Cryptocurrency staking may seem like a complex topic for beginners, but in reality, it is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income in the crypto world.
The editors of Crypto-Insite are here to explain the basics of staking in simple terms, discuss its goals and types, and provide useful tips for those just starting out.
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What is Staking and How Does It Work?
Staking (from the English word stake—”share”) is a process in which a user “locks” their cryptocurrency for a certain period to support the operation of a blockchain network. In return, they receive rewards. Simply put, staking is a way to earn passive income by “freezing” cryptocurrency.
Imagine depositing money in a bank: you lend it to the bank, and in return, the bank pays you interest. In staking, the blockchain network replaces the bank, and instead of interest, you earn additional coins.
Also read: Staking vs. Crypto Farming: Which is the Best Way to Earn in 2025?
- Why Does the Network Need Staking? Many modern blockchains, such as Ethereum and Solana, use the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism instead of Proof-of-Work (PoW). Unlike Bitcoin, where mining requires powerful computers, PoS networks rely on users who stake their coins. This helps validate transactions and secure the network against attacks.
- What Do You Get? By “lending” your coins to the network, you earn staking rewards—typically paid in the same cryptocurrency you staked.
Example. You purchase 10 Solana (SOL) coins and stake them. After a year, the network might reward you with an additional 0.5–1 SOL as a staking reward.
Why is Staking Popular in 2025?
- Simplicity. Unlike mining, staking doesn’t require expensive equipment. You only need cryptocurrency and a platform to stake on.
- Passive income. You earn rewards without actively trading or performing complex operations.
- Eco-friendliness. PoS networks consume significantly less energy than mining, making staking a more sustainable choice.
- Market growth. In 2025, more cryptocurrencies are adopting PoS, and new trends like liquid staking make it even more attractive.
Main Types of Staking
For beginners, it’s important to understand that staking comes in different forms. Here are the key types you’ll encounter in 2025:
Traditional Staking
- You lock your coins on a platform or in a wallet for a set period (e.g., 30 days or more).
- While staked, your coins cannot be sold or used.
- Example: Staking Cardano (ADA) in a wallet or on an exchange.
Flexible Staking
- You can unstake your coins anytime, but the rewards are usually lower.
- Suitable for those who want to keep control over their assets.
- Example: Many exchanges, such as Binance, offer flexible staking options.
Liquid Staking
- You stake your coins but receive special tokens (e.g., stETH or JitoSOL) that can be used elsewhere, like in DeFi protocols.
- This means your funds aren’t completely locked—you can earn staking rewards while using them simultaneously.
- Example: Staking Ethereum via Lido.
Restaking
- A new trend in 2025. You stake coins and then use them again to support other networks or projects, earning extra rewards.
- More complex but can be highly profitable.
- Example: Using Ethereum for restaking via EigenLayer.
How to Choose a Staking Platform
When selecting a staking platform, consider the following factors:
- Security and Reputation – Prefer platforms with a strong track record and reliable security measures.
- Yield – Compare staking rewards, but remember that higher returns often come with higher risks.
- Liquidity – Platforms with liquid staking (e.g., Lido, Jito) allow you to use your assets while earning rewards.
- Fees – Watch out for staking and withdrawal fees, especially on exchanges.
What Do You Need to Start Staking?
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- Cryptocurrency – Choose a coin that supports staking. Popular options in 2025 include Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), and stablecoins like USDT or USDC for lower risk.
- Staking Platform – Choose where to stake:
- Crypto exchange – Easy for beginners (Binance, OKX, Bybit).
- Wallet – More control but slightly complex (Trust Wallet, MetaMask).
- Specialized platform – Best for liquid staking (Lido, Jito).
- Minimum Amount – Some platforms require a minimum deposit (e.g., 0.1 ETH), but often, you can start with a small amount.
- Staking Period and APY – Check how long your funds will be locked and the annual percentage yield (APY) you will receive.
