Asia

Rules vary widely, from prohibitions to licensed retail access.

• China. In China, all crypto trading and related activities are illegal, so airdrops are also banned.
• India. Airdrops are not explicitly legalized or banned. Cryptocurrency falls under Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) oversight.
• Singapore & Hong Kong. Airdrops are generally legal for retail investors, subject to rules around safety and suitability.

Rules are changing fast and regularly. Nothing in this guide should be taken as financial advice, and we recommend that if necessary, you contact a legal or financial advisor.

Do You Pay Taxes on Crypto Airdrops in 2026?

Crypto airdrops are eligible for taxation in most countries, though each jurisdiction has its own rules. Consult a tax advisor for the appropriate advice for your situation.

United States

The IRS treats cryptocurrencies as property, and so airdrops are taxable. Recipients should report their market value as income. Later disposals are capital gains/losses.

United Kingdom

Airdrops in the UK are taxable, but only if you did something to receive them, such as a social media post or trading. Airdrops should be declared as income upon receipt. Both solicited and unsolicited airdrops may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on disposal.

European Union

Laws vary across countries, but the majority of the EU treats crypto airdrops as taxable income. Germany doesn’t charge income tax on unsolicited airdrops, but does still charge Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on disposal. France charges 30%, Spain up to 47%.

Asia

Rules vary widely; here are some big Asian economies with tax laws around crypto:

• India. Tax law imposes a 30% tax on Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) gains and a 1% (Tax deducted at source) TDS on transfers.
• Singapore. Airdrops in return for a service (task request) are considered taxable. Certain businesses are subject to capital gains tax, while ordinary investors are not.
• Hong Kong. Hong Kong does not have CGT. Airdrops as a personal investment are not subject to tax. Businesses receiving airdrops may be subject to income tax.

Conclusion – Are Crypto Airdrops Worth It in 2026?

Crypto airdrop in 2026 can be a great opportunity or a waste of time and money.

Our analysis suggests that they are worth it, but when done with discernment and consideration about effort levels, capital requirements, and project reputations.

Be prepared for mixed success; most airdrop hunters have had both good and bad outcomes at some point. Nevertheless, receiving ‘free’ crypto is a great feeling and can be a good way to grow a portfolio.

We recommend that you focus on some of the 11 airdrops in this guide, picking projects that fit your existing trading, investing, or social styles. These projects combine strong fundamentals with significant reward potential and transparent qualification criteria.

FAQ