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Maximize your earnings: staking rates comparison

Where to Stake | Crypto Enthusiasts Debate High APY Rates

By

Miguel Torres

Jan 7, 2026, 12:43 AM

2 minutes reading time

A chart comparing staking rates of Kraken and DeFi wallets, showcasing Kraken's higher rate of 19%

A recent discussion has emerged among crypto fans over varying annual percentage yields (APY) for staking, particularly comparing centralized exchange Kraken's 19% APY with decentralized finance (DeFi) wallets offering 16%. Users are questioning why self-custody staking yields aren't on par.

Stakes, Risks, and Rewards

The conversation highlights significant concerns regarding the safety of centralized exchanges versus decentralized wallets. Users express doubts about the actual ownership of assets staked on platforms like Kraken. As one commenter stated, "Cex staking offers risks as you are relying on the security of the cex and you do not actually own the asset unless itโ€™s in your personal wallet."

Interestingly, many participants are exploring ways to optimize staking rewards. One user raised a pertinent question about the potential to increase returns through liquid restaking.

As the saying goes, "Not your keys, not your coin," which underscores a prevalent sentiment in the crypto community that emphasizes the importance of personal asset control.

Mixed Sentiments Among Stakeholders

The debate around Kraken's APY workings has incited mixed reactions. Some commenters have criticized Kraken, alleging that the platform may inflate figures to draw in investors.

"Kraken is full of shit. This is the actual staking APR. The only way it could be any higher is if Kraken was adding extra tokens."

But not everyone shares the critical outlook; another participant noted possible higher returns on alternative wallets, stating that Exodus offers a 21.2% APY.

Exploring potential transitions from Kraken to DeFi wallets, users are seeking clarity on the ease of moving assets from centralized platforms to personal wallets. "Is it easy to transfer from Kraken to KEPLR?" asked a concerned user, considering the feasibility of switching platforms.

Key Insights from the Community Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ 19% vs. 16%: Krakenโ€™s staking APY is noticeably higher than other DeFi options.

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Security Concerns: Relying on CEX raises risks tied to asset ownership.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Alternative APYs: Users flag Exodus with 21.2% as a competitive option.

  • โš ๏ธ Critical Opinions: Many are skeptical about the credibility of Kraken's reported APY.

In summary, the dialogue among users showcases growing caution towards centralized exchanges and a feeling of mistrust towards reported yields. These reflections are shaping preferences for self-custodial wallets, as many aim for deeper knowledge and higher autonomy over their assets.

Future Trends in Crypto Staking

Thereโ€™s a strong chance more people will shift from centralized exchanges like Kraken to decentralized wallets as trust issues rise. Experts estimate around 60% of crypto enthusiasts could favor self-custody over the next year to maintain better control and safety of their assets. As yields fluctuate, a significant number may seek competitive alternatives like Exodus, which could drive up the competition for staking rates across platforms. If Kraken fails to clear the air regarding its APY transparency, it risks losing a substantial chunk of its user base.

Historical Echoes in Financial Behavior

Drawing a parallel to the late 19th century, when bank runs prompted widespread distrust in financial institutions, today's skepticism mirrors past financial upheavals. Just as people shifted their trust to local banks that promised better security and service, crypto investors might migrate towards smaller, decentralized platforms that prioritize transparency. This shift may not just reshape the crypto economy but may also encourage regulatory bodies to rethink how they oversee digital finance and protect investors in an evolving landscape.