How To Stake Cryptocurrency

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Here's a quick guide on how you can begin staking your crypto:

1. Compare staking platforms and wallets. Find and compare cryptocurrency trading platforms, decentralized apps or wallets. The easiest way is through a centralized staking platform that is easy to use.
2. Create an account and deposit tokens. Sign-up with the platform and transfer cryptocurrency to the wallet. The platform can also be used to buy staking coins directly with fiat currency.
3. Select a coin and begin staking. Navigate to the Earn section and browse the available staking assets. Select a coin, review the estimated APY and click on ‘stake now' to begin.

What Is Crypto Staking?

Cryptocurrency staking involves delegating Proof-of-Stake tokens in a smart contract on the blockchain. These staked assets are then used to validate transactions on the network. During the staking period, users do not have access to their staked cryptocurrencies. Staking rewards are distributed to each participant based on their contribution. For more information on what staking means and how rewards are calculated, read this article.

What Are The Best Cryptocurrencies To Stake?

Staking can be a great way to earn passive income on investments in particular in a rising market. But with over 190 staking coins available, picking the best coins to stake can be a challenging task. Choosing a coin to stake should take into account the estimated reward (APY), the total staked amount and the percentage of eligible tokens staked. The account network inflation of the supply can reduce the reward value over time and is often not represented by staking platforms and wallets.

Where To Stake Cryptocurrency

Staking cryptocurrency is a way to earn a passive yield on existing assets. The most common method is to use a centralized staking platform or supported wallet. Examples of the best-rated staking platforms based on Hedge With Crypto's reviews are listed below.

EXCHANGE	CRYPTO ASSETS	TRADING FEES	RATING	PROMOTION	WEBSITE	REVIEW
Binance	385	0.1% (spot) and 0.02% / 0.04% (Futures)	Rating We provide an overall weighted average rating out of 5 stars. Our ratings are based on objective criteria like the ease of use, fees, deposit methods, customer support and availability. Our reviews are not influenced by 3rd parties. Click here for further information about our rating methodology and a full list of categories we review against. 4.8 / 5	Up to $100 welcome bonus	Visit Binance	Binance Review
ByBit	331 (608 trading pairs)	0% (spot), 0.06% / 0.01% (futures)	Rating We provide an overall weighted average rating out of 5 stars. Our ratings are based on objective criteria like the ease of use, fees, deposit methods, customer support and availability. Our reviews are not influenced by 3rd parties. Click here for further information about our rating methodology and a full list of categories we review against. 4.8 / 5	0% trading fees for 30 days (spot only)	Visit ByBit	ByBit Review
Kraken	222	0.16% (maker) and 0.26% (taker)	Rating We provide an overall weighted average rating out of 5 stars. Our ratings are based on objective criteria like the ease of use, fees, deposit methods, customer support and availability. Our reviews are not influenced by 3rd parties. Click here for further information about our rating methodology and a full list of categories we review against. 4.8 / 5	None available at this time	Visit Kraken	Kraken Review
eToro	79	1%	Rating We provide an overall weighted average rating out of 5 stars. Our ratings are based on objective criteria like the ease of use, fees, deposit methods, customer support and availability. Our reviews are not influenced by 3rd parties. Click here for further information about our rating methodology and a full list of categories we review against. 4.7 / 5	None available at this time	Visit eToro Cryptocurrency is offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk, and content is provided for educational purposes only, does not imply a recommendation, and is not a guarantee of future performance. [website domain name] is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB.	eToro Review

Different Ways To Stake Crypto

There are a lot of different ways to stake cryptocurrency. Users can stake via a wallet, directly on a decentralized app, through downloadable software or via an exchange. The most convenient and easiest staking method is to use a cryptocurrency exchange or staking platform. These providers usually provide a direct fiat-to-crypto gateway which means the users do not need to transfer their crypto to another platform to begin staking.

The pros and cons of each method are described below.

1. Cryptocurrency staking platform

Staking via a leading crypto exchange is likely the easiest option for crypto newcomers. It is by far the most convenient method, as many will already have accounts funded with coins that can be staked. It requires minimal technical know-how and is at less risk of hacks or bugs than decentralized protocols. Exchanges tend to have low staking minimums and holding periods.

There are a couple of downsides with this method though. Firstly, reward rates may be a little lower than alternatives as the exchange is doing all the work on behalf of the user. Additionally, several exchanges act as a validator themselves or don’t let the customer choose an individual validator. Some people may prefer the flexibility of being able to select a specific validator that fits their investment goals.

