Where to Store USDT for Optimal Returns Ahead of a Bear Market: Comparing Platforms Offering Up to 14% Yield

In 2025, Bitcoin surpassed $120,000. Some investors began to diversify into altcoins, while more cautious individuals considered locking in profits through stablecoins.

However, merely holding fiat currency and stablecoins can lead to missed profit opportunities. Modern platforms offer annual yields ranging from 2% to 14% while anticipating the next bear market.

We evaluated three categories of income-generating platforms: centralized exchanges with conservative yields, specialized Earn services with higher returns, and DeFi protocols for experienced crypto investors. Let’s explore which option suits each user category.

Centralized exchanges (CEX) remain the preferred choice for the majority of investors due to their user-friendly interfaces and high liquidity. As of July 2025, they offer yields starting from 5%, alongside temporary promotional bonuses for new users. Some notable exchanges in the CIS and Eastern Europe include:

In decentralized finance (DeFi), experienced users can discover higher yields than those offered by CEX. However, the chief advantage lies in the non-custodial nature and elimination of KYC procedures. Here, user assets are managed by smart contracts rather than a centralized entity.

That said, it’s essential to be cautious: even reputable projects can harbor vulnerabilities. Recent research indicated that scammers also exploit outdated domains of inactive dapps, which continue to be referenced on platforms like DeFi Llama and DappRadar.

Among the top platforms ranked by Total Value Locked (TVL), we can highlight:

For users dissatisfied with CEX rates but unwilling to delve into DeFi protocols, there exist compromise solutions in the form of specialized Earn services.

For instance, Coinhold, offered by the EMCD mining pool, provides up to 14% on USDT with monthly capitalized interest. Established in 2017, the platform serves over 400,000 users.

“Our commission profits enable high returns for Coinhold, while our specialists implement a conservative asset management strategy, steering clear of high-risk DeFi, external platforms, and dubious coins,” states the Coinhold webpage.

Interest on Coinhold is calculated daily, with capitalized interest occurring every 30 days.

When selecting a platform for depositing stablecoins, two key factors must be considered:

The choice of a platform for earning on USDT depends on individual goals, technical skills, and risk tolerance.

Exchanges are suitable for active traders who prioritize liquidity. Although returns are relatively modest, the main aim for these users is trading rather than earning on savings.

Coinhold from EMCD is an optimal choice for those seeking a balance between returns and accessibility, with a yield of up to 14% that exceeds rates offered by leading exchanges.

DeFi protocols may offer higher returns, but they demand technical knowledge and readiness for the conditions of the “Wild West,” characterized by a lack of regulation and the potential for manipulation.

Distributing funds across multiple platforms based on liquidity needs remains the safest strategy.