What is staking?
Staking means locking your cryptocurrency on a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain to support its operation and security. In return for helping validate transactions and keep the network running, you receive protocol rewards in the same asset you stake, for example, ETH or SOL.
These rewards are variable and depend on blockchain conditions. You lock your assets to support the blockchain’s operations, like validating transactions, and in return, you get rewards in the form of new coins.
On EMCD, staking is integrated into your wallet, so you don’t need to run your own validator or deal with complex on-chain settings.
What should I be aware of when staking?
You can’t sell or transfer your assets while they’re staked, and unstaking requires a 48-hour waiting period before your funds become available
At the moment, staking is available with two cryptocurrencies, a minimum of 0.0002 ETH and 0.001 SOL
Staking rewards vary depending on the cryptocurrency. The current rates are always available in the staking section
How can I start staking?
Go to the staking section in your EMCD account
Select at least 0.0002 ETH or 0.001 SOL in the staking amount field to start
Click Start Staking to confirm the operation
After that, your coins are activated and delegated to the network so they can start working for you
That's it. You’re done!
Note that rewards are automatically credited every 48 hours and are auto-compounded after each payout. You can keep adding more balance into your staking by clicking Top up, Unstake or Withdraw your crypto.
The minimum time your crypto must stay staked is 48 hours. After that, you’ll be able to withdraw your funds, considering network conditions and any potential unbonding delay.
How is staking reward generated?
It depends on the selected network and may vary based on specific protocol conditions, such as the total amount of staked assets.
How do I top up my staking account?
Send cryptocurrency directly from your wallet to the staking platform.
Please note there is a 48-hour activation period while the network registers your funds; you will begin earning rewards immediately after this 48-hour window. We support coins compatible with the selected network, such as Ethereum and SOL.
When are rewards distributed?
Reward distribution happens automatically and reward time depends on the network protocol, for example, it could be every 48 hours for ETH and SOL. You can check the exact schedule on the staking section.
What happens if I make a partial withdrawal?
Your remaining coins will continue staking and generating rewards. A new reward period may start depending on the selected protocol.
Are there any fees for transfers between staking and the wallet?
No, there are no fees. All transfers between staking and your EMCD wallet are free.
Is staking safe?
Staking is generally considered a lower-risk way to support PoS networks, but it still involves blockchain and protocol risks. While EMCD applies enhanced security and operational controls, staking still carries protocol, market and counterparty risks. Returns are not guaranteed, and in adverse scenarios you may lose part or even the entire amount of your staked assets.
Under normal network conditions, your staked balance remains unchanged. However, PoS networks may impose penalties (including slashing) in certain situations outside our control. Please review the risks before staking. It’s also market-neutral, meaning you don’t need the price to go up or down to get rewards in coins, and you avoid the risks of external smart contracts since everything runs on EMCD’s verified internal infrastructure.
We have seven years of incident-free operation, are trusted by 400,000+ users, and offer direct customer support to help our customers with any doubts.
The information provided in this Help Center article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Staking involves risks, including protocol penalties (such as slashing), network delays, market volatility, and technical issues. Rewards are not guaranteed and may vary depending on network conditions.
EMCD is not a financial advisor, broker, or asset manager. Availability of staking features may depend on your jurisdiction. Please ensure that using these services complies with your local regulations and consider consulting an independent professional if needed.
Extra questions on Staking
Do I have to pay taxes on my staking rewards?
In many countries, staking rewards are treated as taxable income or may trigger capital gains when you sell or swap the rewarded coins. Tax rules differ widely between countries. You are responsible for checking your local regulations and, if needed, consulting a qualified tax professional.
EMCD does not automatically withhold tax. It provides you with transaction history and reward records that you can export for reporting.
Are my staking rewards automatically reinvested (compounded)?
Rewards are automatically credited every 48 hours and auto-compounded after each payout. This means your rewards are added to your principal, so future rewards are generated from both your original stake and the accumulated rewards.
Because of this, the APY can change over time even if your staked amount stays the same.
Is there a minimum amount required to start staking?
You can start staking from just 0.0002 ETH and 0.001 SOL, there is no maximum limit.
How long does the unstaking process take (Unbonding period)?
There is only a 48-hour lock period for deposits and withdrawals. This means after you request to unstake, your assets will be available after 48 hours.
Can I trade or withdraw my cryptocurrencies while they are staked?
No, not instantly. While your funds are staked, they are locked and cannot be traded or withdrawn immediately. You must first request to unstake, and after the 48-hour lock period, your funds become available for withdrawal or trading.
What is 'Slashing' and am I at risk?
Slashing is a penalty mechanism in some Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks where a portion of staked assets can be lost if validators misbehave (e.g., go offline or act maliciously).
One risk is the possible slashing of staked funds or rewards. Although it’s unlikely, there is a possibility you could lose your staked funds or rewards in case of a network or validator failure. We’ve taken measures to reduce these risks, but some events are outside our control.