Cryptocurrency can be zakatable, but tokens are not all alike. NZF treats coins used as currency and assets bought for resale as eligible at their market value; other tokens depend on what they represent. Convert eligible holdings to GBP on your assessment date and avoid double-counting wrapped or deposited assets.
Identify each holding
List wallets and exchange accounts, the assets held, quantities and your actual ownership. A token representing a different asset needs the treatment appropriate to what it represents. NFTs, tokenised securities and protocol positions cannot all be classified solely by calling them “crypto”.
Value consistently
Use a reliable price for the Zakat date and keep the source and time. NZF’s published approach generally assesses currency-like coins and holdings bought to resell at market value. Other tokens require examination of their nature. The calculation does not certify the permissibility of the asset or activity.
Avoid double-counting in DeFi
If you deposit an asset and receive a token representing the same position, counting both at full value can duplicate your wealth. Locked, disputed, lost-key or inaccessible holdings require specific advice. Rewards that you do not yet own or cannot claim should not automatically be treated as available cash.
A worked example
Suppose eligible digital assets are valued at £3,000 and you hold £4,000 other eligible assets. With £500 permitted debts, net wealth is £6,500. When the relevant nisab and hawl conditions are met, £6,500 × 0.025 = £162.50.
Record interest-like or otherwise impermissible income separately where disposal is required; it is not automatically an offset against Zakat.
Sources & calculation method
These sources inform this guide. A linked source does not endorse this site, and its publication date may differ from this page’s update date.
Scholarly methods can produce different results. See the method choices that affect a Zakat estimate and our editorial policy. This is educational guidance, not a personal ruling or a claim of named scholarly review.
To cite this guide: “Zakat on cryptocurrency and digital tokens”, World Aid Network, updated 8 September 2026, https://zakat-calculator.org.uk/zakat-on-crypto