Crypto Staking — Ranking
Staking is a way to earn on the cryptocurrencies you hold without selling them — but, like any form of committing capital, it carries its own risks. Below we explain how staking works, what to watch out for, and which exchanges from our ranking offer the service.
How staking works
Cryptocurrencies based on the proof-of-stake mechanism (such as Ethereum since 2022, Cardano, and Solana) secure the network not through mining, but by having validators lock up (stake) the tokens they hold. People holding smaller amounts of a given cryptocurrency can join this process through an exchange, which pools funds from many users and shares the reward proportionally to the amount contributed — without requiring anyone to run and maintain their own validating node.
Risks of staking
Lock-up period
Some cryptocurrencies and exchanges require funds to be locked for a set period, during which they can't be withdrawn or sold, even if the price drops sharply.
Slashing
A penalty imposed on a validator (and indirectly on those staking through it) for misbehavior on the network, such as node downtime. This applies mainly to direct staking on your own node — when staking through a large exchange, this risk is usually mitigated by the platform itself, though not entirely eliminated.
Platform risk
Funds committed to staking on an exchange depend on that exchange's security and solvency, just like any other funds held there.
Reward variability
The advertised APY is variable, depends on the coin and the exchange, and can change over time along with network demand.
Kraken
Kraken offers staking for many cryptocurrencies with varying fee levels, available on both standard accounts and Kraken Pro. The platform has one of the more extensive staking offerings among major licensed exchanges. Details can be found on the Kraken review page.
Gemini
Gemini offers the Gemini Earn service, letting users earn on assets they hold, including stablecoins, without needing to move funds off the platform — you simply transfer them to an Earn account within the same Gemini account. More information on the Gemini review page.
Frequently asked questions
What is crypto staking?
Staking involves locking up cryptocurrencies that run on a proof-of-stake mechanism to help support the operation of a blockchain network — in return, the user receives rewards, usually paid in the same cryptocurrency. Exchanges such as Kraken or Gemini offer staking without requiring you to run your own network node.
Is staking safe?
Staking carries its own risks, distinct from simply holding cryptocurrency: a lock-up period during which funds can't be withdrawn, the risk of slashing (losing part of the staked funds if a validator misbehaves — this applies mainly to direct staking, and much less often to exchange-based staking), and risk tied to the platform you're staking through.
What are the real returns from staking?
Returns (APY) are variable and depend on the specific cryptocurrency, the exchange, and current network demand — there's no single fixed figure. Rather than basing your decision on an advertised percentage, check the current rate directly on the exchange's site before locking up your funds.