What does crypto staking mean?

Crypto staking is the process of holding funds in a cryptocurrency wallet to support the operations of a blockchain network. Essentially, it is a way to earn interest in your digital assets; the more you stake, the more you earn.

When you stake your coins, you are locking them away in a wallet for a set period of time. In return for your commitment, you will earn interest on your investment.

So, how exactly does crypto staking work? What does staking mean? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Staking in Crypto? 

In the world of cryptocurrency, staking is one of the best ways to support a blockchain network and confirm transactions. It allows you to earn interest while helping to maintain a blockchain's security and health. By staking your coins, you are essentially becoming a shareholder in that particular network. 

The most common way to stake coins is by running a full node, which requires you to download the entire blockchain and keep it updated. This can be a resource-intensive process – some people make it their full-time gig – but it rewards you with the highest potential return. 

Another option is to use a custodial service. The service will pool your coins with other users and run the node on your behalf; it’s a more hands-off approach, but comes with the trade-off of lower potential returns. 

Regardless of which method you choose, the goal is to help keep the network secure and running smoothly. In return for your efforts, you may be rewarded with newly minted coins, transaction fees, and/or interest payments. 

The number of rewards you earn will depend on a number of factors: the specific coin you are staking, the number of coins you are staking, and the length of time you stake those coins for.

Recommended: Is Crypto Staking Profitable?

What are some benefits of crypto staking?

Crypto staking is designed with plenty of incentives so that the blockchain can be maintained and secured consistently by stakers. That means you can expect certain benefits from staking coins, such as: 

Increased security 

Stakes are typically required to lock up their coins for a specific period, reducing the chances of a 51% attack – so you can help secure the blockchain network by becoming a staker.

Improved decentralization

Staking can help to improve decentralization as it encourages more people to participate in the network. This is because stakers are typically required to have a minimum amount of coins to participate, which can help prevent centralization. 

Passive income stream

Investors that stake coins earn rewards for holding onto their coins; it’s a great way to earn additional income without having to put in too much effort. 

Increased stability 

You can help improve a blockchain network's stability with crypto staking. This crypto trading technique helps to lock up coins and prevent them from being sold on the market, which in turn reduces volatility and makes the network more stable. 

Overall, crypto staking can offer a number of benefits to both investors and the blockchain networks themselves. Having said that, like every investment option, there are certain risks involved. Crypto staking, as a trading technique, isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. If you're looking for a way to make the process easier, consider checking out some of the staking bots our automated trading app has to offer. Curious about how this works? Download the BOTS app and invest the smart way with our automated crypto trading strategies!

What are some risks of Crypto Staking? 

While there is no doubt that staking can be a lucrative way to earn rewards on your cryptocurrency holdings, there are also a number of risks to be aware of before deciding to take the plunge: 

Security Risks

In staking, your funds are usually held offline in what is known as a “cold wallet” to minimize the risk of being hacked or stolen. However, even cold wallets are not immune to attack, so you should always do your research to find platforms with a good reputation that will confidently protect your funds. 

Inflation Risk

Staking crypto essentially means locking up your funds for a set period. If the price of the cryptocurrency you are staking goes up during that time, you will miss out on potential profits. Conversely, if the price goes down, you will be stuck with a loss. 

Liquidity Risk  

There is always the risk that you will not be able to sell your crypto when you want to (if there aren’t enough buyers in the market, for instance). This risk is amplified when staking, as you are typically locked into your position for a set time. 

Opportunity Cost

Finally, be aware of the “what if” scenario. What if you had staked your crypto in a different project that ended up being more successful? What if you had simply held onto your crypto and sold it when the price went up? These are all potential opportunity costs that you need to weigh up before deciding to stake your crypto. 

Our Closing Thoughts on Crypto Staking

Staking is an excellent way to make passive income while contributing to your own and others’ financial security. Be sure to do your research and choose the network that is right for you.

Cryptocurrencies are intangible, illiquid, and uninsured, this is something that you must always remain aware of. While it is important to be aware of the risks involved, crypto staking can be a great way to earn rewards on your crypto holdings – and the risks can be somewhat mitigated with the right knowledge and diligence on your behalf.

It’s important to note that cryptocurrencies are volatile, so you should always do your own research or consult with a financial advisor. Even the most seasoned stakers make crucial errors at times; it never hurts to ask for help or advice.

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Disclaimer: 

This blog is for educational purposes only. The information we offer does not constitute investment advice. Please always do your own research before investing. 

Any views expressed in this blog and by BOTS do not constitute a recommendation that any particular cryptocurrency (or cryptocurrency token/asset/index), portfolio of cryptocurrencies, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. 

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