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DeFi Lending Protocol

Aave — The Largest DeFi Lending Protocol

Supply crypto to earn yield or borrow against your collateral — all on-chain, non-custodial, no sign-up. $14.5B TVL across 12+ networks. Now on Aave v4.

aave.protocol Live
Total TVL$14.5B
Cumul. Deposits$71T+
Networks12+
Security Audits15+
AAVE Token16M max supply
Fee Share100% to stakers
Current VersionAave v4 (2026)
Flash Loans0.09% fee
About

Aave

Aave is the leading decentralized, non-custodial lending protocol on Ethereum and 12+ other networks. Users can supply crypto assets to earn variable interest, or borrow assets by providing overcollateralized positions — all governed by smart contracts with no intermediary.

Launched in 2020 (originally as ETHLend in 2017), Aave has processed over $71 trillion in cumulative deposits and currently holds $14.5B in total value locked. The protocol is governed by AAVE token holders, who in April 2026 voted to redirect 100% of protocol revenue to stakers — a landmark moment for the AAVE token economy. Aave v4, launched in 2026, introduces a modular hub-and-spoke architecture and expansion into real-world credit markets.

// protocol.stats
Protocol TypeNon-Custodial Lending
TVL$14.5B
Cumul. Volume$71T+
Networks12+
Supported Assets30+
Stablecoin APY3-8% variable
AAVE Staking100% fee share
Flash Loan Fee0.09%
Versionv4 (2026)
GovernanceAAVE DAO
Features

Why Use Aave?

The most battle-tested DeFi lending protocol — supply, borrow, flash loans, GHO, and now 100% fee sharing for AAVE stakers.

[01]
💰
Earn Yield
Supply ETH, USDC, USDT, WBTC, and 30+ assets to earn real-time variable interest.
[02]
🏦
Borrow On-Chain
Borrow against overcollateralized positions — no credit check, no KYC, no intermediary.
[03]
Flash Loans
Uncollateralized loans repaid within one transaction — powerful for arbitrage and liquidations.
[04]
💎
GHO Stablecoin
Mint GHO, Aave\'s native decentralized stablecoin, directly against your collateral.
[05]
🗳️
AAVE Governance
AAVE token holders vote on every protocol parameter — truly community-governed DeFi.
[06]
🛡️
Safety Module
Stake AAVE to secure the protocol and earn rewards — now sharing 100% of protocol fees.
Guide

How to Use Aave

Step-by-step from wallet connection to earning yield and staking AAVE.

01

Connect Your Wallet

Visit app.aave.com and connect MetaMask, Rainbow, Rabby, or any WalletConnect wallet.

02

Choose Your Network

Aave runs on Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, and more — choose the network that suits your gas budget.

03

Supply Assets

Select an asset (e.g. USDC), enter the amount, approve the token, and confirm the supply transaction. Your balance immediately starts earning interest.

04

Optionally Borrow

After supplying collateral, navigate to the Borrow section, select an asset, set your amount, and confirm. Monitor your health factor to avoid liquidation.

05

Manage Your Position

Track your Health Factor — keep it above 1.0 to avoid liquidation. Repay or add collateral when the ratio approaches risk thresholds.

Start Earning on Aave Today

Join $14.5B in TVL across 12+ networks. Supply assets to earn yield or stake AAVE for 100% of protocol fees.

Open Aave App →
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about Aave.

What is Aave?
+
Aave is an open-source, non-custodial DeFi lending protocol. Users supply crypto assets to liquidity pools to earn interest, or borrow by providing overcollateralized positions. All activity is governed by smart contracts — no bank, no sign-up, no KYC required.
Is Aave safe?
+
Aave is one of the most audited DeFi protocols — over 15 independent security audits. However, smart contract risk, oracle risk, and liquidation risk exist. The Safety Module provides a backstop. Never supply more than you can afford to lose.
What is Aave\'s TVL?
+
Aave\'s total value locked (TVL) is approximately $14.5 billion as of June 2026, making it the largest DeFi lending protocol by TVL.
What is the AAVE token?
+
AAVE is an ERC-20 governance and utility token with a maximum supply of 16 million. Holders vote on protocol proposals, stake in the Safety Module to earn rewards (now 100% of protocol fees since April 2026), and receive buyback distributions.
What is Aave v4?
+
Aave v4, launched in 2026, introduces a modular hub-and-spoke architecture for more efficient liquidity management, health-targeted liquidations, and expansion into real-world asset credit markets via the Horizon program.
Reviews

What Users Say

DeFi Veteran
★★★★★

"Been using Aave since v1. The v4 architecture is genuinely better — more efficient collateral utilization and the GHO integration makes the whole system more cohesive."

Yield Farmer
★★★★★

"The April 2026 governance vote to redirect 100% of revenue to AAVE stakers was a game-changer. The Safety Module now makes economic sense for long-term holders."

Cautious DeFi User
★★★★☆

"Excellent protocol, but the health factor dashboard needs attention. Had a close call during a volatile market. Understand liquidation risk before you borrow."

Ready for DeFi Lending?

Aave v4 is live — supply, borrow, mint GHO, and stake AAVE for 100% of protocol fees.

Get Started Free