Question 1

What is Tezos staking?

Accepted Answer

Tezos lets an account delegate transferable XTZ to a baker or stake directly with one. Delegation does not freeze the balance; direct staking does. Baking is the separate validator role that proposes and attests blocks.

Question 2

How much can I earn?

Accepted Answer

Rates are dynamic and depend on network participation, protocol issuance, and the terms of the selected baker. The Staking Chamber shows gross network-rate estimates only when their live source inputs are available.

Question 3

Are XTZ locked when staking?

Accepted Answer

Delegated XTZ are not frozen and remain transferable. Directly staked XTZ are frozen and must pass through the protocol unstaking and finalization process before becoming spendable again.

Question 4

Is the direct-staking edge a delegation fee?

Accepted Answer

No. A baker's on-chain external-staker edge applies to direct external staking. Delegation payouts are separate baker-operated transfers whose timing, rate, and fee policy are not enforced by the protocol.

Question 5

Is there a minimum amount?

Accepted Answer

There is no protocol minimum to delegate or directly stake, although a baker can set an acceptance minimum for external stakers. Running a baker is a separate operator role with current protocol requirements.