Ether 2.0
Pledging one's ETH on the ETH 2.0 beacon chain and receiving subsequent rewards is very complicated and requires some technical knowledge and hardware support, which is a threshold for the average user.
Therefore, with the change of Ether, major exchanges are also rushing to launch pledge activities. In the following article, we will briefly introduce the ETH pledging methods of Coin, OKX, and Fire Coin, even if you want to participate in ETH 2.0 with a small amount and no threshold!
OKX
Mining revenues are adjusted based on chained locked positions and are expected to be annualized between 4% and 20%.
1. Pledge ETH:Pledge the amount of ETH you want to participate in mining, with a minimum of 0.1 ETH.
2. Gain:The platform issues mining certificates BETH 1:1 and releases mining revenue for you at 11:30(HKT) every day.
3. Redeem ETH:When ETH 2.0 is uploaded to the mainnet, the amount of BETH held will be converted back to ETH 1:1.
Based on the ETH 2.0 chain rules, ETH 2.0 can only be unpledged after the transfer function is opened, and mining funds are expected to be locked up for 1-2 years.
Project Highlights
Gain stabilization:Compared to simply holding ETH, you can get an additional 4 %-20% of locked-in gains.
Low participation threshold:OKX bears all the construction and maintenance costs of ETH2.0 nodes, 0.1 ETH can participate, the chain revenue 100% released to the user.
Help upgrade ETH:Be a witness to the performance upgrade of the Ethernet mainnet.
Flexible exit:Highly flexible, you can sell BETH at any time when you don't want to hold it anymore.
What Is ETH Staking? Why Is It Still Worth Doing in 2026?
Since the 2022 Merge, Ethereum has transitioned to Proof-of-Stake (PoS), with network security provided by stakers: you lock your ETH into the network to help validate transactions, and the network distributes ETH rewards proportionally. Following the Shanghai upgrade in 2023, staked ETH can now be freely withdrawn, and the earlier restriction of “being locked up for 1 to 2 years without redemption” is now a thing of the past.
For long-term ETH holders, the benefit of staking is clear: rather than letting ETH sit idle in a wallet, you can earn an additional annual return of approximately 2% to 4% in ETH. The returns are denominated in ETH, which means that regardless of whether the price rises or falls, the amount of ETH you hold will continue to increase.
Staking rewards come from three sources:
- Consensus Layer Rewards: The base reward for validating blocks fluctuates based on the total staked amount across the network
- Tips for Front-Line Staff: Priority fees paid by users for transactions
- MEV Revenue: Additional Revenue from Block Sorting
It is important to note that as the amount of ETH staked across the network continues to grow, the base annualized yield has been on a steady downward trend in recent years—by 2026, approximately 39 million ETH will be staked across the network, accounting for about 32% of the total supply, and the network-wide average annualized yield will have fallen to approximately 2.6% to 2.8% (subject to real-time platform displays). Ethereum’s issuance mechanism is designed to be inversely proportional to the total amount staked; the more people stake, the smaller the reward per unit, making it even more important to choose the right staking method.
Comparison of Three Staking Methods: Running a Node, LST, and Exchanges
| Run the node yourself | Liquid Collateralized Loan (LST) | Exchange Staking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 32 ETH + hardware + technical knowledge | No minimum limit (even 0.01 ETH is acceptable) | Very low (starting at 0.001 ETH on some platforms) |
| Annualized Return | Highest (no middleman commission) | Medium (service fee of approximately 10%, as per agreement) | Lower-middle (platform commission) |
| Control over Assets | Completely under your own control | Self-custody; received LST tokens | Exchange Custody |
| Mobility | Users who need to wait in line to exit verification | Gao: LST can be sold on a DEX at any time | Subject to the platform's redemption rules |
| Key Risks | slashing, hardware failure | Smart Contract Risks, Depeg | Risk of Platform Closure or Misappropriation |
| Target Audience | Technical-Oriented High-Volume Traders | Most DeFi users | Complete beginner |
Run the node yourselfIt offers the highest returns, but requires 32 ETH, a machine that runs continuously, and a stable internet connection—and you must bear the consequences of node downtime or slashing yourself. This makes the barrier to entry clearly too high for the average user.
Liquid StakingThe current mainstream approach is to deposit ETH into protocols such as Lido and ether.fi in exchange for liquid staking tokens (LSTs) like stETH and eETH. LSTs automatically accrue staking rewards while remaining usable in DeFi—for staking-backed borrowing, providing liquidity, or selling at any time to exit the market—balancing returns with flexibility.