Review of Cryptocurrency Staking Platforms in 2025 with Links
Below is an overview of the mentioned staking platforms, listed in order, along with official links. This review is beginner-friendly and includes key characteristics of each platform: type, supported assets, yield (APY), features, and staking approach.
1. Bybit
- Type: Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Supported Assets: Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), USDT, and other popular coins
- Yield (APY): From 1% to 30%, depending on the coin and staking terms (flexible or fixed period)
- Features: Bybit offers Bybit Savings with both flexible and fixed staking options. It is suitable for users who want to start quickly without complex setups. Supports stablecoin staking for a more predictable income.
- Staking Approach: Simplified process through the “Earn” section on the platform, with the option to withdraw anytime for flexible staking.
Read the detailed review of the Bybit crypto exchange.
2. OKX
- Type: Centralized Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Supported Assets: OKX supports over 250 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, SOL, DOT, ADA, and stablecoins
- Yield (APY): From 1% to 20%, depending on the asset and the lock-up period
- Features: The OKX Earn section includes flexible staking, fixed staking, and additional bonuses such as airdrops. It supports Ethereum 2.0 staking with conversion to BETH.
- Staking Approach: User-friendly interface for beginners, with the option to choose the staking period and type through the mobile app or website.
3. Binance
- Type: Centralized cryptocurrency exchange
- Supported assets: Over 22 coins for staking, including ETH, BNB, SOL, ADA, USDT
- Yield (APY): From 1% to 15%, sometimes higher during special promotions
- Features: Binance Earn offers flexible staking (withdrawal anytime) and fixed staking (with higher yield). Binance often runs promotional campaigns with increased rates.
- Staking approach: Simple system through the “Earn” tab, where you can select the asset and duration with a single click.
4. BingX
- Type: Centralized cryptocurrency exchange
- Supported assets: ETH, SOL, BTC (via specific pools), USDT, and several other coins
- Yield (APY): From 1% to 25%, depending on the asset and conditions
- Features: The Wealth Management product includes both flexible and fixed staking periods. BingX is suitable for users who want to combine staking with trading.
- Staking approach: Staking integrated into the overall exchange ecosystem with a focus on simplicity and accessibility.
5. MEXC
- Type: Centralized cryptocurrency exchange
- Supported assets: Over 100 coins, including ETH, SOL, DOT, USDT, and lesser-known tokens
- Yield (APY): From 2% to 20%, varies by asset and terms
- Features: The MEXC Savings section offers both flexible and fixed staking. It frequently adds new coins for staking, attracting users seeking variety.
- Staking approach: Simple system through the exchange interface, with a focus on regular pool updates.
6. Trust Wallet
- Type: Decentralized cryptocurrency wallet
- Supported assets: ETH, SOL, ADA, BNB, TRX, and other PoS coins
- Yield (APY): From 3% to 20%, depends on the network and selected validator
- Features: Trust Wallet users have full control over their private keys. Staking occurs directly through the wallet, with blockchain networks integrated for staking.
- Staking approach: Requires basic knowledge of selecting validators, but the process is simplified through the built-in interface.
Read a detailed review of the Trust Wallet.
7. Lido Finance
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Type: Specialized decentralized platform for liquid staking
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Supported assets: Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Solana (SOL), and other networksYield (APY): Around 2.8%-7%, depending on the network
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Features: Users stake coins and receive liquid tokens (e.g., stETH) that can be used in DeFi.
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Lido is a leader in liquid staking with a high TVL (over $25 billion).
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Staking approach: Decentralized process via wallet connection (e.g., MetaMask), with a focus on flexibility.
8. Marinade
- Type: Specialized decentralized platform for liquid staking
- Supported assets: Solana (SOL)
- Yield (APY): Around 9%-10%
- Features: Marinade users stake SOL and receive mSOL, which can be used in DeFi protocols. Over 1.4 billion SOL staked, making it popular within the Solana ecosystem.
