Cryptocurrency staking has emerged as a powerful way for investors to generate passive income while actively supporting the blockchain networks they believe in. Among the leading platforms offering staking services, Kraken stands out for its reliability, competitive rewards, and seamless integration options — especially when combined with automated trading strategies.
In this guide, we’ll break down how crypto staking on Kraken works, explore the two main staking models available, and explain how you can effectively combine flexible staking with automated trading tools like Cryptohopper. Whether you're new to staking or looking to optimize your existing strategy, this article will help you make informed decisions.
What Is Crypto Staking on Kraken?
Crypto staking involves locking up your digital assets in a wallet to support the security and operations of a blockchain network. In return, you earn rewards — typically paid in the same cryptocurrency you’re staking. This process is fundamental to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains such as Ethereum 2.0, Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT).
Unlike energy-intensive mining, staking is eco-friendly and accessible to everyday users. By participating, you not only contribute to network validation but also earn a form of passive income — similar to earning interest in a traditional savings account.
Kraken simplifies this process by offering a secure, user-friendly platform where users can stake supported cryptocurrencies directly from their exchange accounts. With no need for complex technical setups or running nodes, Kraken makes it easy for both beginners and experienced traders to get started.
👉 Discover how staking can boost your crypto returns with smart automation tools.
Kraken’s Two Staking Options: Bonded vs Flexible
Kraken offers two distinct staking models: bonded staking and flexible staking. Understanding the difference is crucial, especially if you plan to use automated trading bots.
Bonded Staking
Bonded staking requires users to lock their assets for a fixed period — often ranging from weeks to months. In exchange, they receive higher annual percentage rates (APRs), making it attractive for long-term holders.
However, there’s a major trade-off: lack of liquidity. During the lock-up period, you cannot access or trade those funds. More importantly, crypto trading bots cannot recognize bonded staked assets, which means these coins are effectively invisible to automated strategies.
For example, if you see assets labeled with a “.F” extension — such as ETH.F or ATOM.F — this indicates bonded staking positions on Kraken. These are not usable within trading bot environments like Cryptohopper.
Flexible Staking
Flexible staking allows users to stake and unstake their assets at any time, without penalties or waiting periods. While the rewards may be slightly lower than bonded staking, the benefits of liquidity and accessibility make it ideal for active traders.
Most importantly, flexible staking positions are fully compatible with crypto trading bots. This means your staked assets remain visible and tradable within platforms like Cryptohopper, enabling you to earn staking rewards while running automated strategies.
✅ Pro Tip: Always choose flexible staking on Kraken if you're using a trading bot. You maintain full control over your funds and can respond instantly to market movements.
Integrating Kraken Staking with Automated Trading
One common question users ask is: “Why don’t I see my staked assets in my trading bot dashboard?”
The answer lies in how Kraken handles different staking types. Only flexible staking positions are recognized by automated trading systems. If your assets are under “Current Assets” with a suffix like .F, they are locked in bonded staking and won’t appear in your bot’s trading pool.
To ensure smooth integration:
- Log into your Kraken account.
- Navigate to the Staking section.
- Select Flexible Staking for supported cryptocurrencies.
- Confirm that your assets are now visible in your trading bot interface.
Supported coins include Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Cosmos (ATOM), and more. Reward rates vary based on network conditions and demand, so check Kraken’s official rewards page for up-to-date APRs.
By combining flexible staking with automated trading, you unlock a dual-income potential:
- Earn staking rewards just for holding.
- Generate additional gains through algorithmic trading strategies.
This synergy allows you to maximize returns without sacrificing flexibility or control.
👉 Learn how top traders combine passive income with automated strategies for consistent growth.
How to Enable Staking on Kraken
Getting started with staking on Kraken is simple:
- Log in to your Kraken account.
- Go to the "Staking" tab under the "Earn" menu.
- Choose a supported cryptocurrency (e.g., ETH, ADA, DOT).
- Click “Stake” and select the amount.
- Confirm your choice — ensure you’re opting for flexible staking.
- Your rewards will begin accruing immediately and are typically distributed weekly.
You can monitor your earnings directly in your dashboard, and unstake at any time if needed.
Remember: For users leveraging trading bots, only flexible staking ensures full functionality. Avoid bonded staking unless you’re certain you won’t need those funds for automated trading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use bonded staking and still trade on Cryptohopper?
No. Bonded staking locks your assets, making them invisible to trading bots. Only flexible staking allows full integration with platforms like Cryptohopper.
Q: What does the ".F" mean next to my assets on Kraken?
The ".F" suffix stands for "Flexible" and indicates that the asset is in flexible staking mode — fully accessible and compatible with trading bots.
Q: Are staking rewards guaranteed?
Staking rewards depend on network conditions and can fluctuate over time. While generally stable, they are not fixed or guaranteed long-term.
Q: Is flexible staking less profitable than bonded staking?
It often offers slightly lower APRs compared to bonded options, but the trade-off is increased liquidity and compatibility with automated trading systems.
Q: Which cryptocurrencies can I stake on Kraken?
Popular options include Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Cosmos (ATOM), Algorand (ALGO), and Tezos (XTZ). Check Kraken’s official site for the latest list.
Q: Can I switch from bonded to flexible staking?
Not immediately. Bonded assets are locked for a set period. You must wait until the term ends before moving them to flexible staking or trading.
Final Thoughts
Kraken’s crypto staking service provides a secure and efficient way to earn passive income while contributing to blockchain decentralization. By choosing flexible staking, you preserve liquidity and enable powerful integrations with automated trading platforms like Cryptohopper.
Whether you're building a diversified portfolio or refining an active trading strategy, combining staking with automation offers a compelling path to long-term growth.
With careful planning and the right tools, you can turn idle assets into dynamic income generators — all while staying in full control of your investments.