Quick verdict: Nexo wins for stablecoin yield (USDC, USDT, EURC) and for users who want the highest rates. Ledn wins for Bitcoin holders who want institutional-grade transparency and Proof-of-Reserves. Both are reputable — the choice depends on what you hold.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | 🏦 Nexo | 🇨🇦 Ledn |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 (Sofia, Bulgaria) | 2018 (Toronto, Canada) |
| BTC savings rate | 3–7% APY | 7–9.5% APY ✓ Higher |
| USDC rate | 8–14% APY ✓ Higher | 7.5% APY |
| EURC / EUR savings | Yes — 8% APY | No (USD only) |
| Daily compounding | Yes | Monthly |
| Insurance | €375M Lloyds/Arch coverage | $50K custodial insurance |
| Proof of Reserves | Partial | Full monthly Armanino audit |
| Crypto-backed loans | Yes — from 0% APR | Yes — from 7.9% APR |
| Credit card | Yes (Nexo Card) | No |
| Exchange / swap | Yes (Nexo Exchange) | No |
| Minimum deposit | None | 0.002 BTC |
| Supported assets | 50+ coins | BTC + stablecoins only |
| Regulation | EU (multiple licences) | Canada (FINTRAC) |
| Available in Netherlands | Yes | Yes |
Nexo in depth
Nexo is the largest centralized crypto lending platform in Europe. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Switzerland and Bulgaria, it holds regulatory licences in multiple EU jurisdictions. The platform offers savings, loans, a crypto credit card, and a full exchange.
What makes Nexo stand out:
- Tiered interest model: Nexo pays higher rates if you hold NEXO tokens (their native token). The base USDC rate is ~8% APY; Platinum members (holding 10% of portfolio in NEXO) earn up to 14% APY.
- Daily compounding: Interest is credited daily, meaning you start earning on your earnings immediately.
- EURC support: One of the few platforms offering EUR-denominated yield (8% APY on EURC), avoiding the USD/EUR exchange risk that affects most stablecoin yields.
- €375M insurance: Policy with Lloyd's of London and Arch covers digital assets against theft and security breaches.
Nexo best for: Users who want maximum stablecoin yield (USDC, EURC), daily compounding, and a full-feature crypto banking platform with exchange, card and loans.
Ledn in depth
Ledn is a Canadian crypto savings and lending platform with a strong focus on Bitcoin holders and institutional-grade transparency. It publishes monthly Proof-of-Reserves reports audited by Armanino — a higher standard of transparency than most competitors.
What makes Ledn stand out:
- Bitcoin-first focus: Ledn pays up to 9.5% APY on Bitcoin savings — higher than Nexo's BTC rate of 3–7%. If Bitcoin is your primary asset, this matters.
- Proof-of-Reserves: Monthly third-party audits by Armanino confirm that Ledn holds 1:1 reserves. This is the gold standard for centralized platform transparency, especially post-FTX.
- Simple product: Ledn does two things — savings accounts and Bitcoin-backed loans. No tokens to manage, no loyalty tiers to optimize.
- Institutional backing: Funded by major crypto VCs (Kingsway Capital, 10T Holdings). Serves institutional clients alongside retail.
Ledn best for: Bitcoin-focused investors who prioritize transparency and Proof-of-Reserves over maximum yield or feature breadth.
Rates comparison: stablecoins vs Bitcoin
| Asset | Nexo rate | Ledn rate | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 3–7% APY | 7–9.5% APY | 🇨🇦 Ledn |
| USDC | 8–14% APY | 7.5% APY | 🏦 Nexo |
| USDT | 8–14% APY | 7.5% APY | 🏦 Nexo |
| EURC (euro) | 8% APY | Not available | 🏦 Nexo |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 3–5% APY | Not available | 🏦 Nexo |
* Rates as of March 2026. Subject to change. Nexo top rate requires holding NEXO tokens.
Safety comparison
Both platforms survived the 2022 crypto winter (unlike Celsius, BlockFi and Voyager). However, their safety profiles are different:
- Nexo has larger insurance (€375M), more regulatory licences, and has been EU-regulated since 2018. However, it does not publish full monthly Proof-of-Reserves.
- Ledn publishes full monthly Proof-of-Reserves audited by Armanino. This gives a clearer, independently verified picture of solvency — the most important factor after 2022.
For European users with regulatory concerns, Nexo's EU licences provide additional comfort. For users who prioritize verifiable solvency, Ledn's PoR program is unmatched in the CeFi space.
Our verdict
- You hold stablecoins (USDC, USDT, EURC)
- You want the highest possible yield
- You want EUR-denominated savings
- You want a credit card or exchange
- You're in the EU and want local regulation
- You primarily hold Bitcoin
- Transparency and Proof-of-Reserves matter most
- You want the best BTC savings rate
- You want a simple, focused platform
- You plan to take a Bitcoin-backed loan
⚠️ Disclaimer: Informational only. Not financial advice. Rates change frequently. Some links are affiliate links. Always verify current rates on platform websites and do your own research before depositing funds.