Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for decentralized applications (dApps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other crypto-native projects.
By Corey Barchat
Published on Aug 1, 2025
Last modified on Aug 26, 2025
Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for decentralized applications (dApps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other crypto-native projects.
Solana's high throughput, low latency, and relatively cheap transaction fees have helped it to stand out among a crowded field of Ethereum competitors.
As a Proof-of-Stake blockchain, Solana also offers users the opportunity to earn passive rewards via staking. But what is staking and how do you do it on Solana?
In this guide, we examine Solana's staking mechanism, its benefits and risks, and how you can start staking Solana (SOL) today.
Solana staking refers to the process of participating in the Solana network's consensus mechanism by locking up SOL tokens as collateral. Validator nodes secure the network by validating transactions and producing new blocks, using delegated tokens to earn staking rewards.
Solana uses a combination of Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of History (PoH) to achieve consensus efficiently and securely. Solana's unique Proof of History consensus method is a cryptographic technique that provides a verifiable record of time to improve the efficiency and scalability of the blockchain, which is able to process up to thousands of transactions per second.
Staking on the Solana blockchain (and most Proof-of-Stake networks) can be performed independently as a validator, or via delegation:
Both types of participants earn rewards in the form of additional SOL tokens for their contributions to the network, with delegators receiving a share of the validators' reward.
There are many staking services that offer various options to stake Solana tokens, catering to different preferences and risk appetites. Some of these include decentralized exchanges (DEXs), crypto wallets, and dedicated staking platforms.
You can use Solana blockchain explorers like Solscan, Solana Beach, or the Solana Explorer to view staking activity on the entire Solana network, as well as for individual wallet addresses.
While never guaranteed, staking Solana can provide some distinct advantages for those who participate in its consensus process. Here are a few:
Staking SOL tokens can provide a way to earn passive rewards for participating in Solana network consensus. Staking rewards can be earned by staking independently as a validator node, or through delegated tokens.
By staking SOL tokens, individuals contribute to the security and decentralization of the Solana blockchain, enhancing its resilience against attacks and censorship.
Staked SOL tokens remain partially liquid, allowing participants to unstake and transfer them at any time, subject to the network's unstaking period. However, this period can take up to several days, during which tokens will be unavailable for users to send or trade.
While Solana staking presents an opportunity for earning rewards, it's necessary to be aware of potential risks:
While Solana's consensus mechanism is designed to be secure, no system is immune to potential vulnerabilities or attacks. Users should employ best security practices while managing cryptocurrency assets, whether they use a custodial or non-custodial platform to stake SOL.
There is a unique risk of loss associated with staking, in the form of slashing penalties for validators who fail to perform their duties properly. This could include malicious behavior, approving false or incorrect transactions, and excessive downtime between transaction validation.
Participants should consider the regulatory and tax implications of staking SOL tokens in their jurisdiction to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Like any cryptocurrency, the value of SOL tokens can fluctuate due to factors like market volatility and macroeconomic factors. If the price of SOL decreases while your tokens are staked, you may experience a reduction in the value of your investment when the time comes to unstake.
When you stake SOL tokens, they are typically locked up for a predetermined period, during which you cannot access or transfer them. If you need liquidity or want to sell your tokens during this lockup period, you may face limitations or additional penalties for early unstaking. Furthermore, the Solana network has been known to periodically experience significant downtime, which could further delay access to staked tokens.
Instead, users are turning to liquid staking, a more versatile form of staking that allows holders to use liquid staking tokens (LST) in DeFi while they accrue rewards normally.
Here are some things to keep in mind to decide whether staking SOL may be right for you:
There are three primary methods for staking Solana: independent staking, custodial staking, and non-custodial staking. Let's take a closer look at each:
Independent staking allows you to stake SOL assets directly as a validator node, without relying on a third party.
This method provides full control over your staked tokens and ensures greater decentralization of the Solana blockchain.
Custodial wallet staking involves staking SOL tokens through a third-party custodial service or exchange.
While it may be more convenient, delegating via custodial services requires entrusting your tokens to the third party custodian, which may pose security and decentralization concerns.
Non-custodial wallet staking enables you to stake SOL tokens through a non-custodial wallet or decentralized finance (DeFi) platform.
This method of delegating offers a balance of convenience and control, allowing you to stake your tokens while retaining ownership of your private keys.
No matter which method you choose to stake SOL, there are some additional criteria to consider:
Now that you know a bit more about how staking Solana works, you may wish to experience it firsthand.
There are many wallets and platforms that allow staking, but for the sake of this guide, we will show you how to stake Solana by delegating tokens to a validator node in the Phantom mobile wallet.
Acquire Solana tokens through a cryptocurrency exchange or other crypto on-ramp. Phantom conveniently has integration with MoonPay to buy SOL directly in the app.
Pro tip: MoonPay allows you to buy SOL in minutes using fiat currency, through payment methods like credit/debit cards and bank transfers.
