What You Need Before Staking FLIP
Staking FLIP requires an Ethereum wallet with FLIP tokens and enough ETH for gas fees. MetaMask works well for most users, though any ERC-20 compatible wallet will do. You'll also need to decide between two staking paths: delegating to an existing validator or running your own node.
Delegation suits most holders. You stake your FLIP through a validator operator and earn rewards without managing infrastructure. Running a validator node requires technical expertise and a minimum stake of 8 FLIP, but offers significantly higher returns.
Current FLIP Staking Yields
Delegation staking currently offers up to 14.39% APY as of February 2026. Validator operators running their own nodes can earn up to 48% APY due to the additional rewards for securing the network directly.
These rewards come from two sources: protocol emissions (newly minted FLIP) and fee revenue from swap activity. With 56.45% of circulating supply currently staked, the network maintains healthy security while keeping yields attractive for participants.
How to Stake FLIP via Delegation
Step 1: Connect Your Wallet
Navigate to auctions.chainflip.io/delegate. Click "Connect Wallet" in the top right corner. Select MetaMask (or your preferred wallet) and approve the connection request.
Step 2: Choose a Validator
The delegation interface displays active validators with their current stake and commission rates. Look for validators with consistent uptime and reasonable commission fees. Higher-stake validators tend to be more established, but spreading delegation across multiple validators can reduce concentration risk.
You can learn more about how Chainflip's validator auction system works to understand the mechanics behind validator selection and rotation.
Step 3: Enter Your Stake Amount
Select your chosen validator and enter the amount of FLIP you want to stake. The interface will show estimated annual rewards based on current network conditions. Review the transaction details carefully before proceeding.
Step 4: Confirm the Transaction
Click "Delegate" and confirm the transaction in your wallet. You'll pay a gas fee in ETH. Once the transaction confirms on Ethereum, your FLIP begins earning rewards immediately.
Staking via stFLIP (Liquid Staking)
For users who want staking rewards without locking their tokens, stFLIP offers liquid staking. You receive stFLIP tokens representing your staked position, which can be traded or used in DeFi while still earning staking rewards.
The tradeoff is slightly lower yields compared to direct delegation, since the liquid staking protocol takes a small fee. However, you gain liquidity and flexibility.
How to Unstake FLIP
Unstaking from Direct Delegation
Return to the delegation interface and locate your active stake. Click "Undelegate" and specify the amount you wish to withdraw. There's an unbonding period before funds become available in your wallet, typically taking several days depending on network conditions.
Unstaking from stFLIP
For liquid staking through stFLIP, submit an unstake request and wait 1-15 days for the underlying FLIP to be returned to your wallet. Alternatively, you can sell stFLIP directly on supported DEXs if you need immediate liquidity and accept the current market price.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Transaction Failing
If your delegation transaction fails, check your ETH balance for gas fees. Increase gas limits if transactions time out during network congestion. Also verify you've approved the FLIP token spending allowance for the delegation contract.
Wallet Not Connecting
Clear your browser cache and try again. Ensure your wallet extension is updated to the latest version. If using a hardware wallet, confirm the Ethereum app is open and the device is unlocked.
Rewards Not Showing
Staking rewards accrue automatically but may take a few epochs to appear in your dashboard. Check back after 24 hours. If rewards still don't show, verify your stake is active by searching your address on the Chainflip Scan.
Validator Slashed or Offline
If your chosen validator gets slashed or goes offline, your delegation remains safe but stops earning rewards until the validator returns. Consider redistributing stake to active validators if downtime persists.
Comparing Your Staking Options
Direct delegation through the official interface gives you the highest yields for passive holders. Liquid staking via stFLIP trades some yield for flexibility. Running a validator node offers the highest returns but requires technical commitment and meets the infrastructure requirements of a node operator.
For most FLIP holders, delegation provides the best balance of effort and reward. Start with a smaller amount to test the process before committing larger positions.
Resources
Swap Now - Start swapping native assets
Lend BTC - Borrow against native Bitcoin
Blog - Product updates and announcements
Chainflip Scan - Track swaps and network activity
Website - Explore Chainflip
Other Chainflip Products:
Boost - Earn fees by providing single-sided liquidity with no IL risk
Stablecoin Strategies - Deposit stablecoins and earn optimized yields
Provide Liquidity - Supply assets to Chainflip's liquidity pools
Stake FLIP - Delegate FLIP and earn staking rewards
Find us:
What APY can I expect from staking FLIP?
Delegation staking currently offers up to 14.39% APY, while validator operators running their own nodes can earn up to 48% APY. Actual returns vary based on network activity and the number of stakers.
How long does it take to unstake FLIP?
Unstaking from direct delegation involves an unbonding period of several days. For liquid staking via stFLIP, the wait time is 1-15 days, though you can sell stFLIP immediately on DEXs if you need faster liquidity.
Where do staking rewards come from?
Rewards come from two sources: protocol emissions (newly minted FLIP for validator incentives) and fee revenue generated by swap activity on the Chainflip network.
Do I need to run a validator to stake FLIP?
No. Most FLIP holders stake through delegation, which requires no technical infrastructure. You simply delegate your tokens to an existing validator operator and earn rewards passively.
What happens if my validator goes offline?
Your staked FLIP remains safe, but you stop earning rewards while the validator is inactive. If downtime persists, consider redistributing your stake to other active validators.
