How to Stake EGLD: Native Staking vs Liquid Staking on JewelSwap

Staking is the simplest way to earn a yield on EGLD, the native token of MultiversX (formerly Elrond). MultiversX secures its network with Proof-of-Stake, and stakers are rewarded for helping validate it. But there is more than one way to stake — and the right choice depends on whether you want the highest simplicity or the most flexibility. This guide covers both native EGLD staking and liquid staking with JewelSwap.

What does staking EGLD mean?

When you stake EGLD you delegate it to a validator, who uses that stake to help secure MultiversX. In return you earn a share of protocol rewards. You are not selling your EGLD — you are putting it to work. The trade-off with the native method is lock-up: to withdraw, you go through a 10-day unbonding period during which your EGLD earns nothing and cannot be moved.

Option 1: Native EGLD staking (delegation)

The classic route, done directly on-chain:

1. Get a wallet and some EGLD. Set up the MultiversX web wallet or the xPortal app, and fund it with EGLD.
2. Open the staking / delegation section. On the MultiversX wallet, go to delegation and browse the list of validators (staking providers).
3. Choose a validator and delegate. Pick a provider — check their fee and track record — and delegate your EGLD.
4. Claim or redelegate rewards. Rewards accrue over time; you can claim them or compound them back into your stake.
5. Undelegate to exit. When you want out, undelegate and wait through the 10-day unbonding before the EGLD is withdrawable.

For the mechanics of validators and delegation, see the MultiversX documentation. Native staking is simple and non-custodial — its only real downside is that your capital is locked and idle while staked.

Option 2: Liquid staking EGLD with JewelSwap (JWLEGLD and SJWLEGLD)

Liquid staking removes the lock-up trade-off. Instead of your EGLD sitting frozen, you receive a liquid token that represents your staked position — usable across DeFi — while the underlying EGLD keeps earning. JewelSwap uses a dual-token model:

1. Mint JWLEGLD. Deposit EGLD into JewelSwap and receive JWLEGLD at up to 1.1x backing (1:1 base, boosted by Protocol-Owned Liquidity). JWLEGLD is a liquid receipt for your staked EGLD.
2. Stake JWLEGLD into SJWLEGLD. Stake your JWLEGLD to receive SJWLEGLD, an appreciating token. Staking rewards accrue into its exchange rate, so each SJWLEGLD is worth progressively more JWLEGLD over time — there is nothing to claim manually.
3. Put JWLEGLD to work (optional). Because JWLEGLD is liquid, you can trade it, provide it as liquidity on a DEX like xExchange, or use it as collateral elsewhere in JewelSwap — all while it keeps earning staking rewards.
4. Unbond when ready. To return to native EGLD, start a 10-day unbonding. JewelSwap issues a transferable claim NFT for the pending unstake, so even your exit position stays liquid and sellable.

The full token family, including redeemable and unredeemable derivatives and the staked S-variants across chains, is covered in JewelSwap derivative tokens explained.

Native vs liquid staking: which should you choose?

• Choose native staking if you want the simplest possible setup and plan to leave your EGLD untouched for a long time.
• Choose liquid staking if you want your capital to stay usable — as collateral, LP, or farm fuel — while it earns. The same EGLD can then do several jobs at once instead of sitting locked.

Both are non-custodial. Liquid staking simply adds composability on top of the base staking reward.

Who decides where your stake is delegated?

With JewelSwap liquid staking, validator delegation is governed on-chain by the Gauge, where JWLEGLD and SJWLEGLD holders vote on how stake is distributed across validators — aligning yield with network decentralization.

A note on risk

Staking rewards vary with network conditions and validator performance, and no yield is guaranteed. Liquid staking adds smart-contract exposure on top of base staking. As always, understand the products before committing funds, and only stake what you can leave deployed.

Frequently asked questions

Is JewelSwap available on Solana?

No. JewelSwap operates on MultiversX, Sui and Radix only. There is no JewelSwap Solana product.

Can I unstake EGLD instantly?

A full exit to native EGLD goes through a 10-day unbonding either way. With JewelSwap you receive a transferable claim NFT for the pending unstake, and your JWLEGLD / SJWLEGLD stays liquid until you choose to unbond.

Do I still earn rewards with liquid staking?

Yes. The underlying EGLD keeps earning staking rewards, which compound into the SJWLEGLD exchange rate — and you can earn additional yield by deploying the liquid JWLEGLD elsewhere.

What is the minimum to stake?

Native delegation minimums are set by MultiversX and individual validators; JewelSwap liquid staking has its own low entry. Check the app for current details before depositing.

Keep reading

• JewelSwap on MultiversX: the full guide
• What is liquid staking?
• How to stake SUI
• The JewelSwap Gauge explained

Ready to stake? Explore EGLD liquid staking in the JewelSwap documentation.