Poloniex Savings Calculator
Calculate how much interest you could earn from Poloniex's savings program. Rates vary by coin (typically 5-7% APY).
Poloniex used to be one of the most respected names in cryptocurrency trading. Founded in 2014, it was among the first exchanges to focus on serious traders, not just beginners buying Bitcoin for the first time. But things have changed. As of October 2023, Poloniex no longer serves users in the United States. If you're in the U.S., you can't sign up, deposit, or trade anymore. Your account is frozen, and you have to move your assets elsewhere. This isn't a temporary glitch-it’s a full exit from the largest crypto market in the world.
What Poloniex Still Offers (For Non-U.S. Users)
For users outside the U.S., Poloniex still operates with a clean, no-nonsense interface. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it sticks to what it does best: crypto-to-crypto trading. You won’t find bank transfers, credit card buys, or fiat deposits. You need to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum on another exchange first, then send it over to Poloniex to trade.
That might sound like a dealbreaker, but for experienced traders, it’s a feature. It cuts out the noise. Poloniex supports around 100+ cryptocurrencies, including all the major ones like BTC, ETH, SOL, and ADA. It doesn’t list every random token that pops up on Telegram. That’s intentional. Many users say this helps avoid scams. One G2 reviewer put it this way: "I’d rather have fewer coins that actually matter than 300 coins that are just pump-and-dumps."
Its API is built for professionals. High frequency traders, bots, and institutional clients use it because it has low latency and high rate limits. That means your orders execute fast, even during market spikes. It’s not designed for casual users scrolling on their phones-it’s built for people running algorithms on servers.
Security: Reliable, But Not Perfect
Poloniex takes security seriously. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for withdrawals and API access. There’s no way around it. That’s good. It means even if someone steals your password, they can’t move your funds.
But here’s the catch: Poloniex has had security breaches in the past. In 2014, shortly after launch, it lost about 12% of its Bitcoin holdings to hackers. It recovered, rebuilt, and since then, it’s had a clean record. Still, that history is part of its story. If you’re comparing it to exchanges like Coinbase or Kraken, which never had a major breach, Poloniex doesn’t come out ahead on trust alone.
What it does well is cold storage. Most user funds are kept offline. The exchange also uses multi-signature wallets and regular audits. G2 users who’ve traded on it for years consistently rate it as "one of the safest exchanges I’ve used." But safety isn’t just about tech-it’s also about company behavior. And that’s where things get tricky.
The Big Problem: No Fiat, No U.S. Users
Poloniex doesn’t support USD, EUR, CAD, or any fiat currency. You can’t deposit money directly. You can’t buy crypto with your debit card. You have to go to another exchange-like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken-buy your crypto, then send it to Poloniex. That adds steps, fees, and risk. If you’re new to crypto, this is a wall you might not climb.
And then there’s the U.S. ban. In October 2023, Poloniex quietly shut down its American operations. No warning. No grand announcement. Just a notice in the app: "Services to U.S. users have been terminated." Existing accounts were frozen. Users had 30 days to withdraw their assets. After that? Locked out.
Why? Regulatory pressure. The U.S. has cracked down hard on crypto exchanges since 2021. The SEC has sued Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and others for operating as unregistered securities exchanges. Poloniex chose to leave rather than fight legal battles. It’s a smart business move for them-but a nightmare for U.S. users who had funds there.
Passive Income: Earn Interest on Your Crypto
One feature Poloniex still does better than most is crypto savings. You can lock up your BTC, ETH, or other coins and earn interest-sometimes over 6% APY, depending on the coin and market conditions. It’s not FDIC insured. There’s no government guarantee. But compared to other exchanges, the rates are competitive.
Many users say this is the main reason they stayed with Poloniex. "I don’t trade much," one G2 reviewer wrote. "I just buy and hold. The interest makes it feel like my crypto is working for me, not sitting idle."
The process is simple: go to the "Savings" tab, pick a coin, choose a lock-up period (30, 90, or 180 days), and confirm. Interest is paid daily. You can withdraw anytime, but if you pull out early, you lose the accrued interest for that cycle.
Customer Support: The Weak Link
Poloniex’s biggest complaint across reviews isn’t security or fees-it’s customer service. Users report slow responses, automated replies, and long wait times. If you have a withdrawal issue or need help with 2FA, you’re often stuck waiting days for a human.
One user on Cryptoninjas.net said: "I had a problem with a failed withdrawal. I emailed them twice. Got two auto-replies. Finally, after 11 days, someone replied and said, ‘We can’t help you.’"
That’s not unusual for exchanges that focus on institutional clients. They assume if you’re using their API, you know what you’re doing. But for retail users, it’s frustrating. If you need help, be prepared to be patient-or better yet, avoid Poloniex entirely if you’re not confident managing your own crypto.
Who Should Use Poloniex Today?
