Ankr is different from a conventional exchange staking service because its core staking product focuses heavily on liquid staking infrastructure. When a supported asset is staked, Ankr can issue a liquid staking token representing the underlying staked position and accumulated rewards. This can allow the staking position to remain transferable and potentially usable in compatible DeFi protocols.
The benefit comes with additional complexity. Users need to evaluate not only the underlying blockchain staking risk but also the smart contracts, liquid staking token mechanics, protocol fees and available exit liquidity.
Reward Rate: Variable by Network
Ankr does not have one universal staking APY. The staking return depends on the blockchain, validator performance, network reward rate, protocol fee, unbonding conditions, and the individual staking product. Do not manually average rates from ETH, BNB, POL, AVAX or other networks.
ETH Liquid Staking (ankrETH)
Stake ETH and receive ankrETH. There is no fixed minimum stake and no fixed protocol maximum documented. A 10% technical service fee is deducted from ETH staking rewards. ankrETH generally does not increase in wallet quantity — instead, its redemption/exchange value relative to ETH increases as staking rewards accumulate.
Minimum standard unstake: 0.5 ETH. Standard unstaking is dynamic and depends on Ethereum's validator withdrawal queue (currently several days). A Flash Unstake route is available subject to liquidity, with a 0.5% fee on the amount unstaked. Do not confuse "no minimum stake" with "0.5 ETH minimum unstake" — they are different rules.
Ankr Fee Table (by product)
| Product | Reward Service Fee |
|---|---|
| ETH Liquid Staking | 10% |
| BNB Liquid Staking | 10% |
| AVAX Liquid Staking | 10% |
| DOT Liquid Staking | 10% |
| POL Liquid Staking | 5% |
Service fees are deducted from staking rewards. Network transaction fees and asset-specific unstaking costs can also apply. Only products confirmed active on the current Ankr dashboard should be considered available.
POL Staking Example
POL staking currently differs based on network route. POL liquid staking on Ethereum: ankrPOL received, 5% technical service fee from staking rewards, protocol/network unbonding applies. POL route on Polygon: fast liquidity route available, 5% reward service fee, current 0.5% technical service fee on the unstaked amount for the Polygon fast route. Do not generalize these POL fees to all Ankr products.
Unstaking Mechanics
Unstaking mechanics vary significantly between Ankr products. ETH: standard withdrawal depends on Ethereum's validator queue, while a 0.5% Flash Unstake route may provide faster liquidity when sufficient pool capacity exists. BNB: current Ankr documentation describes a longer protocol unbonding period. POL: timing depends on whether the position is using Ethereum or Polygon infrastructure. Unstaking varies by network; some products support liquidity-based fast exits.
Risks
- Underlying crypto price volatility
- Validator performance
- Slashing where applicable
- Liquid staking smart-contract risk
- ankr-token secondary-market price deviations
- DeFi integration risk
- Network-specific withdrawal delays
- Fast-exit liquidity limitations
- Changing protocol fees and product availability
