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Staking Overview

Put your crypto to work! With Bitcoin IRA, you can stake your crypto holdings and potentially earn rewards—all while supporting blockchain networks that use proof-of-stake validation. When you stake, you help secure the network, and in return, you may receive rewards distributed directly to your Bitcoin IRA account.

To participate in staking you must meet eligibility requirements. You can stake or unstake your crypto anytime through the asset details page in your account. Start staking today and unlock the potential of your crypto holdings.


Frequently Asked Questions

How does staking work?

Staking involves committing your cryptocurrency to help secure and operate a blockchain network that uses a Proof of Stake (PoS) system. When you stake, your crypto is temporarily “locked” as collateral, which helps ensure validators act honestly when verifying transactions and maintaining the network.  

In return for supporting the network, you can earn staking rewards. These rewards are typically a small percentage of additional cryptocurrency, paid out in the same type of coin you originally staked (e.g., staking ETH earns rewards in ETH). Rewards are usually distributed at regular intervals and can vary depending on the network’s rules, performance, and total participation. 

Do I maintain ownership of my staked crypto?

Yes, your IRA will retain ownership of your crypto assets during the staking process. However, when you stake assets, you will not be able to trade or liquidate your staked assets unless they are first unstaked. Additionally, some blockchain networks may also impose lock-up periods, unbonding delays, or penalties that may affect when or how you can access your staked crypto.

How are reward values determined?

Staking rewards are governed by each blockchain’s protocol. The rate of rewards depends on the amount you stake, network participation levels, and the protocol’s specific rules. Reward rates and eligibility differ by network and are not determined or controlled by BitcoinIRA.

How are rewards paid out?

Staking rewards accumulate based on the rules of each blockchain network and are credited to your Bitcoin IRA account on a monthly basis, minus the service provider and custodian fees.

Where can I see my staking rewards?

You can track your staking rewards on your account dashboard through the asset details and transaction history.

Does staking involve waiting periods?

Yes, staking involves protocol-defined waiting periods for earning rewards and unstaking assets.

Each blockchain network has its own rules:

  • A bonding period is typically required before your staked crypto begins earning rewards.

  • When you request to unstake, an unbonding period may be required before your crypto becomes available for trading.

  • Some networks continue to pay rewards during the unbonding period, while others do not.

Bonding and unbonding periods are determined by the respective blockchain protocols. Additionally, Bitcoin IRA’s fulfillment period may affect when your crypto becomes accessible.

What factors can affect staking waiting periods?

Waiting periods are part of the staking process and can apply when you first stake (bonding) or when you request to unstake (unbonding). These timeframes are determined by each blockchain’s protocol but can vary in practice due to several factors:

  • Network congestion: When many participants stake or unstake at once, network queues can form and extend processing times.

  • Validator performance: If a validator experiences downtime, penalties, or performance issues, rewards or withdrawals may be delayed.

  • Protocol updates or governance changes: Blockchain networks may modify bonding or unbonding parameters during upgrades or community votes.

  • Fulfillment processing: Bitcoin IRA’s fulfillment process may add time to staking and unstaking. Fulfillment processing applies before bonding your stake and after unbonding your stake.

  • Earning wait time: After your stake has been added to the blockchain, it may still require additional time to validate and calculate rewards. This is considered the earning wait time.

Because of these variables, waiting periods are estimates and may differ from the ranges shown in asset tables. For example, during periods of high network activity (such as recent congestion on Ethereum), unbonding times may take significantly longer than usual before assets become available.

How is Staking APY determined?

Bitcoin IRA uses data from a third-party provider, Staking Rewards. The staking APY shown on the Bitcoin IRA platform is an estimate of potential rewards based on recent network performance. The APY may not include Staking Provider or Custodian Fees but it can give you an idea of what you might earn. However, rewards vary by asset, are not guaranteed, and can fluctuate based on network protocols

What are some of the risks of staking?

  • Staking rewards are not guaranteed and may vary based on asset and network protocols.

  • Staked assets cannot be traded until the unstaking process is complete.

  • Unstaking periods vary by asset and are determined by the blockchain protocol, affecting how long it takes to regain access to your assets.

  • Unstaking times may be delayed due to protocol-imposed lockup periods or network conditions.

  • Staking involves risks, including the potential for validator failure, network disruptions, or protocol changes, which could impact your assets or reduce rewards.

What are the terms for staking?

The terms of staking are outlined within our Staking Disclosures.

What fees are associated with staking?

There are two fees, Custodian and Staking Provider fees. The fees are deducted from your staking rewards before the rewards are credited to your account.


Eligible Assets

You can find a list of eligible assets below.

Asset

Staking minimum

Staking
Wait time*

Payout
Frequency

Unstaking
Wait time*

Ethereum (ETH)

1 ETH

Varies

Monthly

Varies

Sui (SUI)

1 SUI

Up to 8 days

Monthly

Up to 8 days

Solana (SOL)

8 SOL

Up to 10 days

Monthly

Up to 10 days

Cardano
(ADA)

2500 ADA

Up to 17 days

Monthly

1-7 days

Polkadot (DOT)

2500 DOT

Up to 7 days

Monthly

Up to 35 days

* Wait times shown above are estimates. Actual times may vary depending on the fulfillment period, network conditions, validator performance, and are subject to change.


Important Considerations

Clients should be aware that staking involves risks, including potential loss of principal, and is not suitable for all investors. Clients are encouraged to speak with a CPA, Investment, or Tax Advisor to see if staking is right for them.  Staking rewards are not guaranteed. Estimated APYs are subject to change based on network conditions, fees, and compounding frequency. Eligible assets may vary at the custodian’s discretion. Staked assets are subject to the terms of BitcoinIRA, the custodian, and applicable blockchain protocols.

Still Need Help?
Contact Support: support@bitcoinira.com
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 6AM-5PM PST
Response times may vary. Inquiries are typically addressed within 24 hours.

We always recommend speaking with a financial advisor and/or tax professional, as it is crucial for making informed decisions that are in compliance with current regulations, and tailored to your specific financial situation. This document is for informational use only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments and IRA regulations are complex and can change. It's essential to conduct your own research and consult professional advisors before making any financial decisions related to cryptocurrency in an IRA.

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