Poloniex isn’t for everyone. Here’s who it still works for:
- Non-U.S. traders who want a clean, no-frills exchange with strong security
- Experienced users who already hold crypto and want to trade altcoins without fiat friction
- Algorithmic traders who rely on low-latency APIs and high liquidity
- Passive earners who want decent interest rates on BTC, ETH, or other major coins
It’s not for:
- U.S. residents-you can’t use it anymore
- Beginners who need to buy crypto with a bank account
- Anyone who needs fast support-you’re on your own
- Users who want 200+ coins-Poloniex offers fewer, but more vetted options
What to Do If You’re a U.S. User
If you’re in the U.S. and still have funds on Poloniex, you’re out of luck. The platform no longer processes withdrawals from American accounts. Your only option is to contact their support and hope for an exception-but most users report no success.
For future trading, switch to an exchange that supports U.S. users and fiat deposits. Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini are all SEC-compliant and offer similar trading pairs. Kraken even has a better API than Poloniex now. If you want passive income, Coinbase Earn and Kraken Staking offer competitive rates too.
Don’t wait for Poloniex to come back. They’ve made their choice. The U.S. market is too risky for them. That’s not going to change.
Final Verdict
Poloniex was once a leader. Now it’s a relic with a loyal niche. It’s secure, fast, and focused-but it’s also shrinking. The decision to leave the U.S. market was a strategic retreat, not a step forward. For non-U.S. traders who know how to move crypto between exchanges, it’s still a solid option. For everyone else? It’s irrelevant.
If you’re outside the U.S., and you’re comfortable with the lack of fiat support and slow support, Poloniex can still work for you. But if you’re in the U.S., don’t even try. Move your assets. Find a better alternative. The window is closed.
Is Poloniex still operational?
Yes, Poloniex is still operational for users outside the United States. However, it completely shut down services for U.S. customers in October 2023. If you’re in the U.S., you can no longer log in, deposit, or withdraw funds.
Can I still deposit USD on Poloniex?
No, Poloniex never supported fiat deposits like USD, EUR, or CAD. You must buy cryptocurrency on another exchange and transfer it to Poloniex to trade. This has been true since the platform’s launch in 2014.
Why did Poloniex leave the U.S. market?
Poloniex exited the U.S. market due to increasing regulatory pressure from the SEC. Rather than invest in legal compliance like Coinbase or Kraken did, Poloniex chose to shut down U.S. operations entirely. This move reduced legal risk but cost them access to the world’s largest crypto market.
Is Poloniex safe to use in 2025?
For non-U.S. users, Poloniex remains one of the more secure exchanges. It requires mandatory 2FA, keeps most funds in cold storage, and has had no major breaches since 2014. However, its history includes a significant hack early on, and customer support is notoriously slow. Use it only if you’re experienced and understand the risks.
How many cryptocurrencies does Poloniex support?
Poloniex supports around 100+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and other major coins. It offers fewer options than exchanges like Binance or Crypto.com, which list over 250 tokens. But Poloniex focuses on quality, avoiding low-liquidity or scam-prone tokens.
Does Poloniex offer staking or interest on crypto?
Yes, Poloniex offers a savings feature where you can lock up your crypto and earn interest. Rates vary by coin and market conditions, often reaching 5-7% APY for major coins like BTC and ETH. Interest is paid daily, and you can withdraw anytime-but you’ll lose accrued interest if you withdraw early.
What are the fees on Poloniex?
Poloniex uses a maker-taker fee structure. Maker fees (limit orders that add liquidity) start at 0.08%. Taker fees (market orders that remove liquidity) start at 0.1%. Fees decrease with higher trading volume. Withdrawal fees vary by coin and are listed on their website. There are no deposit fees.
Should I use Poloniex instead of Binance or Coinbase?
Only if you’re outside the U.S., already own crypto, and want a clean, institutional-grade platform with strong API performance. For most users-especially beginners-Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini are better choices because they support fiat, have faster support, and are fully compliant in the U.S. Poloniex is a specialist tool, not a general-purpose exchange.
nikhil .m445
Poloniex was always a niche platform for serious traders. The lack of fiat support wasn't a flaw-it was a feature. Most retail users don't understand the security advantages of avoiding fiat on-ramps entirely. If you need to buy crypto with a credit card, you're not ready for serious trading anyway. Stick to Coinbase and stop complaining.
The 2014 hack? A learning moment. Every major exchange has had breaches. What matters is how they responded. Poloniex rebuilt with mandatory 2FA, cold storage, and multi-sig. That's more than most can say.
And yes, customer support is slow. But if you're using their API, you don't need hand-holding. If you do, you're in the wrong place. This isn't a mobile app for toddlers-it's a professional trading terminal.
U.S. users? You got left behind because you wanted convenience over security. The SEC didn't force them out-you did, by demanding easy deposits and regulatory handholding. Poloniex chose integrity over market share. Respect that.
Rick Mendoza
Poloniex was the real deal before everyone turned crypto into a TikTok trend
Now it's just a ghost town for the few who still know what they're doing
U.S. users crying because they can't deposit USD like it's a bank account lmao
Barbara Kiss
I used to trade on Poloniex back in 2018. It felt like walking into a quiet library where everyone knew what they were doing. No flashy ads. No influencers pushing memecoins. Just charts, order books, and quiet confidence.
