What is Staking?

Staking is the process of participating in the Cardano network's consensus mechanism by delegating your ADA to a stake pool. In return for helping to secure the network, you earn rewards in ADA.

How It Works

Cardano uses a proof-of-stake system where the right to create new blocks is proportional to the amount of ADA staked. When you delegate your ADA to a stake pool:

  • Your ADA remains in your wallet at all times (non-custodial)
  • The pool uses your stake weight to increase its chances of being selected to produce blocks
  • When the pool produces blocks, rewards are distributed proportionally to all delegators
  • You can spend or move your ADA at any time — there's no lock-up period

Key Benefits

Passive Income

Earn approximately 3% APY on your ADA holdings simply by delegating to a stake pool. Rewards are automatically added to your staked balance and compound over time.

Non-Custodial

Unlike other staking systems, your ADA never leaves your wallet when you delegate on Cardano. You maintain full control of your funds at all times.

No Lock-Up Period

You can spend, transfer, or re-delegate your ADA at any time. There's no unbonding period or penalties for changing pools.

Network Security

By staking, you're contributing to the security and decentralization of the Cardano network. More distributed stake means a more resilient network.

What You Need

  • A compatible wallet (Daedalus, Eternl, Lace, or Vespr)
  • ADA in your wallet (any amount can be staked)
  • A small deposit (~2 ADA) which is refundable when you stop staking

Getting Started

Ready to start earning rewards? Learn how the staking process works or how to choose a stake pool.

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