Jasmine Birtles
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Ethereum staking has been gaining attention as one of the ways crypto holders can earn passive income. But what exactly is it, and why is it attracting both excitement and caution?
Staking Ethereum means locking up your ETH in the network to help secure the blockchain and validate transactions. In return, you earn rewards, similar to earning interest on a savings account. The benefits include earning a potential return on your holdings and supporting the Ethereum network.
However, some people remain skeptical.
Concerns include price volatility (ups and downs), the potential of losing your staked ETH, and the technical complexities involved. Despite this, Ethereum staking has become increasingly accessible, and understanding the basics can help you decide if it’s right for you.
Also read: How to buy Ethereum with GBP
Here are some of the most common questions that people ask about staking Ethereum!
Ethereum staking involves locking up your ETH coins in the network to support its operations (similar to depositing money into a savings account with a lock-up period).
Your staked ETH helps validate transactions and maintain the blockchain, earning you rewards in return.
Staking rewards vary depending on the network and total ETH staked. Currently, annual yields typically range from 4% to 10%, but this can fluctuate.
I recommend checking the rates regularly to stay up to date with what you will earn.
While staking Ethereum is generally safe, it’s not risk-free.
Risks include price volatility (ups and downs), platform security issues, and the potential for network penalties if validators fail to perform their duties.
When you lock up your Ethereum, it can still lose value. And you may not be able to sell it if the price drops dramatically!
Yes! Coinbase supports Ethereum staking.
Users can stake ETH directly through their Coinbase account, earning rewards while the platform handles the technical requirements.
Coinbase is an FCA registered exchange with a large UK user base. Although this paints a great picture, it’s always a good idea to research different platforms before making a decision about where to put your money.
Yes, Binance allows Ethereum staking. You can choose flexible or locked staking, depending on your preference and risk tolerance.
There is a risk of losing ETH if the validator you’re staking with misbehaves or if the network imposes penalties. Using reputable platforms is very important!
It’s important to understand that, due to the nature of crypto, if you lose your coins you can’t get them back. Blockchain technology makes it impossible to access another person’s wallet or to even track your lost coins if they go missing.
For this reason, I recommend sticking with FCA-registered platforms that offer staking.
Staking supports the Ethereum network by validating (giving the ‘green light’) transactions and securing the blockchain. In exchange, stakers earn rewards, essentially earning passive income on their holdings.
Stakers are the backbone of the Ethereum network. Without them, it wouldn’t run!
Risks include:
Lock-up periods vary depending on the platform.
Some exchanges offer flexible staking, while others may lock ETH until a network upgrade or for a set period (e.g., 30–90 days).
Remember, you will not be able to sell your staked ETH when it is locked up. So, if the price moves down, you could lose value.
In the UK, staking rewards are generally considered taxable income, so you may need to report them for income tax purposes. It’s wise to consult a tax professional.
I recommend reading our helpful guide on Are Crypto Gains Taxable in the UK? to learn more!
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about staking Ethereum, you’re either thinking “this sounds great! I want to earn passive income!”, or, “this sounds a little too risky for me…“.
If you’re in the first boat, here’s a simple guide to get started:
Choose a platform that offers staking (Coinbase is my top chocie, but its a good idea to shop around!)
Deposit your ETH into the staking account. If you don’t already own any Ethereum, you will need to buy some first!
Confirm the staking terms (lock-up period, rewards, and fees). Read through these carefully before you proceed.
Start earning rewards passively while your ETH helps secure the Ethereum network.
Ethereum staking offers a way to earn passive income while supporting the blockchain network.
While there are risks, understanding how staking works, using reputable platforms, and starting with a small amount of ETH can make the process safer and more rewarding.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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