By the way, here’s a common term: stETH and similar tokens that only earn base staking yields are called LSTs; eETH and similar tokens that natively support EigenLayer restaking—allowing for an additional layer of yield—are referred to in the market as LRTs (Liquidity Restaking Tokens). LRTs offer higher potential returns, but each additional protocol introduces an extra layer of smart contract risk, which will be discussed further in the risk section of this article.
Exchange StakingIt’s the simplest option—just a few taps in the app—and is ideal for beginners who don’t want to deal with on-chain operations at all. The trade-off is that your assets are held in custody by the platform, and you’ll have to pay the platform a commission.
Current Status of Annualized Staking Returns for 2026
The following are the approximate annualized rates for each staking method in 2026 (in ETH terms):
| Collateralization Methods | Annualized Reference Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Run the node yourself | Approx. 3%–3.5% | No middleman fees; includes MEV; depends on luck |
| ether.fi (eETH) | Approximately 2.61 TP3T–2.81 TP3T | Additionally, there are EigenLayer re-staking and points rewards |
| Lido (stETH) | Approx. 2.51 TP3T | The Largest LST |
| OKX Earn on-chain | Approx. 2% | The page displays an annualized rate, after deducting platform service fees. |
A few things to keep in mind:
- AnnualizedDaily Fluctuation, Due to factors such as the total network staking volume, on-chain activity, and MEV, the figures in the table above are for reference only as of early September 2026; actual figures are subject to the real-time data displayed on each platform.
- The LST protocol generally deducts approximately 101 TP3T in revenue as a service fee; the figures in the table above reflect the amounts after this deduction.
- Some platforms use “limited-time interest rate hikes” to attract new funds. When calculating returns, you should use the base annualized rate as a reference and not be misled by short-term incentives.
- Staking returns are denominated in ETH; the return in Hong Kong dollars depends on the price of ETH itself.
Use ether.fi for liquid staking: Our top recommendation
ether.fi is currently the second-largest liquid staking protocol, with over 2.1 million ETH locked, accounting for approximately 5% to 6% of the total staked amount across the network, and over 160,000 stakers. We’ve listed it as our top recommendation for three reasons:
I. Non-custodial design. Unlike some protocols, ether.fi’s architecture allows stakers to retain control of their private keys, so the protocol cannot misappropriate your ETH—which is especially important in a market that has experienced a wave of exchange collapses.
II. Native integration of EigenLayer for re-staking. eETH obtained by depositing ETH inherently supports restaking: In addition to the base staking rewards, the same ETH can also earn EigenLayer AVS (Active Validation Service) rewards and various types of points, allowing you to earn multiple layers of returns on a single principal amount.
III. Ecological Integrity. eETH can be used as collateral in major DeFi protocols, and ether.fi also offers its own Cash card product, which allows users to link their staked assets to everyday spending—see our EtherFi Cash Card Review。
The process is very simple:
- 經 Recommended Links on This Site Go to ether.fi and connect your wallet (MetaMask, Rabby, etc. are all supported).
- Enter the amount of ETH on the Stake page, confirm the transaction, and instantly receive the equivalent amount of eETH
- Your eETH balance will automatically increase with staking rewards, without the need for any manual action.
- When you're ready to exit, you can either exchange eETH back to ETH directly on the DEX or request a redemption through the protocol.
There is no minimum amount required; you can start with as little as 0.05 ETH. The only cost is the high gas fees on the Ethereum mainnet.
Exchange Staking: The Next-Best Option for Those Who Want to Avoid On-Chain Operations
If you haven’t even set up a wallet yet, or if your ETH is still on an exchange, you can simply use the exchange’s staking products. Take OKX as an example; its “Earn On-Chain” feature offers ETH staking:
- You can participate with as little as 0.001 ETH—the barrier to entry is extremely low.
- Funds are directly staked on-chain, and rewards are distributed daily.
- The reference annualized rate displayed on the page is net of platform service fees (approximately 2% as of September 2026; subject to the platform’s real-time display).
- Redemptions are processed according to on-chain rules and are typically credited to your account within a few days.
The advantage of exchange staking is that it requires no learning curve; the downside is that your assets remain in custody—the principle of “not your keys, not your coins” still applies. Our recommendation: It’s fine to use exchanges for small amounts, short-term staking, or when you’re just starting out; once the amounts get larger, you should switch to self-custody solutions like ether.fi.
If you don't have an OKX account yet, you can use Link to Register on This Site, and enjoy a 20% fee discount.
