Cardano (ADA) is one of the most prominent cryptocurrencies, consistently ranking among the top ten digital assets by market capitalization. As a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain, Cardano allows holders to earn passive income by staking their ADA tokens. But with so many platforms available, investors often ask: Where to stake Cardano safely and profitably?
This guide explores the best exchanges and wallets for staking ADA in 2025, comparing estimated annual percentage rates (APR), flexibility, security, and user experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced investor, you'll find a staking solution tailored to your needs.
How Does Cardano Staking Work?
Staking Cardano involves delegating your ADA tokens to a staking pool that participates in block validation on the network. You retain full ownership of your coins and can unstake them at any time (after an unbonding period), while earning rewards for helping secure the blockchain.
Rewards are typically distributed every epoch (approximately every five days), and annual yields range from 2% to over 6%, depending on the platform and staking duration.
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Top Platforms to Stake Cardano in 2025
1. Binance – Best Overall for ADA Staking
Binance remains the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and a top choice for staking Cardano. Through its Simple Earn program, users can earn between 0.37% and 3.6% APR on ADA, depending on the lock-up period.
- Flexible & locked staking options
- Low minimum stake: as little as 0.01 ADA
- Daily rewards distribution
- Available globally, including U.S. users via Binance.US (up to 1.30% APY)
Binance also offers low trading fees (0.1% spot), making it cost-effective to buy ADA before staking. Its combination of high liquidity, strong security, and user-friendly interface makes it ideal for both beginners and advanced investors.
2. Kraken – Highest Staking Returns
Kraken stands out for offering some of the highest estimated returns for ADA staking—between 3% and 6% APR—with flexible terms only.
- No fixed-term locks: withdraw anytime after the unbonding period
- Weekly reward payouts
- Regulated platform with strong compliance standards
However, U.S.-based users cannot currently stake ADA on Kraken, limiting access. Additionally, you must use Kraken Pro to access staking features, which may deter less technical users.
Despite these limitations, Kraken’s transparency and competitive yields make it a strong contender for non-U.S. investors.
3. ByBit – Best for Flexible Staking Rewards
ByBit has significantly increased its ADA staking rates, now offering 1.60% APR for flexible staking and 3.30% for 30-day fixed terms—outpacing Binance for short-term commitments.
- No long lock-ups: max 30-day fixed terms
- High reward potential for short durations
- 0% spot trading fees for first 30 days
While ByBit offers excellent rates, it requires a minimum of 60 ADA to stake and has a capped pool size (~350,000 ADA remaining). This makes it less accessible for smaller investors but attractive for those seeking higher yields with moderate commitment.
4. Bitfinex – Best for Flexibility and Soft Staking
Bitfinex supports soft staking, allowing users to trade or withdraw staked assets as collateral without unstaking first.
- Estimated yield: ~4.5% APR
- Full liquidity during staking
- No lock-up periods
However, Bitfinex does not disclose its fee structure, raising transparency concerns. While ideal for traders who want flexibility, it may not suit risk-averse investors prioritizing full control and clarity.
5. Crypto.com – Best Mobile App Experience
Crypto.com offers a seamless staking experience through its popular mobile app, making it perfect for on-the-go investors.
- Flexible staking with no minimum duration
- True on-chain staking: your ADA is secured directly on the blockchain**
- User-friendly interface
Despite these benefits, the APR is relatively low at 2.6%, and Crypto.com takes a 20% commission on staking rewards. This makes it more suitable for users who value app convenience over maximum returns.
6. CEX.IO – Best for UK-Based Investors
With increasing regulatory scrutiny in Europe, CEX.IO stands out as a UK-registered exchange supporting ADA staking—a rare offering post-regulatory changes.
- Flexible staking APR: 2.5%
- Daily reward payouts
- Strong compliance and local registration
While yields are lower than competitors like Binance or ByBit, CEX.IO provides peace of mind for UK residents seeking a regulated, locally compliant platform.
7. KuCoin – Best Fixed-Rate Staking
KuCoin offers multiple staking products, with traditional flexible staking yielding up to 3% APR—one of the highest among non-limited options.
- No minimum staking amount
- Flexible access to funds
- High-yield opportunities
However, KuCoin is unregulated and suffered a major hack in 2020 ($280 million). While it has improved security since, investors should weigh higher returns against potential risks.
Best Wallets for Staking Cardano
For maximum control and security, consider using non-custodial wallets instead of exchanges.
8. Yoroi Wallet – Best Lightweight Wallet
Yoroi is a lightweight browser extension and mobile wallet designed specifically for Cardano.
- Non-custodial: you control your private keys
- Easy delegation to high-performing pools
- Average returns: 3%–3.4%
- 20-day grace period for pool approval
Yoroi doesn’t require downloading the full blockchain, making it fast and accessible even on low-end devices.
👉 Start securing your ADA with decentralized staking tools now.
9. Daedalus Wallet – Best Full-Node Control
Daedalus is a full-node wallet that downloads the entire Cardano blockchain, ensuring maximum security and independence.
- Complete verification of transactions
- Full control over staking pool selection
- Ideal for advanced users
However, it requires 100–200 GB of storage and is only available on desktop. Best suited for long-term holders who prioritize security over convenience.
How to Stake Cardano: Step-by-Step
- Choose a platform (exchange or wallet)
- Create an account and complete verification
- Buy or transfer ADA to your wallet or exchange balance
- Navigate to the staking section
- Select Cardano (ADA) and choose flexible or fixed-term staking
- Enter the amount and confirm your stake
- Start earning rewards, typically paid every few days
Unstaking usually takes 15–25 days due to the unbonding period—a built-in network feature, not a platform restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is staking Cardano safe?
Yes, staking ADA is inherently safe because it occurs on the decentralized blockchain. However, risks exist when using centralized exchanges—if a platform shuts down or gets hacked, your funds could be at risk. For maximum safety, use non-custodial wallets like Yoroi or Daedalus.
Can I stake Cardano on Coinbase?
Yes, Coinbase supports Cardano staking with estimated returns of up to 2% APY. It's one of the few U.S.-compliant platforms offering this feature, making it ideal for American investors seeking regulated access.
What does staking Cardano mean?
Staking Cardano means delegating your ADA tokens to a stake pool that helps validate transactions on the network. In return, you earn rewards—typically between 3% and 6% annually—while maintaining full ownership of your coins.
Do I lose ownership when I stake ADA?
No. Staking does not lock away or transfer ownership of your tokens. You can unstake at any time (after the unbonding period), and your ADA remains in your wallet throughout.
How often are staking rewards paid?
Most platforms distribute rewards every epoch (every five days). Some exchanges pay weekly or monthly, while wallets distribute rewards directly once they’re confirmed on-chain.
Which is better: exchange or wallet staking?
Exchange staking is easier for beginners but comes with counterparty risk. Wallet staking offers full control and enhanced security but requires more technical knowledge. Choose based on your comfort level with self-custody.
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👉 Maximize your ADA earnings with secure staking solutions—explore options now.