All terms
Locking tokens to help secure a proof of stake network, earning rewards.
Staking commits your tokens to back a validator. In return you earn a share of issuance and fees, typically a few percent a year depending on the chain.
Rewards are not free money. You take on lockup periods, slashing risk if your validator misbehaves, and the underlying price risk of the asset itself.
Liquid staking gives you a tradeable token representing your stake, so your capital is not stuck.
That staked tokens are safe because they are locked. Locked means you cannot sell during a fall, and the price risk is unchanged. Add unbonding periods and slashing and the real question is what you are giving up, not only what you earn.
Common questions
Can I lose money staking?
Do I need 32 ETH to stake on Ethereum?
Where this comes up on the site
The guides that actually use this word, rather than a list of everything we have written.
Where to go next
More technology terms
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