Staking crypto, also known as "staking," is a way to earn rewards for holding and validating transactions on a blockchain network. Here's what staking does:
- Earn Rewards: Staking allows you to earn additional cryptocurrency as a reward for validating transactions and contributing to the security of the network. This is done through a consensus mechanism called Proof of Stake (PoS), which is used by many cryptocurrencies.
- Secure the Network: By staking your coins, you become a validator, helping to ensure the security of the blockchain by verifying and adding new blocks to the chain. This process is similar to mining in the Proof of Work (PoW) mechanism used by Bitcoin, but it is more energy-efficient and scalable.
- Participate in the Network: Staking enables you to actively participate in the blockchain network, helping to maintain its integrity and earn rewards for your contribution. This can be done through a wallet or by delegating your stake to a validator or staking pool.
- Risk and Rewards: Staking comes with risks, such as the potential to lose your stake if you act maliciously or validate invalid transactions. However, the rewards can be significant, with staking rewards varying from 5% to 20% annually for some cryptocurrencies1.
In summary, staking crypto allows you to earn rewards, secure the network, and participate actively in the blockchain ecosystem, but it also involves risks that should be carefully considered before engaging in staking activities.