> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://new-docs.squads.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Stake

> Earn yield on SOL through liquid staking or validator staking

Stake SOL directly from your Squad to earn yield while maintaining multisig security. Squads supports two staking methods, each with different trade-offs for liquidity, control, and risk.

## Staking options

**Liquid staking** gives you a tradeable token (like JitoSOL, mSOL, or hSOL) representing your staked SOL. You earn rewards through token appreciation, can swap back to SOL at any time, and can use the token in DeFi protocols via SquadsX. The trade-off is smart contract risk from the staking provider.

**Validator staking** delegates your SOL directly to a Solana validator of your choice. You earn rewards in your stake account without additional  smart contract risk, but unstaking requires a cooldown of up to one epoch.

| | Liquid staking | Validator staking |
| - | - | - |
| **Best for** | Trading, DeFi access | Long-term holding, validator preference |
| **Liquidity** | Instant (swap anytime) | Low (up to one epoch to unstake) |
| **Validator control** | Delegated to provider | Full control |
| **Rewards** | Token appreciation | Stake account growth |
| | | |

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Liquid staking" href="/app-guide/stake/liquid-staking">
    Receive tradeable LST tokens while earning staking yield
  </Card>

  <Card title="Validator staking" href="/app-guide/stake/direct-staking">
    Delegate SOL directly to validators of your choice
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  For automated stake distribution across 100+ validators without manual selection, choose **Marinade Native** at the top of the **Validator** tab.
</Info>

## How staking works

Solana staking operates in epochs, which currently last about a day. When you stake SOL, your rewards begin at the start of the next epoch. The Stake page displays the current epoch countdown and your balances for both liquid and validator staking.

Most validators on Solana run the Jito client, which generates MEV (maximal extractable value) rewards on top of standard staking yield. MEV rewards accumulate separately and can be claimed using the **Claim all MEV rewards** option at the top of the Stake page.

## Best practices

* **Match liquidity to your needs.** Use liquid staking if you may need quick access to funds. Use validator staking for longer-term holdings.
* **Compare APY and commission.** Higher APY does not always mean better returns. Factor in the validator's commission rate.
* **Diversify large stakes.** Consider splitting across multiple validators or pools to reduce concentration risk.

<Accordion title="FAQ">
  **How long does it take to start earning rewards?**

  Liquid staking: immediately. You start earning as soon as you receive the LST token. Validator staking: your stake activates at the next epoch boundary (up to one epoch), and rewards appear after that epoch completes.

  **What are MEV rewards?**

  MEV (maximal extractable value) rewards are additional earnings from validators that run the Jito client. Most Solana validators support this. MEV rewards do not auto-compound and must be claimed manually from the Stake page.

  **Which option has better returns?**

  Returns vary by validator performance, commission rates, and market conditions. Liquid staking tokens may offer additional yield in DeFi. Validator staking avoids additional smart contract risk. Compare current APY rates on the Stake page.
</Accordion>


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