ADA
Layer 1 Blockchains

How to Stake Cardano (ADA)

Proof of Stake (Ouroboros) · Guide last checked September 23, 2026

Go to official site → Opens Cardano's official website in a new tab. Always check the address bar before connecting any wallet.
Live price
Live price & 30-day chart via the CoinGecko public API, fetched directly in your browser — not affiliated with or endorsed by Cardano.
Consensus
Proof of Stake (Ouroboros)
Staking method
Delegate to a validator
Category
Layer 1 Blockchains
Custody
Self-custody via official wallet

What is Cardano?

Cardano is a research-driven Proof of Stake blockchain built around the Ouroboros consensus protocol. Delegating ADA to a stake pool does not lock your funds — you can move or spend your ADA at any time while still earning rewards.

How to stake ADA

  1. Get an official wallet that supports Cardano — the link on this page goes to Cardano's official site, which lists supported wallets.
  2. Transfer or hold your ADA in that wallet. On most networks this keeps you in full control of your coins.
  3. From the wallet's staking or delegation screen, research and choose a validator (see our guide on choosing a validator).
  4. Confirm the delegation transaction. Rewards typically begin accruing automatically after a short activation period.
  5. Monitor your validator's performance periodically, and remember any unbonding period that applies if you later want to undelegate.

StakeRadar is an informational guide only. We don't process transactions, hold funds, or connect to wallets. Use the "Go to official site" button above (or a provider below) to reach a real, official destination and complete staking there, in your own wallet.

Unbonding & lock-up

No lock-up: delegated ADA stays liquid and spendable at all times, and rewards are paid out roughly every 5 days (epoch).

Staking providers for ADA

Independent, third-party operators that run validator infrastructure across many Proof of Stake networks, Cardano included. StakeRadar does not receive live rate data from these providers — always compare current terms on each provider's own site before choosing one. Listing here is not an endorsement or ranking.

P2P.org Institutional & retail
Large multi-chain validator operator running infrastructure across dozens of Proof of Stake networks.
Stake ADA with P2P.org →
Figment Institutional-grade
One of the longest-running staking infrastructure providers, widely used by exchanges and custodians.
Stake ADA with Figment →
Chorus One Multi-chain validator
Independent validator operator active on a large number of Proof of Stake networks since 2018.
Stake ADA with Chorus One →
Everstake Non-custodial
Multi-chain staking provider offering both non-custodial delegation and managed staking options.
Stake ADA with Everstake →
Kiln Institutional infrastructure
White-label and API-based staking infrastructure aimed at exchanges, wallets, and institutions.
Stake ADA with Kiln →
Allnodes Node hosting & staking
Non-custodial node hosting and staking dashboard supporting a wide range of networks.
Stake ADA with Allnodes →
InfStones Enterprise infrastructure
Blockchain infrastructure and staking provider serving enterprise and institutional clients.
Stake ADA with InfStones →
Blockdaemon Institutional-grade
Institutional blockchain infrastructure company offering staking across many networks.
Stake ADA with Blockdaemon →
Stakin Multi-chain validator
Independent, multi-chain validator operator focused on institutional and retail delegators.
Stake ADA with Stakin →

Frequently asked questions

Is staking ADA safe?

Staking Cardano carries the general risks common to all staking — market price risk, and depending on the network and method, slashing, lock-up, smart-contract, or counterparty risk. It is not risk-free. Read our staking risks guide before you start.

What's the minimum amount of ADA needed to stake?

Minimums vary by method: delegating from a personal wallet often has no minimum or a very small one, while running your own validator (where relevant) usually requires a much larger amount. Check the official Cardano site for the current requirement.

How long does it take to unstake ADA?

No lock-up: delegated ADA stays liquid and spendable at all times, and rewards are paid out roughly every 5 days (epoch).

Ready to stake Cardano?

Go to official Cardano site →

More Layer 1 Blockchains tokens

Educational information only — not financial advice. StakeRadar never asks you to connect a wallet or share a private key or seed phrase.