Crypto trading is one of the popular methods of making money in the crypto space. Investors can get huge returns in a short time by taking advantage of the volatility in the crypto market. However, crypto trading also comes with its share of risks. Trading is not the only way to earn money with crypto. Users can stake crypto tokens and earn rewards for holding their crypto coins on many blockchain platforms. This article will define crypto staking, how to stake crypto coins, and if it is worth the hype.
How does staking crypto work?
Block validation is closely linked to crypto staking. Users who own crypto assets on a proof-of-stake blockchain can begin staking immediately.
Users’ assets are locked for a specified time when they stake their crypto assets. Users can help keep the network secure by validating new transactions on the blockchain network.
Users can earn tokens from the network upon executing block validation. Earning crypto tokens through validation is known as staking rewards. Crypto staking is a unique way to earn income and is less risky than crypto trading.
What is proof of stake?
A transaction is added to a block on the blockchain when a crypto transaction occurs. It is vital to make sure that every transaction within a block is legitimate. Block validation is simply a process of verifying transactions. This process is known as achieving consensus. Blockchain users must come to an agreement on which transactions are legitimate.
The proof-of-stake system is a way of achieving consensus in a blockchain. The blockchains that enable users to stake their tokens are based on the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. In this consensus method, users are required to stake their tokens to qualify for block validation.
Users selected to validate a block can earn rewards by performing their tasks honestly. Users can have their staked tokens deducted if they add illegitimate transactions or act maliciously on the blockchain network. This system of reward and punishment makes the proof-of-stake mechanism secure.
Unlike Bitcoin, the proof-of-stake mechanism does not require special hardware to validate on the blockchain. This feature makes it energy efficient and allows the blockchain network to carry out more transactions per second.
Benefits of staking crypto
Easy to start staking
Users do not need special hardware to stake their tokens unlike in crypto mining. Users need to set up a wallet and add their crypto assets. Users can start staking crypto after their wallet is linked to the relevant blockchain platform.
Earn income
Users who stake for rewards can earn a passive income without the hassle of trading and following the market daily. The payouts are added to wallets automatically once they have successfully staked their tokens. Users can earn between 5% and 20 % in return every year.
Environment friendly
Staking for crypto is not an energy-intensive process. Blockchains that use proof-of-stake systems provide the benefits of crypto transactions without affecting the environment.
Support blockchains
The process of staking can help secure the blockchain. Engaging in the validation process enables users to support the blockchain network. This process also ensures greater decentralization and validator availability.
Risks of staking crypto
Volatile markets
If the price of the crypto asset that a user is staking falls quickly, then the loss in value can be more than the interest users earn on it.
Vesting period
The vesting period of staked assets can last for weeks or months. Users cannot transfer or sell these tokens during this period. Staking is a longer commitment than users holding the crypto asset.
Delegation
Based on the staked amount, networks allow a fixed number of validators. Users who do not have enough staked tokens can delegate them to a validator. However, these validators can have malicious intentions and have their crypto tokens deducted. In such cases, users can lose their staked crypto assets.
How are staking rewards calculated?
Staking rewards vary in each blockchain network, and many factors and rules determine these rewards. Some networks offer a fixed percentage of holdings as rewards. Other networks are based on various factors, such as:
- Staking duration
- Amount staked
- The inflation rate of the network
- Network fees
Before staking your crypto asset, you must do your due diligence.
Is staking crypto safe?
The debate is around the question: is crypto staking safe? It is usually safe when users stake tokens in reputed blockchain networks. Users must also ensure that their wallet is linked only to trusted sources.
Users must be prepared for crypto market volatility. Crypto assets can give high returns, but there are also risks associated with these assets. You do not tie up all your life savings in risky investments in the same way it is not a good idea to stake everything you own.
Conclusions
Staking builds on the concept of savings accounts. Users can earn rewards by holding crypto tokens and participating in securing the blockchain network. Staking is not an energy-intensive process, making it an environmentally friendly method to achieve consensus. However, users must do their due diligence and research the staking policies of their blockchain platform.
You can know more about the latest news in Crypto on ZebPay blogs.
