Learn how to stake Aptos (APT) to receive passive rewards.
Aptos Staking
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Rewards
APY
7% 7.2%
Details
Rating
7/10
Reward fee
3-12%
Risk
Low
Unstake period
Max 30 days
By staking APT tokens, users contribute to securing the Aptos blockchain while earning rewards.
Validators play a key role in maintaining the network by validating transactions, proposing blocks, and ensuring consensus. Users who prefer a simpler way to support network security can stake their APT tokens with validators. These users are known as delegators. Delegators earn a share of staking rewards without needing technical expertise. However, a validator commission is deducted from delegator rewards to compensate validators. Aptos validator commissions vary, but typically range between 3% and 12% of delegators' rewards.
Currently, delegator rewards average around 7% APY (excluding validator fees), though rates fluctuate based on network conditions.
Delegator rewards are automatically compounded and distributed in APT tokens at the end of each staking epoch (lasting approximately 2 hours). These rewards are sourced from newly minted APT tokens.
To stake APT tokens, a minimum of approximately 11 APT is required.
When unstaking, there's a variable unstaking period ranging from 0 to 30 days. Staking pools operate on fixed 30-day lockup cycles and staking cycle auto-renews unless the user opts out. User’s funds remain locked until the current cycle ends, meaning if the user unstakes 10 days into a cycle, they'll have to wait 20 more days for unlocking. If users unstake on the final day of the cycle, it allows them immediate access. During unstaking period, unstaked APT tokens continue earning rewards.
On Aptos, the minimum amount you can unstake is 10 APT. After that, you can unstake any amount as long as at least 10 APT remains in the pending unstake balance and 10.01 APT stays in the active stake.
For example, if you stake 100 APT and unstake 10 APT, you can continue unstaking any amount until the validator lockup cycle ends (up to 30 days). Once the cycle resets, the 10 APT minimum unstaking rule applies again.
However, if you stake only 20 APT and try to unstake 10 APT, it won’t be possible because at least 10.01 APT must remain in active staking. In this case, you would have to unstake the full 20 APT instead.
To start, users need a compatible wallet like OKX Wallet or a hardware wallet like Ledger.
This guide will walk you through the process of delegating APT tokens.
Pros & Cons
Why is it worth it?
Higher Returns
Compared to staking in projects with larger market capitalization, APT staking offers relatively higher annual percentage rewards.
No Slashing
Aptos doesn’t currently have slashing implemented. This means APT delegators don’t risk losing their staked funds due to validator misbehavior. However, they may still miss out on rewards if their chosen validator underperforms.
Non-Custodial
Users retain full control of their APT tokens, as they remain securely in their wallets throughout the staking process.
Lower Technical Requirements
Running a validator requires technical expertise, dedicated hardware, and a minimum self-stake of 1,000,000 APT tokens. However, delegation allows users to participate in staking with just 11 APT tokens, making it significantly more accessible.
User-Friendly: Delegating your APT tokens is pretty straightforward. You only need an Aptos compatible wallet, like OKX Wallet, Trust Wallet or similar and some APT tokens in your wallet.
Risks to consider
Market Volatility
The value of APT tokens can fluctuate significantly, which may reduce the real value of your staking rewards. You might have more APT tokens at the end of the year, but they might have a lower value in dollar terms.
Minimum Unstaking Amount
The minimum unstaking amount of 10 APT may not be ideal if you prefer more flexibility with smaller partial unstaking. As mentioned in the review section of this analysis, Aptos requires a minimum of 10 APT for unstaking, meaning you must plan ahead for when and how much you wish to unstake.
Unstaking Waiting Period
When unstaking APT tokens, there is up to 30-day validator-dependent waiting cycle, as described in the review section of this analysis. During this period, the tokens continue to earn staking rewards. Such delays are common in proof-of-stake systems, though exact wait times vary across blockchains. This waiting period may also potentially lead to opportunity costs, as you won’t have immediate access to your funds.