How to stake ETH or SOL on Robinhood to earn rewards
Staking cryptocurrency has become one of the most straightforward ways to earn passive income from your digital assets. When you stake crypto, you help secure a blockchain network and earn rewards in return. Robinhood now makes this process accessible to everyday investors, allowing you to stake Ethereum and Solana with as little as one dollar.
What crypto staking means for you
Crypto staking works like earning interest in a savings account, but with higher potential returns. When you stake your cryptocurrency, you lock it up to help validate transactions on the blockchain network. The network rewards you with additional crypto for this service.
The rewards come from two sources: new cryptocurrency created by the network and transaction fees paid by users. Think of yourself as a participant in the network's security system, and the rewards as your payment for that service.
Unlike traditional savings accounts that might offer 1-2% annual returns, crypto staking often provides much higher yields. However, these returns fluctuate based on network conditions and demand.
Why Ethereum and Solana staking matters
Ethereum and Solana represent two of the most important blockchain networks beyond Bitcoin. Both use a system called Proof of Stake to secure their networks and process transactions.
Ethereum processes the majority of decentralized finance transactions and smart contracts. When you stake Ethereum, you help validate these transactions and earn a share of the network fees. The Ethereum network requires validators to stake 32 ETH (worth roughly $90,000 at current prices), but Robinhood pools smaller amounts together so you can participate with much less.
Solana focuses on high-speed transactions and low fees. It processes thousands of transactions per second, making it popular for applications requiring quick settlements. Staking Solana earns rewards from both transaction fees and newly created tokens.
Both networks offer you exposure to ecosystems with real economic activity, not just speculative trading.
How Robinhood's staking process works
Starting your staking journey on Robinhood requires just a few steps. You need to own either Ethereum or Solana in your Robinhood account first.
Navigate to the coin detail page for the cryptocurrency you want to stake. You'll see an option for "Get started with staking" or "Manage staking" if you've already begun the process.
Select the amount you want to stake. You can enter this as a dollar amount or a specific quantity of cryptocurrency. Robinhood requires a minimum of just one dollar, making staking accessible regardless of your account size.
Review the details carefully before confirming. Pay attention to the estimated annual percentage yield and the bonding period. The bonding period represents the time before your staked crypto starts earning rewards.
Your cryptocurrency enters a "bonding" phase after you submit your staking request. During this time, you cannot sell or trade these assets. The duration varies by cryptocurrency but typically takes a few days.
Understanding bonding and unbonding periods
The bonding period protects network security by ensuring staked assets remain committed for a minimum time. Think of it as a waiting period before you start earning rewards. This prevents people from gaming the system by staking and unstaking rapidly.
Ethereum bonding typically takes longer than Solana due to the different ways each network processes new validators. During bonding, your cryptocurrency is locked but not yet earning rewards.
The unbonding period works similarly when you want to withdraw your staked assets. After requesting to unstake your cryptocurrency, you must wait through an unbonding period before accessing your funds. This delay helps prevent fraud and maintains network stability.
Plan accordingly if you might need quick access to your funds. The combination of bonding and unbonding periods means your cryptocurrency could be inaccessible for extended periods during transitions.
Earning and receiving rewards
Your rewards begin accruing immediately after the bonding period ends. The amount you earn depends on several factors including network conditions, total amount staked across the network, and current protocol rates.
Robinhood displays estimated annual percentage yields, but these rates change frequently. Network conditions, the total amount of cryptocurrency staked by all participants, and protocol updates all influence your actual returns.
For Ethereum staking, you'll earn between 50% to 100% of the protocol rate due to Robinhood's pooling system. This variation reflects how efficiently your stake gets allocated across different validators.
Solana staking rewards come more directly from your proportional share of network rewards. The rate tends to be more consistent day-to-day but still fluctuates with network activity.
Rewards appear in your account automatically. You don't need to claim them manually or take any action beyond keeping your cryptocurrency staked.
Fees and costs you should know
Robinhood charges fees that reduce your staking rewards rather than requiring upfront payments. Currently, a staking partner fee of up to 2.75% applies to your earned rewards.
Starting October 1, 2025, Robinhood will implement additional fees. The combined fee structure will take 25% of your annual percentage yield. This means if you earn 4% annually from staking, you'll pay 1% in fees and keep 3%.
