Why EtherFi
Most crypto platforms make you choose between earning yield and spending. The EtherFi platform does both. Here is what actually makes it different.
Non-custodial by design
You hold your keys. The protocol never controls your ETH or USDC. Not even the team behind EtherFi can move your funds without your signature.
Real staking yield
Deposit ETH and receive weETH — a token that accrues Ethereum validator rewards automatically. No lock-ups. No manual claiming.
Spend without selling
The EtherFi Cash Visa card lets you make purchases using your collateral. Your assets keep earning while you spend. That is genuinely useful.
Audited smart contracts
Contracts follow the ERC-4626 vault standard and have been reviewed by independent security researchers before every major release.
How It Works
Connect your wallet
Use MetaMask, WalletConnect, or any EVM wallet. No account registration, no email required at this stage.
Deposit ETH or USDC
Choose your asset. ETH gets staked and you receive weETH. USDC goes into the Liquid Reserve vault, also earning yield. Both work on Ethereum mainnet; bridging from Polygon is supported.
Earn passively
Staking rewards accumulate in weETH. USDC earns variable APY through the Liquid protocol. You can track everything in the vault dashboard.
Get the Cash card
Apply for the EtherFi Cash Visa card inside the app. Once approved, activate Borrow Mode to spend against your collateral — or top up with USDC directly.
Spend and earn cashback
Use the card anywhere Visa is accepted. Earn up to 2 % cashback on every transaction. Refer friends through the affiliate programme for an extra 1 % on their spend.
Key Features
Liquid staking (weETH)
Stake any amount of ETH. Receive weETH, which is liquid and tradeable on Uniswap v3 pools. Unstake any time through the protocol's withdrawal queue.
ERC-4626 vaults
All yield-bearing positions use the Ethereum ERC-4626 tokenised vault standard, making them composable with third-party DeFi protocols.
Borrow Mode
Put your weETH or USDC to work as collateral. Borrow against it to fund card purchases without a liquidation risk cascade — each asset has a defined LTV ceiling.
Cash card with Visa
Physical and virtual Visa cards issued globally. Transactions settle in USDC. No foreign-transaction fee on standard purchases.
Promotions & cashback boosts
Limited-time promotions — like the Dine Different campaign — give up to 15 % cashback on groceries and restaurants for active cardholders.
Travel perks
Premium membership unlocks lounge access, hotel benefits, and dedicated travel support. No annual fee for the standard tier.
Referral programme
Share your invite link. You earn 1 % on every card purchase your referred friends make — paid in the same currency they spend.
EtherFi by the Numbers
FAQ
What is EtherFi?
EtherFi is a non-custodial liquid staking protocol on Ethereum. You deposit ETH, receive weETH, and keep control of your keys at all times. Think of it as a savings account where you remain the only signatory.
How do I get started with EtherFi?
Connect your wallet at the EtherFi app, deposit ETH or USDC, and your assets start earning yield immediately through the vault. The whole onboarding takes under five minutes.
Is EtherFi safe and audited?
Yes. The EtherFi protocol has been audited by multiple independent security firms before each major upgrade. Smart contracts follow the ERC-4626 vault standard, which enforces well-tested accounting logic.
What is the EtherFi Cash card?
The EtherFi Cash card is a Visa credit card. It lets you spend your crypto holdings at any merchant worldwide without selling your assets. Settlements happen in USDC behind the scenes.
Can I earn cashback with EtherFi?
Yes. Cardholders earn up to 2 % cashback on purchases. Referring friends adds an extra 1 % on their card spend. Seasonal promotions push that rate even higher — sometimes up to 15 % on specific categories.
What is weETH?
weETH is the wrapped, rebasing liquid staking token issued by EtherFi. It accrues staking rewards automatically and can be used across DeFi protocols — including Uniswap liquidity pools — without needing to unstake first.
How does borrowing work on EtherFi?
In Borrow Mode you use your vault assets as collateral to borrow USDC for card purchases. Each asset has a specific Loan-to-Value ratio. Borrowing does not trigger a taxable disposal in most jurisdictions, but check your local rules.
Which networks does EtherFi support?
EtherFi operates primarily on Ethereum mainnet. It also supports bridging from Polygon and several other EVM-compatible chains. The roadmap includes further Layer 2 integrations in 2025.
Why should I choose EtherFi over a centralised exchange?
You never hand over custody. Your ETH stays in a non-custodial vault. The protocol cannot freeze or confiscate your funds. Centralised exchanges can — and sometimes do — suspend withdrawals without notice.
Can I use EtherFi if I am new to DeFi?
Absolutely. The EtherFi platform is designed for newcomers too. You can start with USDC, skip staking entirely, and just use the Cash card for spending. No jargon required at the entry level.
How do I withdraw funds from EtherFi?
Go to your vault, click Withdraw, and choose instant or standard unbonding. Instant withdrawals tap a liquidity pool and settle within minutes. Standard unbonding follows the Ethereum validator exit queue — typically up to seven days.
What fees does EtherFi charge?
EtherFi charges a 10 % fee on staking rewards only — never on your principal. There are no monthly card fees for the standard membership tier. Premium tiers with travel perks carry an annual fee.
Is EtherFi available in my country?
The protocol itself is globally accessible to anyone with an Ethereum wallet. The Cash card is available in most countries where Visa is accepted, though a few regions face regulatory restrictions. Check the app for your eligibility.
How do I contact EtherFi support?
Visit the EtherFi support page or open a ticket through the in-app chat widget. The support team operates around the clock for card-related issues and during business hours for protocol questions. You can also find us on Telegram.