Staking Wormhole (W) is a smart way to grow your crypto while supporting one of the most exciting projects in the blockchain world. If you’re tired of letting your tokens sit idle, staking gives you a way to put them to work.
But before we dive into the how, let’s understand what makes Wormhole stand out. Wormhole is not just another token, it’s the backbone of communication between different blockchains. Launched in 2020, it helps apps, users, and developers interact across multiple networks with ease.
Instead of staying stuck on one chain, Wormhole lets apps move freely, thanks to its powerful messaging system. It has already powered over 1 billion messages and is trusted by big names like Uniswap, Circle, and Pancakeswap. Now, with staking live, you can earn rewards while helping the Wormhole network stay secure and strong. Let’s break down how to start staking your Wormhole tokens today.
How to Stake Wormhole (W)?
Staking Wormhole tokens allows you to take part in governance decisions and influence the future direction of the Wormhole protocol. This process uses the Tally governance platform and supports tokens across multiple blockchains. Follow these steps to stake your W tokens for governance participation.
Step 1: Open the Tally Governance Portal
Start by visiting the official Tally Governance Portal. This platform acts as the gateway to staking and governance activities for Wormhole. Once on the website, look for the ‘Stake for Governance’ button to begin.
Step 2: Connect Your Wallet
To proceed, you must connect your cryptocurrency wallet.
- Click on the ‘Connect Wallet’ button when prompted.
- A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to select your preferred wallet. MetaMask is a commonly used choice, but other wallets may also work.
- After selecting, your wallet will prompt a connection request.
- Confirm the request to continue.
Once your wallet connects, Tally will ask you to sign in. This platform uses wallet signatures rather than usernames or passwords.
- Click ‘Sign-in’ on the prompt to verify your wallet and create your Tally profile.
This step does not require gas fees.
Step 3: Start the Governance Staking Process
After connecting your wallet, the platform will present an overview of the governance process. Read the provided information carefully. Once you understand the details, click on the ‘Start’ button to begin staking your W tokens.
Step 4: Select a Delegate
You must now choose who will represent your voting power. Explore the list of available delegates on the Tally platform. Click on ‘Select’ next to any delegate to learn more about them. You can also browse the Wormhole Forum to review delegate profiles.
If you prefer to control your own votes, select the option ‘I want to delegate to myself.’ This choice allows you to manage your governance participation directly.
Step 5: Review the Delegate Profile
Take the time to read your chosen delegate’s profile. This will help you understand their governance goals and approach. If satisfied, click ‘Continue’ to proceed. If unsure, click ‘Back’ to review other profiles. You may revisit the Wormhole Forum for more delegate information.
Step 6: Transfer Tokens from Solana (If Required)
If your W tokens are on Solana, transfer them to Ethereum Mainnet, Arbitrum, Base, or Optimism. Use the Wormhole Connect widget on Tally to carry out this transfer.
Follow these steps:
- Select Solana as the source network and W as the token.
- Connect your Solana wallet, such as Backpack.
- Enter the amount of W you wish to transfer.
- Choose the destination network (for example, Base) and connect your destination wallet, such as MetaMask.
- Click ‘Approve’ to start the transaction and confirm the prompt in your Solana wallet.
Cross-chain transactions may take some time due to network congestion. If the transfer widget does not load properly, refresh the page or try again later. Once the transfer completes, click ‘Confirm delegation’ to continue.
If your W tokens are already on a supported network, skip this step and proceed directly to staking.
Step 7: Confirm and Stake for Governance
At the final stage, review all the staking details on the confirmation screen. Tick the checkbox to agree to the Tally Terms of Service. Then, click ‘Stake for Governance.’
Tally may offer you the option to cover the gas fee using a free gas mechanism. If this option appears and you want to use it, tick the relevant box.
Finally, click on the button showing your staking amount (for example, ‘Stake 25.0 W’) and sign the transaction in your connected wallet to complete the process.
Also Read: Where to buy Wormhole
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Best Places to Stake Wormhole (W)
Here’s where you can stake your Wormhole tokens easily:
Tally Governance Portal offers a user-friendly, technical way for Wormhole’s W token holders to stake and delegate tokens across multiple chains. The platform connects seamlessly with Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism and Base via wallet integration such as MetaMask. Tally uses smart contracts to manage staking and voting securely on‑chain. It supports multichain governance through Wormhole’s MultiGov system, enabling participation in proposals without locking tokens permanently. Users retain full token ownership and can change delegates or chains instantly.
Pros:
- Enables non‑custodial staking with full token control
- Supports cross‑chain governance participation
- No lock‑ups or cooldown periods
- Wallet integration across major EVMs
- Delegation allows passive governance involvement
Cons:
- Requires understanding of wallets and networks
- Users pay gas fees on each chain interaction
- Limited support on Solana for staking
- Governance has no direct yield incentives
Everstake is a trusted staking platform that enables users to delegate their tokens across multiple blockchain networks, including Wormhole. The platform supports over 70 blockchain protocols and provides simple tools for users to start staking without technical complexities. It focuses on security, offering institutional-grade infrastructure and real-time monitoring to keep assets safe. With transparent fee structures and consistent validator uptime, Everstake delivers reliable staking services to both individuals and institutions.
