Start Staking & Earn Crypto Rewards

What is Staking?

Staking crypto is the process of actively participating in transaction validation on a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain.

On these blockchains, anyone with a minimum-required balance of a specific cryptocurrency can validate transactions and earn staking rewards.

In simple terms: Staking is a way of earning rewards by holding cryptocurrencies, similar to depositing funds in a savings account.

Just as you earn interest by keeping your money in a bank, you earn rewards in the form of additional coins by holding and "locking" your cryptocurrency in a digital wallet to support the operations of a blockchain network.

The more you stake, the higher your chances of being chosen as a validator and earning rewards. Staking not only helps secure the network but also offers a way for holders to generate passive income from their cryptocurrency investments.

How Does Staking Work?

Staking in cryptocurrency operates on a proof-of-stake (PoS) model, a method that allows network participants to secure the blockchain by holding and locking their tokens as a form of "stake."

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the staking process:

1. Token Holding: To participate in staking, you first need to own and hold a certain amount of the cryptocurrency that uses the PoS mechanism. This amount varies by network.
2. Wallet Locking: Once you have the required amount of tokens, you "stake" them by locking the tokens in a cryptocurrency wallet that supports staking. This action signals your willingness to participate in network validation.
3. Validation Role: In a PoS blockchain, validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they have staked and other criteria set by the network. If chosen, these validators are responsible for verifying transactions, creating new blocks, and maintaining the network's security.
4. Earning Rewards: As compensation for their contribution to the network’s security and operations, validators receive staking rewards. These rewards are typically in the form of additional cryptocurrency tokens.

The staking process emphasizes economic stake in the network as a deterrent against dishonest behavior. Validators have a financial incentive to maintain network integrity, as any actions harmful to the network could devalue their staked tokens.

How Staking Rewards are Calculated

Staking rewards in cryptocurrency are calculated based on several factors, designed to incentivize participants to support network operations and security. The exact formula can vary between different blockchain networks, but generally, staking rewards are determined by the following key factors:

1. Amount Staked: The quantity of cryptocurrency you stake is a primary factor. More tokens staked typically mean higher potential rewards, as it indicates a greater contribution to network security.
2. Staking Duration: The length of time you commit to staking your tokens can influence your rewards. Longer staking periods may offer higher rewards to compensate for the liquidity you're sacrificing.
3. Network Participation: The total number of participants staking their tokens and the overall amount of tokens staked across the network affect individual reward rates. Higher network participation can dilute individual rewards.
4. Inflation Rate: Some networks issue new tokens as staking rewards, contributing to inflation. The network's inflation rate can affect the value of staking rewards.
5. Validator Performance: Rewards may also depend on a validator's efficiency and reliability in processing transactions and maintaining the network. Poor performance can lead to reduced rewards.

Calculation Example

Imagine a network that offers an annual reward rate of 5% for staking its tokens. If you stake 1,000 tokens for a year, your staking reward would be:

Annual Reward = Amount Staked × Reward Rate

Annual Reward = 1,000 tokens × 5% = 50 tokens

This example simplifies the calculation, and actual rewards may vary based on network-specific conditions and the factors mentioned above.

Benefits of Staking

Staking cryptocurrencies allows individuals to earn passive income through rewards, similar to earning interest, while contributing to the blockchain's security and efficiency.

Unlike energy-intensive mining, staking is environmentally friendly and often has a lower barrier to entry, making it accessible to more users.

Additionally, it offers the chance to participate in governance decisions of the network and can help stabilize asset holdings against market volatility by encouraging longer-term holding.

Custodial vs Non-Custodial Staking

In the realm of cryptocurrency staking, the distinction between custodial and non-custodial staking revolves around the control and management of the digital assets being staked. Here’s a straightforward comparison:

Custodial Staking:

• In custodial staking, a third party, such as a cryptocurrency exchange or a staking pool, holds and manages your digital assets on your behalf.
• This method is user-friendly, especially for beginners, as it simplifies the staking process and offloads the responsibility of managing the staked assets to the custodian.
• However, it requires trust in the third party to securely manage and return your assets, increasing the risk of asset loss through hacks or mismanagement.

Non-Custodial Staking:

• Non-custodial staking allows individuals to stake their cryptocurrencies directly from their own wallets, maintaining full control over their assets.
• This method appeals to those who wish to retain complete custody of their digital assets, offering increased security and autonomy.
• It demands a higher level of technical knowledge and involvement in the staking process, as individuals are responsible for their own staking decisions and actions.

Key Differences:

• Control: Custodial staking requires trusting a third party with your assets, while non-custodial staking keeps control in your hands.
• Security: Non-custodial staking is generally considered more secure, as it reduces the risk of losing assets through third-party breaches.
• Ease of Use: Custodial staking offers a more straightforward, less technical pathway to staking, making it accessible to a broader audience.

How to Choose the Right Crypto Staking Platform

Choosing the right staking platform is all about maximizing your staking rewards while minimizing risks. Some important factors to look at include:

1. Reputation and Reliability: Research the platform's history and user reviews to gauge its trustworthiness and operational stability. A reputable platform with a track record of reliability and transparent operations is fundamental.
2. Supported Cryptocurrencies: Ensure the platform supports the cryptocurrencies you're interested in staking. Diversity in supported assets can offer more flexibility and opportunities for earning rewards.
3. Reward Rates and Fees: Compare the reward rates and any associated fees. Higher reward rates are attractive, but it's important to consider any fees that could reduce your net earnings.
4. Custody: Decide if you prefer custodial or non-custodial staking. Custodial platforms manage your keys and assets, offering convenience at the cost of control. Non-custodial options let you retain full control of your assets.

How to Start Staking with Coinage x DAIC

1. Pick a cryptocurrency from the overview above
2. Connect your wallet
3. Chose the amount you want to stake
4. Hit Stake - Done