8 of the best crypto exchanges for staking in 2026

The best crypto exchange for staking depends on what you’re looking to earn and how flexible you want to be. Cryptocurrency staking can offer passive crypto rewards, but it also comes with trade-offs, like lock-up periods, minimums and commissions.

Most knowledgeable investors compare exchanges based on:

• Reward rates: What is the potential return? Are they fixed or variable?
• Fees: Are fees based on a commission from the rewards that are earned, or are there other transaction fees as well?
• Supported assets: Can you stake the assets you already own?
• Lock-up options: Are funds always accessible or is access restricted for certain periods of time?
• Security: How does the exchange protect staked assets?

At Kraken, we value transparency. That’s why this guide doesn’t offer blanket recommendations. Instead, we provide a clear, side-by-side comparison of popular staking platforms to help you choose what’s right for you.

Still new to staking? Check out the video below for all the details you need to know about staking your crypto.

• Reward rates: Up to 22% APY
• Bonded staking commissions: Up to 26% of rewards
• Flexible staking commissions: Up to 30% of rewards
• Lock-up options: Flexible and fixed
• Collateral options: 20+
• Auto-earning: Kraken Auto Earn enables set-it-and-forget-it staking

Kraken is a trusted global exchange known for its strong security and staking flexibility. Our platform supports both bonded staking (with higher rates and longer lock-up) and flexible staking, which allows users to unstake at any time. Through Kraken’s Auto Earn program, users can easily set their assets to start earning rewards.

Rewards vary by asset and market volatility. Most APYs are variable and updated frequently. Kraken’s reward transparency, including real-time updates, makes it easy to track your earnings.

Security is one of Kraken’s biggest differentiators. Funds are stored offline in cold storage, and Kraken complies with regulatory requirements in multiple jurisdictions.

• Reward rates: Up to 19.67%
• Bonded staking commissions: Up to 39.95% of rewards
• Flexible staking commissions: Varies by asset
• Lock-up options: Flexible and fixed (30, 60, 90 days)
• Collateral options: 300+
• Auto-earning: YYes, Binance Simple Earn

Binance is one of the largest global crypto exchanges, offering high liquidity and a range of staking options.

Binance offers multiple staking programs, including DeFi staking, locked staking and Ethereum (ETH) 2.0 staking. Rewards are typically higher for fixed lock-up periods, while flexible options offer daily liquidity.

However, not all features are available to U.S. residents, who are redirected to Binance.US — a separate platform with fewer crypto staking options. Users should verify availability and terms based on location.

For those who value platform trust and regulatory alignment, Kraken may be the more attractive option. Kraken supports both flexible and bonded staking, has a longstanding security record and is fully operational in the U.S.

Binance offers higher potential yields on select tokens, but its platform has faced regulatory challenges in the past, and U.S. users face limited access.

• Reward rates: Up to 15% APY
• Bonded staking commissions: Up to 35% of rewards
• Flexible staking commissions: Up to 35% of rewards
• Lock-up options: Flexible and fixed
• Collateral options: 10+
• Auto-earning: Yes, automatic staking for eligible assets

Coinbase is a widely used exchange with a user-friendly interface and automatic staking rewards for eligible assets.

Staking on Coinbase is designed for simplicity. There’s no need to manually opt in; staking begins automatically once eligibility requirements are met. However, the platform charges a relatively high staking commission, depending on the asset.

Security-wise, Coinbase maintains compliance with U.S. regulations, uses offline cold storage for most assets and is publicly traded, which adds an extra layer of transparency. While its user interface is highly accessible, the platform’s staking features are relatively limited in scope and customization.

Kraken offers more flexibility and asset support for staking than Coinbase. Users can choose between bonded staking with higher crypto rewards or flexible staking with no lock-up. Kraken charges competitive commissions on rewards and provides transparent tracking tools for managing your earnings.

Coinbase, while user-friendly and fully automated, supports a much smaller selection of assets and charges a higher commission. Flexible staking is available, but customization is limited. For investors looking for more control and broader staking opportunities, Kraken is the more versatile option.

• Reward rates: Up to 19.07% APY
• Bonded staking commissions: Up to 35%
• Flexible staking commissions: Varies
• Lock-up options: Flexible and fixed
• Collateral options: 20+
• Auto-earning: Yes

Crypto.com is known for its mobile-first design, promotions and token-based rewards.

Crypto.com rewards are heavily influenced by whether users stake the platform’s native token, Cronos (CRO). Higher rates are only accessible if users lock up a minimum amount of CRO for six months. Flexible staking is available, but reward rates are significantly lower unless CRO requirements are met.

Kraken offers more consistent and transparent staking with no requirement to stake a platform-native token. Depending on their goals, Kraken users can choose between bonded or flexible staking,  and start earning with as little as a few dollars.

Crypto.com, while convenient for mobile users, requires CRO staking to access competitive APYs, which may not appeal to users outside that ecosystem. Kraken’s reward structure is straightforward, and its commission model is typically lower than the effective cost of Crypto.com’s model.