Three Major Risks of Staking: Slashing, Depeg, and Platform Risk
Pledging assets is not a risk-free way to earn income; before getting started, you must understand these three types of risks:
Slashing (forfeiture). If a validator acts maliciously or commits a serious error (such as double-signing), the network will confiscate a portion of the staked ETH. Those running their own nodes bear the loss directly; for those staking via LSTs or exchanges, the loss is distributed among all users. Large protocols diversify their validators and purchase protection mechanisms; while large-scale slashing events have not been observed historically, the probability is not zero.
Depeg. In theory, the LST is pegged to ETH at a ratio close to 1:1, but the secondary market price is determined by supply and demand. During market panic (such as in 2022, when stETH traded at a discount of approximately 5%–7%), the LST may temporarily fall below its net asset value. If you do not need to sell during a market panic, the de-pegging typically narrows as the redemption mechanism takes effect; however, for those using LST to leverage their positions, de-pegging can trigger a chain reaction of liquidations.
Platform/Contract Risks. Exchange staking carries the risk of platform failure; LSTs carry the risk of smart contract vulnerabilities; and LRTs such as eETH, which are staked via an additional layer of EigenLayer, theoretically carry an additional layer of AVS-related slashing and contract risks. The recommended approach is to choose protocols that have undergone multiple audits, have been in operation for several years, and are sufficiently large in scale, while avoiding staking all of your ETH on a single platform.
Another thing to be prepared for isLeave the Queue: Even Ethereum validators have to wait in line to stake; in 2026, as institutional capital poured into the market, both the staking and unstaking queues grew significantly longer. Selling LSTs directly on a DEX allows for an immediate exit, but formal redemption through the protocol may take some time during periods of queue congestion—which is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t stake funds you’ll need in the short term.
A practical rule of thumb:The collateral amount should not exceed the position you are willing to have locked up for three months.Even though LST has high liquidity, it is important to set aside a buffer for market conditions on the trading side.
Checklist for Beginners on Staking
Based on the entire text, the recommended path for staking ETH in 2026 is:
- Beginners / Small Amounts: If you have ETH on an exchange, start by using OKX’s on-chain rewards feature to test the waters.
- Key Areas: Transfer funds to your own wallet, convert them to eETH via ether.fi, and earn staking and re-staking rewards
- Tech Giant: You should only consider running your own node if you have 32 ETH and the operational capabilities to do so.
- Under any circumstances: First, understand the risks of slashing and depegging; don’t use LST to over-leverage.
Next Steps: If you want to link your staked assets to your everyday spending, check out A Comprehensive Review of the EtherFi Cash Card, Learn how eETH holders can stake and spend at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can staked ETH be withdrawn at any time? Yes. Following the 2023 Shanghai upgrade, staking withdrawals are now fully available. Using LST protocols like ether.fi, the fastest method is to directly swap eETH back to ETH on a DEX, which is completed instantly; Official redemption through the protocol depends on the withdrawal queue and generally takes several days; it may take even longer during peak congestion in 2026. Staking via exchanges is handled according to each platform’s redemption rules.
Q2: What is the minimum amount of ETH required for staking? Running your own node requires 32 ETH; liquidity staking protocols generally have no minimum requirement and accept even fractional amounts of ETH; exchanges like OKX allow staking starting at 0.001 ETH. The real cost barrier is mainnet gas fees, which can account for a disproportionately high percentage of the total cost if the amount is too small.
Q3: What is the difference between ether.fi and Lido? Lido is the largest platform and excels in liquidity; ether.fi stands out for its non-custodial design (where stakers retain control of their keys) and native EigenLayer re-staking. In addition to base staking rewards, eETH also offers stacked AVS rewards and points, resulting in a multi-layered reward structure.
Q4: Are staking earnings subject to taxes? Hong Kong currently has no capital gains tax, and gains from margin trading by individual investors are generally not subject to profits tax; however, if such trading is conducted frequently as part of a business operation, the tax treatment may differ. For large positions, it is advisable to seek professional advice.
Q5: Will I lose money if eETH decouples? Losses are realized only when sold during a de-pegging event. eETH is backed by real ETH, and the price discount typically narrows as the redemption mechanism operates. The greatest risk lies in using LSTs as collateral for leveraged borrowing—de-pegging can trigger liquidations, which is a strategy beginners should avoid.
Q6: Why is the annualized rate so much lower than it was a few years ago? Staking rewards are inversely proportional to the total network staking volume: the more ETH staked, the smaller the reward per unit. In the early days of the Merge in 2022, the annualized yield reached over 4%; by 2026, with approximately one-third of the total ETH supply staked across the network, the average annualized yield had fallen to around 2.6% to 2.8%. This is also one of the reasons we strongly recommend ether.fi—to offset the decline in the base annualized yield by stacking returns through re-staking.