- Staking approach: Simple connection via wallet, focused on Solana users.
9. AAVE
- Type: Decentralized DeFi protocol
- Supported assets: ETH, USDT, USDC, DAI, and other tokens supported in liquidity pools
- Yield (APY): From 1% to 10%, depending on supply and demand in the pools
- Features: Staking in AAVE involves providing liquidity and participating in protocol governance (staking AAVE tokens). Rewards are paid out in AAVE tokens.
- Staking approach: Requires wallet connection and interaction with liquidity pools via the platform’s interface.
10. Compound Finance
- Type: Decentralized DeFi protocol
- Supported assets: ETH, USDC, DAI, WBTC, and other major tokens
- Yield (APY): From 1% to 8%, varying depending on market conditions
- Features: Staking in Compound Finance involves providing assets to liquidity pools. Users can earn interest and sometimes COMP tokens as rewards.
- Staking approach: Decentralized process via wallet, focusing on passive income from lending.
Advantages and Risks of Staking
Advantages:
- Easy start: No technical skills required.
- Income: From 1% to 20% per year, depending on the coin and platform.
- Flexibility: Options available for those who want to withdraw funds quickly.
Risks of Staking:
- Coin price may drop: If the price of your cryptocurrency falls, staking income may not cover the losses.
- Lock-up period: In traditional staking, you cannot sell coins if the market begins to fall.
- Security: If using an exchange, there is a risk of hacking. If using a wallet, there is a risk of losing access to the keys.
- Slashing: In rare cases, the network may “penalize” you (reduce part of your coins) if something goes wrong (e.g., the platform is malfunctioning).
Tips for Beginners:
- Start small: Try staking a small amount to understand the process.
- Choose reliable platforms: Look for those with a good reputation and many users (e.g., Binance or Lido).
- Study the conditions: Find out if there is a minimum amount, fees, and how often the income is paid out.
- Diversify: Don’t put all your funds in one coin or platform.
- Monitor the market: Even if you’re staking, the coin price can significantly impact your result.
- Try flexible staking: This is less risky since you can withdraw your funds at any time.
Trends in Staking in 2025:
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Liquid Staking: Allows using staked assets in DeFi while maintaining liquidity (e.g., Lido, Jito).
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Restaking: Reusing assets to increase income (e.g., EigenLayer).
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Stablecoin Staking: A safe way to earn with minimal risk (e.g., Ethena).
Also read: Step-by-Step Guide to Cryptocurrency for Beginners: Instructions with Examples and Explanations
Popular Cryptocurrencies for Staking in 2025:
- Ethereum (ETH): A reliable choice with returns up to 30% annually when using liquid staking (e.g., through Lido).
- Cardano (ADA): An eco-friendly network with returns of 3-5%, popular among long-term investors.
- Solana (SOL): A fast-growing network with high returns, especially through platforms like Jito and Marinade.
FAQ
Why do some platforms offer higher percentages than others?
The profitability (percentages) depends on how the platform uses your coins and the network itself. For example, exchanges like OKX can offer up to 20% per year because they not only stake your coins in the network but also lend them out or add them to liquidity pools, earning more. Lido offers 2.8%-7% on Ethereum because it’s directly linked to Ethereum’s base network yield, which is stable but lower. Marinade on Solana can give up to 10% because the Solana network itself offers good rates, and the platform adds liquidity.
For beginners, this means: higher percentages (15%-20%) are often associated with additional risks — the platform might lose money on its operations. Lower percentages (3%-5%) are usually safer, especially if it’s a well-known platform like Binance. Choose according to what matters more: earning more or taking fewer risks.
For beginners, this means: higher percentages (15%-20%) are often associated with additional risks — the platform might lose money on its operations. Lower percentages (3%-5%) are usually safer, especially if it’s a well-known platform like Binance. Choose according to what matters more: earning more or taking fewer risks.