2. Decentralized exchange (DEX)

Users can choose to stake with a decentralized exchange like PancakeSwap. These protocols often have much higher reward rates than CEXs, and let their customers select an individual validator. Staking is often combined with liquidity provision for the best rewards, but requires a greater investment and can be confusing. Additionally, DEXs are unregulated, more susceptible to hacks and unprotected by insurance funds the way many centralized alternatives are.

3. Staking wallets

Staking with a wallet is a good alternative. It is only a little more complex than staking via a crypto exchange, although some wallets are more intuitive than others. There are two additional steps to staking on a wallet that can make it a bit more overwhelming to newcomers. Firstly, the individual will need a solid grasp of how to transfer cryptocurrency. Additionally, they will be required to select a validator.

Choosing a validator can be a bit intimidating. If going down this route, ensure that the validator has never had any slashing offenses, has high uptime, low commission and a high number of crypto already staked. Also, certain wallets are integrated with blockchains to allow direct staking. The advantage of directly staking on a network will vary, but it is generally a requirement for voting on relevant governance proposals. Examples of some of the best crypto wallets that support staking include Trustwallet, Exodus wallet, Guarda wallet and Ledger Nano X.

How To Stake Cryptocurrency – Complete Guide

1. Compare staking platforms and wallets

For individuals to begin staking crypto, one of the ways is to use the same exchange they purchased their assets with assuming it supports staking. They will be comfortable with the exchange’s design and likely already have performed due diligence on its features and other relevant criteria.

Cryptocurrency staking platforms will offer good staking rewards, no commissions or fees and a wide selection of staking coins. For this guide, we will be using Kraken as an example. This is not intended to be a specific endorsement of Kraken, and it is important to look at an exchange’s unique features, fees, rewards rates and available coins before deciding which platform to use.

2. Create an account and deposit tokens

The first step is to register an account with the chosen staking platform. Accounts can be opened for most exchanges via the homepage. For Kraken, navigate to the website and select “Get Started”. If an account is already registered and loaded up with assets for staking, skip to step 3.

Most platforms will require new customers to provide an email address and mobile number. Input any relevant data and then verify the account by clicking any links provided via email or mobile.

The next step on the staking journey is to ensure the account is funded with relevant cryptocurrency. While some may already be holding coins, not every exchange supports staking for every cryptocurrency. It is integral to double-check the exchange supports staking, and which assets can be staked before making any financial decisions.

When funding a staking account, there are two main ways to go about it – buy coins such as Ethereum or Solana with fiat currency, or, transfer already-owned cryptocurrency to the exchange’s wallet.

Choose a supported deposit method (this will vary based on region) to fund the account with a fiat currency like USD or EUR. Kraken, and other popular exchanges, also support “instant purchases” with debit/credit cards, which allows customers to purchase assets without needing to transfer money from a bank account first.

Select an asset that can be staked on the platform and then click “Buy/Sell”. Input the amount of cryptocurrency to purchase and confirm the transaction. The assets should hit the account within a few minutes. Alternatively, those who already own crypto on a different exchange or in a non-custodial wallet can transfer their funds. This process can usually be completed within the exchange’s native multi-token wallet.

When using Kraken, navigate to the “Funding” tab to access the wallet. From here, select “Deposit” and choose the cryptocurrency to be transferred. Click on “Generate new address” to receive a unique address that can receive the staking coin. Input this address into the third-party wallet and confirm the amount of crypto to be transferred.

3. Select a coin and begin staking

Now that the exchange account has crypto, it’s time to begin staking. Most platforms will have an “earnings hub” where the assets available for staking will be listed. Alternatively, some platforms will allow users to stake directly from their wallets by simply clicking “Stake/Earn” on held assets. Kraken users will need to navigate to the “Earn” tab to view the supported coins.

From here, select the “Stake” option to the right of the relevant asset, underneath the “Actions” heading. For example, to stake Polkadot, find it in the asset list and then input the amount of DOT to be staked. This can be less than an entire asset holding, although certain currencies may have a minimum amount that can be staked.

Confirm the transaction, and that’s it! Within minutes, the cryptocurrency will be staked and passively earning income. The user will be able to check the estimated reward % daily including the rewards earned, balance and total staking value on the platform.

Frequently Asked Questions