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Top 5 de fi platforms for going bankless in 2025

Freelancers are increasingly turning to decentralized finance (DeFi) as they seek alternatives to traditional banking. A growing number now aim to borrow against stablecoins while earning interest. But many still raise concerns about usability and security in these systems.

By

Nina Patel

Jun 15, 2025, 03:40 PM

Edited By

Ella Martinez

Updated

Jun 17, 2025, 12:42 PM

2 minutes reading time

An illustration showing various DeFi platforms with stablecoins, featuring digital currency icons and a bankless theme, symbolizing financial freedom.
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Context and Growing Interest

Amid dissatisfaction with conventional banks, freelancers are eager to harness DeFi solutions. The push for easy borrowing alongside stablecoin interest earnings has led to fresh discussions on various forums about preferred platforms and innovative banking alternatives.

Leading Platforms and Emerging Options

Recent forum discussions have given rise to a variety of platform recommendations:

  • Aave: Continues to be a favorite, with many users declaring, "AAVE is all you need."

  • Compound: Mentioned as a more conservative option for lending and borrowing.

  • Haven1: Gaining traction for its strong focus on security and staking.

  • Celo: Praised for being cost-effective for transactions.

  • Pendle: Noted for fixed yield options appealing to those seeking structure in their earnings.

  • Nexo: Highlighted for its practicality, allowing users to earn interest on stablecoins while keeping funds liquid without constant movement.

  • Gnosis Pay: Celebrated for its array of crypto card options, catering to the need for customizable banking.

  • Binance & TrustWallet: Notable for their ease of stablecoin staking.

  • Neptune (Injective): Recognized for impressive annual percentage yields (APYs), maintaining stable collateral liquidity.

  • Fuse: A newcomer on Solana, offering users the chance to earn on stablecoins while spending without additional card rewards.

  • Kamino and Lulo: Provide seamless ways to earn while accessing funds easily.

Overcoming Challenges in Crypto Spending

Despite the excitement, roadblocks remain. Users voice frustrations, saying, "Spending crypto is still clunky." Concerns about potential fund freezes add to the unease, similar to experiences with neobanks.

"The timing seems fitting for exploring bankless solutions as many feel exhausted by traditional banks."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Freelancers are looking for stablecoin systems that allow for borrowing and earning interest.

  • ๐ŸŒ Real-world spending options are critical within the crypto space.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Aave and Gnosis shine for robust features, while Binance and TrustWallet provide solid staking alternatives.

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ New options, including Haven1 and Nexo, show promise for practical day-to-day use of crypto funds.

The push for bankless solutions suggests a potential transformation in how freelancers manage finances. How will these changes shape the financial landscape in the near future?

Future Prospects for DeFi

As DeFi grows, the trend of freelancers avoiding traditional banking will likely continue. Predictions indicate that user adoption for platforms like Aave and Gnosis might reach or exceed 50%. With rising demands for stablecoin products, lending protocols are making updates to enhance functionality. If these platforms can improve their offerings, reliance on conventional banks could see a major decline.

The Revolution is Here

We are witnessing a rapid transformation in finance. Just as e-commerce evolved from skepticism to a staple, todayโ€™s DeFi ecosystem holds the potential for similar momentum if it aligns with users' real needs.