Do I need to constantly monitor staking?
No, staking is a passive income, and after setting it up, you don’t need to do much. On exchanges (like Binance or Bybit), you simply choose the coin (say, USDT), the term (flexible or 30 days), and start the process — income is credited automatically every day, week, or month, depending on the platform. In Trust Wallet, rewards come according to the network’s schedule: for Solana, every 2-3 days, for Cardano, every 5 days. On Lido, income is continuously credited in the form of stETH tokens.
The only thing to monitor is the coin’s price. If you staked 1 SOL at $200 and it dropped to $100, your income (say, 0.05 SOL) may not cover the loss. But this doesn’t require daily attention — just check once a week or month via the app. For beginners, it’s convenient: set it and forget it.
The only thing to monitor is the coin’s price. If you staked 1 SOL at $200 and it dropped to $100, your income (say, 0.05 SOL) may not cover the loss. But this doesn’t require daily attention — just check once a week or month via the app. For beginners, it’s convenient: set it and forget it.
What are stablecoins, and why are they recommended for beginners?
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that always cost around $1 (like USDT, USDC, DAI). They don’t fluctuate in price like regular coins (Ethereum might drop from $3000 to $2000 in a week) because they are pegged to real money. They are recommended for beginners because they are a safe way to try staking without the stress of volatility.
For example: you placed 100 USDT on OKX with a 3% yearly yield. After a year, you’ll have 103 USDT — exactly $103, no surprises. On Binance, you can stake 50 USDT with a 2% yield and earn $1 profit. This won’t make you a millionaire, but it helps you understand the process and feel more confident before moving on to riskier coins like SOL or ETH.
For example: you placed 100 USDT on OKX with a 3% yearly yield. After a year, you’ll have 103 USDT — exactly $103, no surprises. On Binance, you can stake 50 USDT with a 2% yield and earn $1 profit. This won’t make you a millionaire, but it helps you understand the process and feel more confident before moving on to riskier coins like SOL or ETH.
Can I stake without a computer?
Yes, staking is fully accessible from your phone, and it’s no harder than ordering food through an app. All major platforms have mobile versions: Binance, OKX, Bybit — download from the App Store or Google Play, sign up, buy coins (e.g., $10 SOL), and stake through the “Earn” section. Trust Wallet is just an app where you transfer coins and choose staking right from the screen. Even for Lido or AAVE, you can install the MetaMask wallet on your phone, connect to the site through the browser, and stake ETH in 5-10 minutes.
All you need is a phone and internet. For beginners, this is a plus: no need to figure out the tech, and app interfaces are simple, often with tips in Russian.
All you need is a phone and internet. For beginners, this is a plus: no need to figure out the tech, and app interfaces are simple, often with tips in Russian.
What happens if I forget about my staked coins?
If you forget about your staking, your coins won’t disappear, but there are nuances. On exchanges like MEXC or BingX, income will be credited automatically until you decide to withdraw the money or the staking period ends (for fixed terms). For example, you staked 10 USDT for a year — after a year, you’ll log in and see 10.3 USDT. In Trust Wallet, rewards also accumulate (for Solana, every 3 days), but if the validator you chose stops working, accruals might stop — in that case, you need to log in and change it (which takes 5 minutes).
The key is not to lose access: either the exchange password or the wallet recovery phrase (12-24 words). If you lose them, the coins will be lost forever. A tip for beginners: write down your details on paper and keep them in a safe place.
The key is not to lose access: either the exchange password or the wallet recovery phrase (12-24 words). If you lose them, the coins will be lost forever. A tip for beginners: write down your details on paper and keep them in a safe place.
Why is staking considered an eco-friendly way to earn?
Staking works in Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks like Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano, where powerful computers aren’t needed, unlike Bitcoin mining. Mining (Proof-of-Work) requires massive amounts of energy — imagine thousands of computers running 24/7, like a small power plant. Staking simply “freezes” your coins in the network so it can verify transactions, and it uses minimal electricity — like charging a phone.
