Staking (2024)

Staking refers to the locking up of cryptocurrency in order to help secure a network and earn rewards. There are two types of staking: staking at the blockchain level, also known as proof of stake, and locking up tokens within a decentralized finance project or crypto platform.

Proof of stake is a method that blockchains—notably Ethereum, Solana, and Tezos—use to validate transactions. The blockchain takes the number of coins someone has locked up as an indication that they’re trustworthy enough to process the transaction—the idea is that, if someone has a significant financial interest (i.e. stake) in the tokens of a given blockchain, they are unlikely to behave maliciously. If someone does act badly, the network will “slash” their stake.

Most staking requires a single account, known as a validator, to pledge a whole load of crypto. In Ethereum’s case, that’s tranches of 32 ETH. It’s possible to stake with less ETH by delegating crypto to a pool, like Lido. In return, stakers receive a cut of the fee that the blockchain pays the validator.

Staking (1)

Some cryptocurrency wallets allow for stakes to be delegated to others running nodes—Solflare lets users delegate stakes to Solana validators, for instance. Centralized crypto exchanges like Binance also support stakers, as well as a handful of bespoke staking pools, like Lido and Ankr. Lido is the largest staking pool on Ethereum, commanding 30% of the market.

DeFi staking is more loosely defined, and is best interpreted as a project saying, “Let us use your tokens and we’ll give you more tokens in return.” The purposes of DeFi staking can vary. Aave locks funds in a security module that covers bad debt, while others use staked tokens to fund risky investments. Crypto exchanges also offer this kind of staking, which is similar to interest-bearing accounts.

Staking has been the subject of scrutiny by U.S. regulators, who have suggested it amounts to a securities offering. The U.S. exchange Kraken shut down its staking operation and paid a large fine in early 2023 to settle claims the service was unlawful.

Go deeper:
How not to get slashed—Coinbase
Ethereum staking—Ethereum Foundation

See also:
Proof of stake
Proof of work a.k.a. mining
What is Ethereum?

Try it:
Lido—a popular protocol for staking digital assets
Kraken—a centralized exchange that lets you stake cryptocurrencies

Staking (2024)

FAQs

What is the concept of staking? ›

Staking is a way long-term crypto investors (“HODLers”) earn passive income in the crypto world. Staking cryptocurrency means agreeing not to trade or sell your tokens. Crypto staking creates opportunities to earn crypto rewards and diversify your crypto portfolio—but it's inherently risky.

Is staking crypto worth it? ›

Whether crypto staking is worthwhile depends on what kind of crypto owner you are. Generally speaking, cryptocurrency staking offers returns that exceed those you can earn in a savings account. However, staking is not without risk. You'll earn rewards in crypto, a volatile asset that can decline in value.

Is staking same as gambling? ›

Gambling is defined as staking something on a contingency — wagering money on something that has an uncertain and potentially negative outcome. However, when trading is considered, gambling takes on a much more complex dynamic than the definition presents.

What is the meaning of staking by? ›

to hold up and support something by fastening it to stakes: Tomato plants should be staked. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Fastening and tying.

Is staking on Coinbase worth it? ›

Earnings: Staking is a good method of generating passive income for investors. User Friendliness: Coinbase's staking service stands out for its user-friendliness, featuring no setup or maintenance fees and a straightforward process for withdrawing funds.

How is staking paid out? ›

So those with just a few coins can earn staking rewards if they work with a crypto exchange or another crypto platform to do so. Rewards can be deposited into your account as they are earned.

Do I get my crypto back after staking? ›

Staking is a way to earn rewards (cryptocurrency) while helping strengthen the security of the blockchain network. You can unstake your crypto at any time, and your crypto is always yours. You can stake from your Coinbase primary balance. Business accounts and funds stored in a vault aren't eligible for rewards.

What is the danger of staking crypto? ›

Liquidity risk: users may not have access to their staked tokens. So users with staked assets cannot sell or withdraw their assets. Slashing risk: the risk that a validator could lose a portion or all of its pledged tokens.

Does your crypto still grow while staking? ›

Though reward structures vary, in return for locking cryptocurrency in an illiquid contract, validators typically receive rewards in proportion to their staked cryptocurrency, and those rewards will generally grow in value if the blockchain successfully scales and becomes more popular.

Is playing Stake illegal? ›

There is no overarching Indian law that prohibits betting on Stake. If you are over 18 and reside in a state that has not banned online gambling, you can legally bet on Stake. During our Stake review, we found the platform also supports deposits and bets in Indian Rupees, making it convenient for Indian bettors.

What is the best crypto to Stake? ›

According to our experts, the best crypto coins to stake include Bitcoin Minetrix (BTCMTX) and TG. Casino (TGC), which may offer impressive returns. Stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and Ethereum (ETH) can also provide relative stability in volatile markets.

Is staking considered income? ›

Generally, staking rewards are taxed as ordinary income. This means that they're taxable as soon as you have “dominion and control” over them, and the amount of income is based on the fair market value at time of receipt.

Can you withdraw staked crypto? ›

Withdrawal availability and unbonding periods are determined by the protocol. You can withdraw your crypto once withdrawals are available and the unbonding period has passed.

Can you sell staked crypto? ›

Staking can require that you lock up your coins for a minimum amount of time. During that period, you're unable to do anything with your staked assets such as selling them. When you want to unstake your crypto, there may be an unstaking period of seven days or longer.

What are the two types of staking? ›

Staking refers to the locking up of cryptocurrency in order to help secure a network and earn rewards. There are two types of staking: staking at the blockchain level, also known as proof of stake, and locking up tokens within a decentralized finance project or crypto platform.

What is the concept of stake? ›

stake noun [C] (SHARE)

a share in something, esp. a financial share in a business, or an emotional investment in something: He holds a 20% stake in the company.

What is the objective of staking? ›

As discussed, the point of crypto staking is to secure and scale blockchains. In that process, participants benefit by earning rewards and passive income, and can sometimes take part in network governance.

What is staking rewards for dummies? ›

Staking crypto involves locking or “vesting” some of your tokens or coins in a designated staking wallet in order to support blockchain operation and security and receive rewards in return. Just like crypto mining, staking is also a method for validating and verifying transactions on the blockchains.

What is staking usually done for? ›

Staking can be done in various ways with a wide range of materials, but when done properly, it helps your garden plants to look their best and facilitate healthy growth. Plants lean, topple or flop over for various reasons: Some plants have weaker stems due to a floppy growth habit, stunted growth or etiolation.

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