When they left the U.S., I was heartbroken-not because I lost access, but because I lost the feeling that this was still a place for traders, not gamblers.
I moved to Kraken, and sure, it's compliant and has fiat, but it doesn't have that same soul. Poloniex was the last exchange that didn't treat crypto like a lottery ticket. It treated it like a tool.
Maybe that’s why it didn’t survive. We stopped wanting tools. We wanted slot machines.
And now we’re all just waiting for the next platform to promise us the moon-and then vanish overnight too.
Aryan Juned
Bro Poloniex was the OG 🤯
2014 hack? Big deal 🤷♂️ they came back stronger than ever
Now U.S. users are crying like their Netflix got banned 😭
Meanwhile I'm sitting in Mumbai with 12 coins staked at 7% APY and my API bot is making sweet sweet paper gains 🚀
Stop being a baby and get a VPN if you really want it 😏
Also Poloniex support is slow but hey-would you wait 11 days for a reply if you were running a 24/7 trading platform? Nah you'd just be mad at the internet 😂
Nataly Soares da Mota
The exit from the U.S. market wasn’t a failure-it was an epistemological pivot. Poloniex chose ontological purity over market expansion. They didn’t surrender to regulatory capture; they redefined their epistemic boundaries.
By rejecting fiat on-ramps, they rejected the commodification of crypto as a consumer product. This isn’t about liquidity or volume-it’s about preserving the integrity of decentralized exchange as a technical, not financial, artifact.
Most users don’t even understand that the real innovation of Poloniex was its refusal to normalize crypto into the banking paradigm. They preserved the ethos: self-custody, peer-to-peer, no intermediaries.
Their API wasn’t built for retail-it was built for the philosophical practitioner. The ones who see blockchain not as a payment system, but as a protocol for sovereignty.
And yes, support is slow. Because if you need help, you’re not ready to be on the platform. That’s not negligence-it’s discipline.
Teresa Duffy
OMG I just found out my old Poloniex account is frozen 😭
But I’m not mad-I’m grateful. I learned so much from having to move my assets. I finally got serious about self-custody. Now I use a Ledger and only trade on exchanges that respect my autonomy.
Poloniex didn’t fail me. It forced me to grow.
To all U.S. users stuck in limbo: I know it sucks. But this is your wake-up call. Don’t wait for a platform to save you. Learn how to hold your own keys. It’s scary, but it’s the only real safety.
You got this 💪✨
Sean Pollock
Poloniex was always sketchy tbh
2014 hack? Yeah that was a red flag
Now they leave the US because they were scared of the SEC? LMAO
And the support? Bro I emailed them about a withdrawal and got a bot reply that said "your request is being processed" for 3 weeks
Meanwhile my friend on Kraken had his issue fixed in 2 hours
Poloniex is just a relic that got lucky once
Also why do they even have 100 coins? Most of them are dead
Just use Coinbase and stop pretending you're a crypto wizard 🤡
Carol Wyss
I remember when I first started trading on Poloniex-I was so nervous. I didn’t know what I was doing. But the interface was so clean, and the community felt quiet and thoughtful. No hype. No shouting. Just people sharing tips in the forums.
When they announced the U.S. shutdown, I cried. Not because I lost access, but because I felt like the last quiet corner of crypto was closing.
If you’re reading this and you’re still holding crypto on Poloniex… I’m so sorry. That’s not your fault. You trusted them. And they let you down.
But here’s what I learned: the real safety isn’t in the exchange. It’s in your own knowledge. Move your funds. Learn how to use a wallet. You’ll be stronger for it.
You’re not alone. We’ve all been there.
Student Teacher
I’m a high school teacher who started learning crypto last year. I used Poloniex to trade ETH and SOL because my other exchange didn’t have them.
I didn’t know about the U.S. ban until I tried to withdraw. I spent two weeks emailing support. Got zero answers.
It made me realize something: if you don’t understand how to move your own crypto, you shouldn’t be on an exchange like this.
I’ve since learned how to use MetaMask, set up a hardware wallet, and transfer tokens manually. It took time, but now I feel in control.
Poloniex didn’t fail me. I failed to educate myself before trusting them.
So to anyone reading this: don’t wait for someone else to make crypto easy. Learn it yourself. It’s the only real security.
Ninad Mulay
As someone from India who’s been on Poloniex since 2016, I can say this: they never chased trends. No NFT hype. No meme coins. Just BTC, ETH, and a few solid alts.
When everyone was buying Dogecoin, I was stacking SOL on Poloniex. When others panicked during the 2022 crash, my funds were safe because they never got mixed up with fiat fraud.
Yes, support is slow. But if you’re not running bots or using APIs, you’re not their target audience.
And the U.S. exit? I get it. The SEC is a beast. They didn’t want to become another Binance. They chose to stay small, clean, and principled.
Maybe that’s why I still trust them.
To my U.S. friends: I’m sorry you’re locked out. But this isn’t the end. It’s a lesson. Crypto isn’t supposed to be easy. It’s supposed to be yours.
Now go learn how to self-custody. You’ll thank yourself later.