Stake on Polkadot
Staking DOT natively provides the function of securing the network and allows you to collect DOT tokens for your help. Get started easily with just 1 DOT.
Start Staking*The historical rewards rate is not indicative of future rewards, as the network conditions that affect rewards payouts are constantly in flux.
Why stake on Polkadot?
Earn competitive rewards for supporting the most energy-efficient blockchain technology. Polkadot’s staking system is built for maximum security, decentralization, and fair representation. Help build the future of Web3 and get started with just 1 DOT.
Stake your own DOT.
Collect your own rewards.
Stake like a pro, directly on the network. Staking natively rather than via third party services keeps the network secure and decentralized by cutting out the middleman. Put your DOT to work and keep your own voting power.
Paulo Martins
Nomination pools are a game changer for the staking system on Polkadot.
How it works
Polkadot is based on groundbreaking Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS) technology. A decentralized network of validators is selected by nominators to secure Polkadot’s entire multichain ecosystem. Block rewards are shared between validators and nominators.
Where to stake DOT
Stake natively on Polkadot
- Fully trustless & decentralized
- Full control
- Best option for network security
- Keep your voting power
- Low minimum of 1 DOT
- Easy with the Staking Dashboard
Non-Custodial Wallets
- Low trust assumptions
- Good for network security if wallet lets you select your own validators or join a native pool
- If nomination pools are not implemented, a minimum staking amount applies
Liquid Staking /
Third-Party Pools
- Medium trust assumptions as you might have to transfer your keys
- May face additional risks from third-party tokens
- Stake any amount with flexible unbond for a fee and liquidity using third-party token
- Bad for network security and decentralization
Custodial
Exchanges
- High trust assumptions
- Stake any amount
- Lowest returns for short-term staking
- Higher rewards for longer lock-in period, but high penalty for unbonding before the term ends
- Bad for network security and decentralization
Ilhan Gnossienli
Nomination pools are a unique feature on Polkadot and are generally not implemented in other blockchains. On-chain registration of the process is novel and being able to delegate a minimum of 1 DOT is very inclusive.
How to stake on Polkadot
4 ways to stake natively:
Joining a nomination pool
Have less DOT or don’t want to manage your own nominations? Join a nomination pool with as little as 1 DOT. Pool members split rewards and penalties proportionally.
Nominating directly
Nominators select trustworthy validators and earn rewards in return. Nominators can lose a portion of their staked DOT if a chosen validator misbehaves.
Opening a nomination pool
Confident in your ability to select trustworthy validators? Open your own nomination pool and allow others to join and pool their stake. Build a community and reputation as an expert nominator.
Running a validator
Validating is for more technical users who secure the network and produce blocks on the Relay Chain. Validators are rewarded for good behavior, and can lose DOT for bad behavior.
Introducing the new
Staking Dashboard
Get the best staking experience with the new user-friendly web app — your one-stop hub to manage all your nominations, join pools, and optimize your rewards.
Go to DashboardRobert Dörzbach
The new staking dashboard is seamless to operate so that it empowers any token holder to contribute to the security and maintenance of the network - irrespective of technical knowledge.
Set up your DOT account
You’ll need your wallet and some DOT to interact with Polkadot and start staking
1. Choose a wallet*
Non-custodial wallets are recommended. With non-custodial wallets, only you have access to your private keys, but you’re also responsible for keeping a safe backup.
* This list does not constitute an endorsement and is not exhaustive of all wallet options available. Always do your own research before choosing a wallet. The list includes non-custodial wallets funded by the Polkadot or Kusama treasuries that support native staking, and other non-custodial Polkadot wallets that have integrated the Polkadot Staking Dashboard, or are integrated by the Polkadot Staking Dashboard. If your wallet fulfills these criteria and is not listed here, contact support@polkadot.network
** Polkawallet has not integrated nomination pool functionality
2. Create your account
Each Polkadot account you create is associated with a secret seed phrase. This phrase gives access to your account, so write it down and keep it safe offline where nobody can access it. Each account can be used on multiple networks within the Polkadot ecosystem at the same time (ex: Kusama network and ecosystem parachains). Usually, you can create accounts from within your wallet.
Use your wallet to create a Polkadot account. Make sure to back up your seed phrase and keep it safe.
3. Top up your account
You can get DOT tokens at a cryptocurrency exchange or within select wallets. You should always do your own research when selecting a reputable cryptocurrency exchange. For best security, it is not recommended to leave your tokens on an exchange, but transfer them to your non-custodial or cold/hardware wallet after procuring them.
You need to add DOT tokens to your account to interact with Polkadot and start staking.
Dive deeper and get updates
Learn all the details of how staking works in the Polkadot Wiki. Follow the Staking Updates for the latest developments on Polkadot’s staking system. Subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest Polkadot news.