For beginners, this is not just about ecology but also convenience: you don’t need to buy equipment or pay for electricity. You simply use your phone or a website (e.g., Binance), and everything works on its own.
For beginners, this is not just about ecology but also convenience: you don’t need to buy equipment or pay for electricity. You simply use your phone or a website (e.g., Binance), and everything works on its own.
Can I stake coins that I got for free?
Yes, if they are coins from PoS networks (Ethereum, Solana, Cardano). Sometimes projects distribute tokens for free (this is called an airdrop) — for example, you received 1 SOL ($200) for participating in a campaign. You can stake it on Marinade with a 10% yield and after a year receive 0.1 SOL ($20 at the same price). Or on Binance with 5% — that’s 0.05 SOL ($10).
For beginners, this is a rare stroke of luck: you invested nothing, but you’re already earning. However, such giveaways are rare, and you usually need to search for them on social media (like X) or on project websites.
How do I know how much I’ve really earned?
Staking income is shown in coins, and to convert it into money, you need to know the current price. On exchanges (Binance, Bybit), the “Earn” section shows how much has been credited: for example, 0.01 ETH. If ETH is worth $3000, that’s $30 of income. In Trust Wallet, you open the staking tab — it shows how much SOL or ADA has been added (for example, 0.05 SOL at $200 — that’s $10). On Lido, you receive stETH, and its value can be checked on the site or in the wallet.
Example: you staked 100 SOL at $200 ($20,000) with 5% on Binance. After a year, you received 5 SOL. If SOL rose to $250, that’s $1250 income (5 × 250). If it dropped to $150, it’s $750. A tip for beginners: download an app with prices (like CoinMarketCap) and check it once a month.
Example: you staked 100 SOL at $200 ($20,000) with 5% on Binance. After a year, you received 5 SOL. If SOL rose to $250, that’s $1250 income (5 × 250). If it dropped to $150, it’s $750. A tip for beginners: download an app with prices (like CoinMarketCap) and check it once a month.
Why do platforms charge commissions, and are they high?
Commissions are the fee platforms charge for doing the staking for you: managing coins, paying validators, ensuring security. On exchanges (Bybit, OKX), it’s usually 0.1%-1% of the income — for example, with $10 profit, you’ll pay 1-10 cents, almost unnoticeable. Lido and Marinade take 10% of the rewards: if the network gave 1 ETH ($3000), you’ll receive 0.9 ETH ($2700). In Trust Wallet, there’s no commission, but you pay the network “gas” — for example, 0.01 SOL ($2) for activation.
For beginner traders with small amounts ($20-$50), this isn’t a problem: with $1 profit, the commission might be just 10 cents. The larger the stake, the more noticeable the fees, but they’re justified by the convenience.
For beginner traders with small amounts ($20-$50), this isn’t a problem: with $1 profit, the commission might be just 10 cents. The larger the stake, the more noticeable the fees, but they’re justified by the convenience.
What if I don’t want to risk large amounts of money?
Start with minimal investments to simply try it out. For example, buy 10 USDT ($10) and stake it on Binance with 2% — after a year, that’s 20 cents of profit, but you’ll understand how it works. Or 0.1 SOL ($20) on Marinade with 10% — that’s $2 profit in a year. Even $5 on MEXC with 3% gives 15 cents, but you’ll learn the process.
It’s like a test drive: you don’t lose significant amounts, but you learn how to stake, withdraw, and calculate earnings. Once you’re comfortable, you can add more — for example, $100 for noticeable results. The key rule to remember is — don’t invest what you can’t afford to lose.
It’s like a test drive: you don’t lose significant amounts, but you learn how to stake, withdraw, and calculate earnings. Once you’re comfortable, you can add more — for example, $100 for noticeable results. The key rule to remember is — don’t invest what you can’t afford to lose.
