Finance · 7 min read

T-Bill Yield vs DeFi Stable Lending

**T-bills** offer government-backed yield with simple tax reporting. **DeFi stable lending** can pay more but adds smart-contract, peg, and platform risk—plus more complex taxes.

Step by step

1. Net of tax

T-bill interest is state-tax exempt in many states; DeFi may be ordinary income.

2. Stress liquidity

Can you exit in one block if rates spike or peg wobbles?

3. Compare 90-day APY

Use same horizon—don't annualize a one-week promo rate.

T-bills vs DeFi stable yield

Higher DeFi APY often compensates for tail risk—not free money.

  • T-bills: Sovereign credit risk; brokerage or fund access; lower headline yield.
  • DeFi lending: Higher APY potential; contract and counterparty risk.

Common mistakes

  • Chasing APY without reading audit history
  • Ignoring gas on small balances

FAQ

Are stablecoins FDIC insured?

No—only traditional bank deposits within limits.