New Fantom users often face a common dilemma: should they stake their FTM tokens or deploy them in DeFi protocols? With Fantom's liquid staking solutions, you don't have to choose—you can do both simultaneously.
This guide explores liquid staking, its benefits, and step-by-step tutorials for top Fantom protocols: Stader Labs, Beefy Finance, and Ankr.
👉 Discover how to maximize your FTM rewards with liquid staking
What Is Liquid Staking?
Staking FTM tokens supports Fantom’s network security while earning passive rewards. However, traditional staking locks up your tokens, limiting their utility in DeFi.
Liquid staking solves this by:
- Issuing staked tokens (e.g., sFTMX, beFTM, aFTMb/c) representing your staked FTM.
- Enabling these tokens to be used across DeFi (e.g., lending, liquidity pools).
- Allowing unstaking with minimal wait times.
Key Benefits
- Dual Earnings: Stake and participate in DeFi.
- Flexibility: Unstake anytime (often with a short delay).
- Interoperability: Use staked tokens on major Fantom DEXs and lending platforms.
Top Liquid Staking Protocols on Fantom
1. Stader Labs
Token: sFTMX
APY: ~4.7%
Features:
- Automatic validator diversification.
- High DeFi compatibility (e.g., BeethovenX, SpookySwap).
How to Stake with Stader:
- Connect Wallet: Visit Stader’s Fantom staking page and link your MetaMask.
- Stake FTM: Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.
- Use sFTMX: Deposit into DeFi protocols for additional yield.
Unstaking:
- Swap sFTMX on DEXs for instant liquidity.
- Or, unstake via Stader’s dApp (7-day processing time).
👉 Learn more about Stader’s validator strategies
2. Beefy Finance
Token: beFTM
APY: Varies by pool.
Features:
- Auto-compounding vaults.
- Delegated to Beefy’s validator for optimized rewards.
How to Stake with Beefy:
- Connect Wallet: Navigate to Beefy’s Fantom vaults.
- Mint beFTM: Deposit FTM to mint beFTM 1:1.
- Deploy in DeFi: Stake in Beefy’s vaults or LP pools.
Unstaking:
- Trade beFTM for FTM on DEXs like SpookySwap.
3. Ankr Protocol
Tokens: aFTMb (reward-earning) or aFTMc (reward-bearing).
Features:
- Daily reward distribution.
- Low minimum stake (1 FTM).
How to Stake with Ankr:
- Connect Wallet: Visit Ankr Staking.
- Choose Token Type: Select aFTMb (quantity grows) or aFTMc (value appreciates).
- Stake FTM: Confirm the transaction.
Unstaking:
- Swap aFTMb/c on SpookySwap.
- Or, unstake via Ankr’s dashboard (fee applies).
FAQ
1. Is liquid staking safe?
Yes, but research providers’ smart contract audits and validator policies.
2. Can I lose staked tokens?
Risks include smart contract bugs or validator slashing (mitigated by protocols like Stader’s auto-diversification).
3. Which token type is best—aFTMb or aFTMc?
- aFTMb: Simpler tracking (balance increases daily).
- aFTMc: Better for DeFi (stable quantity, appreciating value).
4. How are rewards calculated?
APY depends on network staking rates and protocol incentives.
5. Can I stake with multiple providers?
Yes! Diversify across Stader, Beefy, and Ankr to compare returns.
Final Tips
- Monitor APYs: Rates fluctuate based on network demand.
- Combine Strategies: Use staked tokens in DeFi for layered rewards (e.g., lending + LP fees).
- Stay Updated: Follow protocol announcements for new integrations.
Disclaimer: This guide is informational only. Always conduct your own research.
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