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of blockchain networks for staking.
- Provides clear and transparent fee structures.
- Offers real-time monitoring and reporting.
- Maintains high validator uptime and security standards.
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners and advanced users.
Cons:
- Does not provide built-in wallets for users.
- Requires users to manage wallet connections externally.
- Offers limited customer support options.
Kraken offers robust infrastructure for staking Wormhole (W) tokens directly on its platform. It provides flexible staking, allowing users to withdraw their assets at any time without penalties. Kraken also supports bonded staking that delivers higher yields in exchange for a defined lock-up period. The platform integrates on-chain and off-chain processes seamlessly, ensuring users enjoy reliable reward payouts and transparent performance tracking through its intuitive interface and secure systems. It supports weekly staking rewards and full control of staked assets.
Pros:
- Enables flexible and bonded staking options for Wormhole.
- Delivers weekly reward payouts in W tokens.
- Offers competitive APR on bonded staking.
- Secures assets via industry-leading security infrastructure.
- Integrates with Kraken Wallet for streamlined on‑chain access.
Cons:
- Bonded staking locks assets for set periods.
- Flexible staking yields lower APR than bonded.
- Some users may find weekly reward schedules less ideal.
- It requires full Kraken account verification to participate.
Benefits of Staking Wormhole (W)
Staking Wormhole (W) offers a smart way to earn rewards while supporting one of the most advanced cross-chain protocols in the blockchain space. It allows you to put your idle W tokens to work, helping to secure the network and influence its future development. Whether you are a casual investor or an active participant in the crypto ecosystem, staking Wormhole brings multiple benefits. Let’s explore these advantages in detail.
Seamless Multi-Chain Integration
Wormhole simplifies staking across multiple blockchains. Using Wormhole Native Token Transfers, you can easily move and stake your W tokens across networks like Solana and various Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains. This feature removes the usual complexities associated with liquidity fragmentation and eliminates the need for complicated bridge processes. You enjoy a streamlined staking experience without barriers across ecosystems.
Generate Passive Income
By staking Wormhole, you can turn your W holdings into a source of steady passive income. The network rewards stakers with additional W tokens, providing a reliable way to grow your investment over time. The more tokens you stake and the longer you commit them, the higher your potential rewards. This approach helps you earn income without needing to actively trade in volatile markets.
Participate in Governance
Staking Wormhole gives you a voice in the protocol’s future. Through the Tally Governance Portal, you can delegate your voting power and help shape key proposals that impact the Wormhole DAO. These decisions cover important changes across Solana, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base. Plus, Wormhole staking remains flexible—there are no mandatory lock-up periods. You can unstake or switch delegates anytime without losing your staking position.
Access Special Incentive Programs
Early stakers have the opportunity to benefit from Wormhole’s incentive programs. For example, the first staking season offered a reward pool of 50 million W tokens, roughly valued at $20 million. By participating early in these programmes, you can secure a larger share of these exclusive rewards and maximise your staking returns.
Enhance Network Security
Your staked tokens help keep the Wormhole network stable and secure. Staking contributes to the validation of cross-chain messages and transactions, playing a critical role in maintaining decentralisation. By participating, you help ensure the protocol’s long-term reliability and resistance to malicious actors.
Flexible Staking Options
Wormhole gives you full control over your staking strategy. You can choose how many tokens to stake and for how long, aligning your choices with your personal goals and risk tolerance. Whether you prefer short-term flexibility or long-term commitments for potentially higher returns, Wormhole’s staking system adapts to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly Is Staking For Governance On Wormhole?
Staking for governance on Wormhole enables holders of the native W token to actively contribute to network decision making without needing to review every proposal themselves. Instead, users delegate their voting power to trusted delegates who vote on their behalf. This mechanism supports the decentralised governance structure known as MultiGov, which spans multiple blockchains and ensures that token holders’ views are represented even if they remain otherwise passive.
Which Ethereum‑Layer Chains Are Supported For Wormhole Staking?
Wormhole’s governance staking currently supports several Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible networks. You can stake W tokens on Ethereum Mainnet, Arbitrum One, Optimism, and Base. While W tokens also exist on Solana, staking for governance must first be bridged to one of these EVM networks using the approved token transfer widget.
Is It Necessary To Transfer W Tokens From Solana Before Staking?
Yes, if your W tokens are on Solana, you need to bridge them to an EVM chain before staking. The Tally portal conveniently includes a Wormhole Native Token Transfer (NTT) widget, allowing you to move tokens from Solana to Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, or Base before proceeding with delegation. This ensures your tokens are in a supported environment for governance participation.
Who Qualifies As A Delegate In Wormhole Protocol?
A delegate is an entity, be it an individual or a group, who holds W tokens and regularly engages with governance proposals. Their role is to review proposals thoughtfully and vote accordingly, guiding protocol decisions in a transparent manner. Delegates may also create proposals and serve on committees, reflecting a commitment to informed participation and community representation.
Can I Stake Only A Portion Of My W Tokens?
No, the governance staking process currently requires you to stake the entire W token balance present in your wallet. It isn’t possible to delegate a partial amount. You may, however, change your delegate at any time and redelegate your full token balance to a different trusted entity whenever you wish.
