Austrian Bitcoin platform 21bitcoin has started paying 1.21% annual interest on customers’ uninvested euro balances, with the option to receive the interest in Bitcoin without a conversion fee. The rate applies to every euro held in an account, including cash awaiting the next savings-plan purchase or reserved for an open limit order. The company says it is the first provider in Europe to pay savings interest directly in Bitcoin. There is no minimum deposit and no lock-up. The product gives users a way to earn on idle fiat while retaining the option of Bitcoin-denominated returns. Earlier company information said the interest was paid through an instant-access savings arrangement involving Volksbank Raiffeisenbank Bayern Mitte eG, which pays the interest, and that 21bitcoin passes it to customers without retaining a margin. That information also said the bank has owned a stake in 21bitcoin since 2023. Founded in 2021, 21bitcoin holds a MiCAR licence in Austria and is authorized by Germany’s BaFin, according to the existing company information. The company reports more than 100,000 users and over €650 million in trading volume.