Earn yield on what
you already hold.

Staking is locking your tokens with a validator that helps secure a blockchain. The network pays you newly minted tokens as a reward — similar to interest on a savings account, except the rate is set by the protocol, not a bank. You don't hand over the tokens; they stay in your wallet.

Realistic yields run from about 3% to 15% per year, depending on the chain. Ethereum sits around 3–4%, Solana around 6–7%, Cosmos chains often run 10–15%. Higher rates usually go with higher inflation, so the 'real' return after dilution is closer than the headline numbers suggest. The calculator on this site projects your numbers on any specific token.

Reasonably so, with two named risks: slashing (the network can shrink your balance if your validator misbehaves — rare with reputable operators) and lock-up (most chains enforce an unbonding period of days to weeks during which you can't sell). The bigger risk most newcomers miss is picking a sketchy validator; the leaderboards on this site rank only active, performant ones.

Pick the one whose token you already hold or want to hold long-term. Staking is not a way to acquire a new asset cheaply; it's a way to earn yield on something you've decided to own. If you want safety + liquidity, Ethereum LSTs (Lido, Rocket Pool) are the most liquid. If you want higher rates and don't mind the lock-up, Cosmos and Polkadot pay more.

No. Most chains let you stake any amount, even a fraction of a token. The exception is Ethereum solo-staking which requires 32 ETH — but Lido or Rocket Pool let you stake any amount of ETH and receive a tradeable token. The only real floor is transaction-fee economics: don't stake five dollars of a token whose transaction costs two dollars.

In most jurisdictions, yes. Rewards are usually treated as taxable income at the moment you receive them, with capital gains owed when you sell. Rules vary by country and change frequently. Your accountant is the source of truth; we just project the gross rewards.