Polkadot (DOT) Staking — How to Earn Staking Rewards | Nova Wallet

Learn how to stake Polkadot (DOT) with Nova Wallet. Compare direct and pool staking options, check minimum staking requirements, DOT staking APY, and how often rewards are paid.

Nova Wallet is a non-custodial wallet where you alone remain in control of your assets via your private key/seed phrase. Nova Wallet directly connects you to the Polkadot protocol to stake directly. Nova Wallet does not provide you with any staking services such as how a CEX may do.

Staking Polkadot (DOT) is a way to earn passive rewards while contributing to the network’s security. With Nova Wallet, a non-custodial solution, you can easily access both pool staking and direct staking options. This page explains everything about staking Polkadot, including minimum DOT requirements, APY rates, reward payouts, and more.

Polkadot Staking Information & Parameters

Parameter	Pool Staking	Direct Staking
Minimum Stake	1 DOT	~263.78 DOT*
Unstaking Period	28 Days	28 Days
Rewards Payout	Rewards have to be claimed manually and you must pay transaction fees.	Rewards accrue daily and are paid out daily.
Governance Participation	Staked DOT can be used to participate in Governance on the Polkadot protocol.	Staked DOT can be used to participate in Governance on the Polkadot protocol.

*The minimum stake for direct staking varies over time and is dictated by the Polkadot protocol.

What is Polkadot staking and how does it work?

Polkadot staking is the process of locking up your DOT tokens to help secure the Polkadot network and earn rewards in return. When you stake DOT through Polkadot staking, you’re supporting validator nodes that maintain the blockchain. In return, you receive staking rewards based on your participation and the network’s performance. You can stake DOT either directly or via nomination pools using a non-custodial wallet like Nova Wallet.

How much DOT do you need to start staking?

The minimum DOT for staking depends on whether you use direct staking or pool staking. For direct Polkadot staking, the amount required varies over time depending on network dynamics and active validators—currently around 263 DOT. In contrast, pool staking allows you to start with as little as 1 DOT, making Polkadot staking more accessible to all users.

How often are Polkadot staking rewards paid out?

Polkadot staking rewards are paid out daily when you stake directly, and they accrue automatically. However, if you use nomination pools, rewards must be claimed manually, and transaction fees may apply. So if you’re wondering how often Polkadot pays staking rewards, the answer is: daily — but the payout process differs depending on your staking method.

What’s the difference between pool and direct staking in Polkadot?

The key difference between pool staking and direct staking in Polkadot lies in flexibility and accessibility. Pool staking requires only 1 DOT and is great for beginners, while direct Polkadot staking demands a much higher minimum (e.g., ~263 DOT) but provides automatic daily rewards. Both options support governance participation and help you earn staking rewards on Polkadot.

Does Polkadot staking allow governance participation?

Yes, Polkadot staking gives you the right to take part in on-chain governance. Whether you use direct staking or pool staking, your staked DOT can be used to vote on key proposals in the Polkadot network governance system. Participating in governance ensures your voice is heard on issues like protocol upgrades and treasury decisions. This makes staking on Polkadot not just profitable, but also a way to influence the future of the network.

🙋Polkadot Direct Staking🌊Polkadot Pool Staking