• Reward rates: Up to 19.07% APY
• Bonded staking commissions: Up to 35%
• Flexible staking commissions: Varies
• Lock-up options: Flexible and fixed
• Collateral options: 20+
• Auto-earning: Yes

KuCoin is popular among altcoin enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of staking options via its “Earn” hub.

KuCoin supports both flexible and fixed-term staking through its centralized Earn platform and decentralized ETH 2.0 staking via its pooled service. It regularly lists promotional offers for newly launched tokens, sometimes with high short-term APYs. 

Users can also set assets to auto-subscribe for flexible staking, earning passive rewards with minimal effort.

However, KuCoin is not licensed to operate in the U.S., which significantly limits its accessibility for American users. Additionally, the platform has faced regulatory scrutiny and lacks full transparency on staking commissions and slashing risk.

Kraken offers greater regulatory clarity, deeper asset support and more transparent staking fees. U.S.-based users can legally access Kraken’s staking services, choosing between bonded and flexible options — all with clearly published APYs and commission rates.

While KuCoin supports promotional staking with high APYs, those rates often come with lock-up conditions and limited availability. Kraken, by contrast, focuses on long-term accessibility, stability and trust, making it a more reliable platform for users who prioritize security and regulatory compliance.

• Reward rates: Varies
• Bonded staking commissions: Varies
• Flexible staking commissions: Varies
• Lock-up options: Flexible and fixed
• Collateral options: 15+
• Auto-earning: Yes

OKX is a full-featured exchange with support for advanced trading and staking products. It offers a wide range of staking options, including DeFi staking, ETH 2.0 staking and dual investment products. 

Users can choose between fixed-term offers with higher APYs or flexible options that allow daily redemptions. For some assets, rewards are variable and updated in real time.

Advanced features like auto-subscribe, auto-invest and compound interest options make it a versatile platform for earning passive rewards. However, OKX only officially launched in the U.S. in 2025, and its product availability is still expanding across states. 

Fees and slashing risks are not fully transparent, and staking yields may include embedded risk premiums, especially for DeFi-based offers.

Kraken delivers greater transparency, a longer track record and full U.S. support. With Kraken, users get clearly published staking rewards, transparent commission fees and the ability to choose between flexible or bonded staking.

While OKX is feature-rich, its staking rewards are harder to evaluate due to bundled commission structures and variability between DeFi and CeFi products. Kraken’s regulated presence, real-time reward tracking and security-first design make it a more predictable choice for long-term staking, particularly for users based in the U.S.

• Reward rates: Up to 6%, varies
• Bonded staking commissions: Up to 25%
• Flexible staking commissions: Up to 25%
• Lock-up options: Generally flexible
• Collateral options: 2
• Auto-earning: Yes

Gemini is a U.S.-based exchange known for its regulatory alignment and institutional-grade security. It offers staking through Gemini Staking and Gemini Staking Pro for a small selection of tokens, ETH and Solana (SOL) specifically. 

Rewards are automatically applied to eligible balances, with net yields reflecting validator fees. Its APYs vary and can typically be lower than other exchanges due to its conservative, regulation-first approach.

The platform prioritizes security and compliance, including New York State licensing, SOC 2 Type 2 certification and robust custody practices. However, its staking options are limited in both asset variety and rewards compared to more specialized staking platforms.

Kraken offers more supported assets, higher flexibility and greater reward potential than Gemini. Users can stake over 20 assets and choose between flexible and bonded options with transparent commission fees and APY tracking.

While Gemini appeals to users prioritizing regulatory rigor and simplicity, Kraken provides a broader, more customizable staking experience backed by a long track record of platform security and user trust. For those looking to diversify, Kraken delivers more options.

• Reward rates: Varies per asset
• Bonded staking commissions: Included in reward
• Flexible staking commissions: Included in reward
• Lock-up options: Fixed and flexible
• Collateral options: 40+
• Auto-earning: Yes

Bybit is a derivatives-focused crypto exchange that also offers staking and passive income products through its Bybit Earn platform.

Bybit supports both flexible and fixed-term staking with varying yields based on asset demand, term length and product type. Users can stake tokens like ETH, Tether (USDT) and Polkadot (DOT) via the Earn section or participate in liquidity mining and structured products for higher risk-adjusted returns.

The platform offers a clean user interface and advanced trading tools, but it’s important to note that Bybit is not available to users in the U.S. due to regulatory constraints. Many of its staking and trading features may be geo-restricted, and transparency around staking fees is limited.

Kraken offers wider availability and better regulatory transparency. U.S. users can access Kraken’s full staking suite, with over 20 cryptocurrencies available and clearly published commission rates.

While Bybit’s staking rewards may appear competitive, access is limited and details, like validator fees and slashing risks, are often unclear. Kraken, by contrast, provides a security-first, regulation-aligned staking experience, designed for long-term investors seeking reliability and flexibility.

With Kraken, staking is secure and streamlined.

Kraken clients can choose flexible or bonded options, track earnings in real-time and start earning rewards on their crypto with just a few clicks.

Whether you’re staking ETH, staking SOL or other assets, Kraken’s platform puts control in your hands.

Explore the best crypto exchange for staking and start earning today.