These fees get deducted automatically from your rewards before they reach your account. You'll see your net rewards rather than gross rewards minus fees.
Compare these costs to managing staking independently, which requires technical knowledge and often higher minimum stakes. Robinhood's fees pay for the convenience and accessibility they provide.
Geographic restrictions and eligibility
Robinhood cannot offer staking in all states due to varying regulations. California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin currently prohibit crypto staking through Robinhood.
Tax reporting requirements also affect eligibility. If you're subject to a B-Notice despite filing Form W-9, or if you're a non-US person who filed Form W-8BEN, you cannot access staking services.
These restrictions stem from different state interpretations of securities laws and federal tax compliance requirements. Regulations continue evolving, so availability may expand over time.
Risks you need to consider
Cryptocurrency staking involves several risks beyond normal market volatility. The most immediate risk is liquidity - your staked assets cannot be sold until you complete the unstaking process.
Cryptocurrency prices can change dramatically during bonding and unbonding periods. You might watch profitable selling opportunities pass while your assets remain locked in staking.
Protocol penalties present another risk. If validators misbehave or fail their duties, the network can "slash" or destroy a portion of staked cryptocurrency. While Robinhood manages the technical aspects, this risk still affects your staked assets.
Reward rates can change without notice. Network conditions, protocol updates, or changes in total staked amounts can reduce your expected returns. No guarantee exists that staking will remain profitable.
Technical risks include smart contract failures, network attacks, or protocol bugs. These events are rare but could result in permanent loss of staked assets.
Making the staking decision
Consider staking if you plan to hold Ethereum or Solana long-term anyway. Staking adds income potential to assets you're already committed to holding.
Avoid staking if you might need quick access to these funds. The bonding and unbonding periods make staked cryptocurrency unsuitable as an emergency fund or short-term trading capital.
Start small to understand the process before committing larger amounts. Robinhood's one-dollar minimum lets you experience staking without significant risk.
Monitor your rewards and fees regularly. Keep track of your actual returns versus expectations to make informed decisions about continuing or expanding your staking.
Crypto staking on Robinhood offers an accessible entry point into earning passive income from cryptocurrency. The low minimum requirement and simplified process remove traditional barriers while still providing exposure to legitimate network rewards. Understanding the commitment involved and associated risks helps you make staking decisions that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
FAQs
How can I start staking ETH on Robinhood?
To start staking ETH on Robinhood, first ensure you own Ethereum in your Robinhood account. Navigate to the ETH detail page, select "Get started with staking" or "Manage staking," enter the amount you want to stake, and confirm your selection.
What steps do I need to follow to stake SOL on Robinhood?
The process is similar to ETH staking. Own Solana in your Robinhood account, go to the SOL detail page, choose the staking option, enter your desired stake amount, and confirm the transaction.
What is the minimum amount required to stake ETH or SOL on Robinhood?
Robinhood requires a minimum of just one dollar to start staking either ETH or SOL, making it highly accessible to most investors.
How are rewards calculated for staking ETH and SOL?
ETH staking rewards range from 50% to 100% of the protocol rate due to Robinhood's pooling system. Solana rewards are calculated based on your proportional share of network rewards. Rates fluctuate based on network conditions and total staked amounts.
What happens during the bonding period when I stake crypto?
During the bonding period, your cryptocurrency is locked and cannot be traded or sold. This period typically lasts a few days and must complete before you start earning rewards.
Can I cancel a pending stake request for my crypto on Robinhood?
Once you initiate a stake request and enter the bonding period, you cannot cancel the process until the unbonding period is complete.
How long does it take to unstake my crypto after initiating the process?
The unstaking process includes an unbonding period that varies by cryptocurrency. During this time, your assets remain locked and cannot be accessed.
What are the fees associated with staking on Robinhood?
Robinhood charges a staking partner fee of up to 2.75% on earned rewards. Starting October 1, 2025, the combined fee structure will be 25% of your annual percentage yield.
What should I do if I encounter issues while staking on Robinhood?
Contact Robinhood's customer support for assistance with any staking-related issues. Note that staking services aren't available in all states, so verify your eligibility first.
What is a bonding period and how does it affect my staking rewards?
The bonding period is a security measure that locks your assets before they begin earning rewards. It prevents rapid staking and unstaking, ensuring network stability. No rewards are earned during this period.
