Crypto Staking on Exchanges

How crypto staking on exchanges works

Proof-of-stake networks reward participants who lock up coins to help secure the network.

When you stake through an exchange, the exchange or a partner runs the validator, collects the rewards, keeps a share as commission and passes the rest to you.

Rewards are usually paid in the staked coin, so they increase the number of coins you hold, not your euros.

What providers say about crypto staking on exchanges

Several providers state on their own pages that staking is not a regulated crypto-asset service under MiCA.

• Crypto.com (EEA): its staking page states that staking is not regulated under Regulation 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets.
• Northcrypto: its terms state that its staking service is not a fully regulated crypto-asset service under MiCA.

Checked on the providers' own websites on 24 October 2026.

The coins are still held in the provider's custody, where MiCA's custody rules apply, but the staking arrangement itself follows the provider's terms.

Commissions in crypto staking on exchanges

Providers keep part of the rewards, and the share can be large.

From the providers' own pages, checked 24 October 2026; check current terms before staking.

The staking calculator shows the net rate after commission and the effect of a price change.

Lock-ups, penalties and other risks

• Lock-up or unbonding periods: you may not be able to sell staked coins immediately.
• Slashing: some networks penalise validators for faults, which can reduce stakes.
• Provider risk: your staked coins depend on the provider.
• Price risk: a price fall can be much larger than the reward.
• Changing rates: rewards are not fixed.

Checks before crypto staking on exchanges

1. Read the staking terms: who runs the validator, the commission, the lock-up.
2. Check whether the rate shown is before or after commission.
3. Run the staking calculator with a price fall.
4. Consider tax: rewards may be taxable when received in some countries.

Crypto staking on exchanges: questions for the provider

• Is the advertised rate before or after the provider's commission?
• How long does it take to unstake, and can I sell during that time?
• Who runs the validator, the exchange or a partner?
• What happens if the validator is penalised?
• Are staked coins still held in custody under the same terms?
• How are rewards paid and how often?

Crypto staking on exchanges: risks ranked

Crypto staking on exchanges compared with holding

If you were going to hold a proof-of-stake coin anyway, staking can add coins over time, minus the commission.

If you would not otherwise hold the coin, the reward alone is not a good reason to buy it, because the price risk comes with it.

The staking calculator shows how much the price outweighs the reward.

Crypto staking on exchanges and stablecoins

Offers of interest or rewards for simply holding euro or dollar stablecoins deserve particular care.

MiCA prohibits issuers and crypto-asset service providers from granting interest on e-money tokens and asset-referenced tokens, including rewards linked to how long you hold them.

An offer that seems to do this is a reason to read the terms very carefully or to look elsewhere.

Crypto staking on exchanges: before you start

1. Read the staking terms, not just the rate.
2. Start with a small amount to see how rewards and unstaking work.
3. Record rewards for tax purposes.
4. Review the provider's notices for changes to rates or terms.

Crypto staking on exchanges: providers that state they offer it

Checked on each provider's own website on 24 October 2026; other providers may also offer staking that has not yet been verified.

Crypto.com and Northcrypto state on their websites that staking is not a regulated MiCA service, which is important to know before staking with any provider.

Crypto staking on exchanges and the MiCA service list

MiCA lists ten crypto-asset services, such as custody, exchange and transfer services, and staking is not named among them.

The custody of your coins may still be a regulated service, while the staking arrangement itself follows the provider's own terms.

Read how the terms describe ownership of staked coins, the provider's liability and what happens if staking is stopped.

Crypto staking on exchanges: a commission example

Example rates only, without compounding or price changes; check each provider's staking page.

The euro value of the rewards depends on the coin's price, which can fall by more than the rewards add.

Crypto staking on exchanges and taxes

In many EU countries, staking rewards are taxable, and the timing and method depend on national rules.

Record the date, amount and euro value of each reward, because providers' reports may not show everything your tax authority needs.

Crypto staking on exchanges: questions readers ask

Can I unstake at any time? It depends on the coin and the provider; some offer flexible staking, while others have lock-up or unbonding periods.

Are staking rewards guaranteed? No; rates change with the network and the provider's terms.

Does staking change my MiCA protection? Ask the provider, because the staking arrangement may fall outside the regulated services.

Crypto staking on exchanges: flexible and locked staking

General description; each provider defines its own products and terms.

A higher rate for locking coins is payment for giving up the ability to sell, which matters most in a falling market.

Only lock coins you would not need to sell during the whole period, even if prices fell sharply.

Write down the lock-up end date when you stake, so you know exactly when the coins become available again.

Check the provider's terms for what happens if you need the coins earlier.

If the terms are unclear about early access, ask support in writing before staking, and keep the answer.

Frequently asked questions

Written and fact-checked by

CoinTrustRadar.com editorial team

Every figure on this page is checked against the ESMA register, the exchange's own terms and fee pages or another primary source, and the sources are listed above. Editorial policy · How we rate