Decide whether to stake independently or delegate your tokens to a validator. For this example, we will choose to delegate to a validator in the Phantom app.
To do so, select "Start earning SOL" by clicking on the Solana token in your wallet.
Select a reputable validator with a track record of high performance and reliability. Most staking platforms will allow you to view metrics like total staked SOL, as well as the expected earning rewards.
Note: Although you may be inclined to trust the validators listed in your chosen staking platform, you should perform additional research on the selected validator before delegating tokens.
Follow the instructions provided by your chosen staking service to delegate your SOL tokens for staking.
Before confirming the staking transaction, make sure that the quantity of staked SOL is correct, and that you have enough SOL in your wallet to cover any transaction fees.
In addition, double check the name of the validator to ensure that you have selected the correct one to delegate your SOL tokens.
Keep track of your staked tokens, rewards earned, and any relevant updates or announcements from the Solana network.
Note: Your staking account may not activate right away. You may need to check back in your wallet after a few days to confirm that the stake account is active.
Once your stake account is activated, your staked SOL will continue to earn rewards in the form of more Solana tokens.
When you decide that you'd like to unstake your tokens, click "Unstake" in your wallet. It may take up to several days once you request to do so, though some staking platforms might take even longer.
Note: In the Phantom wallet, you'll need to withdraw SOL from your staking account first, in order to receive the tokens back in the wallet you staked from.
While you can stake Solana on many non-custodial wallet applications, did you know that MoonPay also offers a handy SOL staking tool in the MoonPay app?
Just follow these simple instructions to start staking Solana for passive rewards today.
If you haven't already, head to your app store on your iPhone or Android device and search for "MoonPay" in the App Store or Google Play Store.
After downloading the MoonPay app, you can either create an account or sign in to an existing one. If it's your first time using MoonPay, you may be asked to complete some identity verification and KYC steps. If you're a returning user, simply sign in.
On the Portfolio tab, you can view your existing crypto wallets, as well as the default Solana staking pot that's been created for you. Click "My Pot" to view the empty staking pot.
On the next screen, you'll see more details about staking on MoonPay, including potential earning rates and delivery times. When you're ready, click "Add" to start staking Solana on MoonPay.
Choose the amount of Solana you want to stake on MoonPay. The minimum amount is $10, and you can view your current Solana wallet balance at the top of the screen for reference. Swipe the bar at the bottom of the screen to confirm your staking amount.
That's it! You will passively receive Solana staking rewards every epoch (~2 days), and you can view the current staking APY and your total rewards at any time. To withdraw your stake simply click the Withdraw button on the My Pot screen.
If you ever get stuck, you can learn more about the staking process in the Learn tab. Feel free to also reach out to our Support team 24/7 if you have a question about your staking transactions.
For more information, you can read our staking support docs.
If you want to review your staking history, click the Activity tab and then click the Solana icon. This page will display all of your Solana activity on MoonPay, including staking.
Rewards are distributed regularly, typically every epoch (approximately 2-3 days), depending on network conditions and protocol parameters.
Participants should always be aware of the associated risks and take appropriate precautions to protect their assets, especially when considering staking SOL. Staking carries unique risks to other methods of managing cryptocurrency.
The staking rewards earned from Solana will never guarantee profitability. Staking rewards depend on various factors, including network participation, market dynamics, and the current staking rate.
Yes, there are many non-custodial crypto wallets that allow staking. Some of them include:
Note: Users should perform their own research and due diligence before selecting a crypto wallet or SOL staking service.
Staking rewards are typically distributed directly to the staking wallet or account used for staking.
Solana has a dynamic unstaking period, which varies based on network conditions and can range from a few hours to several days. However, the exact time will depend on the service used, and may take even longer.
Theoretically you could stake Solana in perpetuity. However, it's recommended to regularly check your stake account to ensure that it is functioning properly. Additionally, some platforms and wallets have been known to phase out staking services, so it's worth checking in every so often.
In addition to Solana (SOL), there are many Proof-of-Stake cryptocurrencies are available for staking. Some other tokens you can stake include:
Solana staking offers the potential to earn passive rewards while supporting a high-performance blockchain network. By staking SOL, individuals contribute to the security and decentralization of the Solana network while potentially benefiting from earning more Solana tokens.
However, staking involves risks that participants should carefully consider before getting started. With the right knowledge, tools, and precautions, staking Solana can be a potentially rewarding experience for crypto users.
Whether you wish to use Solana for staking, DeFi, NFTs, or if you just want to "HODL", you'll need to acquire SOL first.
MoonPay makes it easy to buy Solana (SOL) with a credit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and many other payment methods. Just enter the amount of Solana (SOL) you wish to purchase and follow the steps to complete your order.
Want another way to access Solana tokens for staking? If you own USDC (SOL) in the MoonPay app, you'll be ready to trade for SOL in seconds and start staking today.
