Step-by-Step Guide to Staking Crypto: Earn Rewards While Holding

Crypto Staking Guide

4/19/20243 min read

a pile of gold and silver bitcoins
a pile of gold and silver bitcoins

The world of cryptocurrency offers various ways to potentially earn returns on your digital assets. Staking has emerged as a popular option, allowing you to generate passive income by simply holding your coins. This guide walks you through the process of staking crypto, from choosing the right platform to claiming your rewards.

Understanding Staking: A Core Function of Proof-of-Stake Blockchains

Before diving in, it's essential to grasp the concept of staking. Traditional proof-of-work blockchains, like Bitcoin, rely on miners to validate transactions through complex computations. Proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains, on the other hand, utilize validators who stake their own cryptocurrency holdings to secure the network. By staking your coins, you essentially contribute to the network's security and earn rewards in return.

Choosing Your Staking Platform: Centralised Exchanges vs. Wallets

There are two primary ways to stake crypto:

  • Centralised Exchanges (CEXs): Many cryptocurrency exchanges offer staking services. This is a convenient option for beginners as the exchange handles the technical aspects of staking. However, returns might be lower on centralised platforms compared to other methods.

  • Non-custodial Wallets: These wallets give you complete control over your crypto holdings. You can stake directly on the blockchain through a process called delegation. This method often offers higher rewards but requires more technical expertise.

Step-by-Step Guide: Staking on a Centralised Exchange (CEX)

  1. Choose a Reputable Exchange: Select a well-established crypto exchange that offers staking services for the coin you desire. Research their security features, supported coins, and staking rewards.

  2. Fund Your Account: Transfer the cryptocurrency you wish to stake from your external wallet or purchase it directly on the exchange.

  3. Locate the Staking Option: Navigate to the staking section of the exchange. This might be labeled "Staking," "Earn," or something similar.

  4. Select Your Staking Pool: The exchange might offer various staking pools for different coins with varying lock-up periods (the duration your coins are locked in the staking process) and rewards. Choose a pool that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

  5. Stake Your Crypto: Specify the amount of cryptocurrency you want to stake and confirm the transaction.

Step-by-Step Guide: Staking on a Non-custodial Wallet (Delegation)

  1. Select a Suitable Wallet: Choose a non-custodial wallet that supports staking for your desired cryptocurrency. Popular options include Exodus, Ledger Nano S, and Trezor. Ensure the wallet offers delegation functionality.

  2. Transfer Your Crypto: Transfer the coins you want to stake from your exchange or another wallet to your non-custodial wallet.

  3. Connect to the Blockchain: Use your wallet to connect to the blockchain network of the cryptocurrency you wish to stake.

  4. Choose a Validator: The wallet might display a list of validators on the network. Select a reputable validator with a good uptime (percentage of time they are online) and commission rate (a portion of the rewards they keep).

  5. Delegate Your Stake: Specify the amount you want to stake and delegate your coins to the chosen validator.

Monitoring and Unstaking

  • Track Your Rewards: Most platforms allow you to monitor your staking rewards in real-time or provide periodic updates.

  • Lock-up Periods: Be mindful of the lock-up period associated with your chosen staking pool. You might not be able to withdraw your staked coins during this time.

  • Unstaking: Once the lock-up period ends, you can unstake your coins and claim your rewards. The process typically involves a transaction fee.

Important Considerations Before Staking

  • Research the Coin: Understand the fundamentals of the cryptocurrency you plan to stake and its staking process.

  • Returns and Risks: Staking rewards can vary depending on the chosen platform, coin, and market conditions. Impermanent loss (potential decrease in the value of your underlying assets) is a risk to consider, especially for short-term staking.

  • Security: If using a non-custodial wallet, ensure you properly secure your private keys to avoid losing your staked crypto.

Staking crypto can be a rewarding way to earn passive income on your digital assets. By following these steps, carefully considering the risks involved, and conducting thorough research, you can navigate the staking landscape and potentially make informed staking decisions.

More resources:
Beginner friendly forex videos: Forex Trading For Beginners - Understanding Risk To Reward
Forex Beginner Course: The Forex Trading course i wish I had when i first started trading.
Scalping Course: High return low risk scalping strategy for forex and indices market.
Forex Mentoring: For guidance through the charts Monday to Friday through chart analysis, Q&A's and Team calls.

*Disclaimer: The information contained in this presentation is solely for educational purposes, and does not constitute investment advice. The risks of trading in crypto, securities, Forex, and the futures market can be substantial. You should carefully consider if engaging in such activity is suitable to your own financial situation. The instructor in this video is not responsible for any liabilities arising as a result of your Market involvement or individual trade activities.*