Crypto Basics

Cardano Staking - A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Learn about Cardano staking in this comprehensive guide and uncover the strategies and essential tips for beginners entering the world of ADA staking.
Marcus K
8 Minutes
MIN

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts constantly search for fresh and inventive approaches to maximize their digital assets and earnings. Over the past few years, staking Cardano has emerged as a popular method in this endeavor.

Staking Cardano presents an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in passive income generation. Staking involves actively contributing to a blockchain network and receiving additional cryptocurrency as a reward. 

With its reputation as the "Ethereum killer," Cardano provides a dependable and secure platform for staking its native cryptocurrency, ADA.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about Cardano staking, including what it is, how to stake it, the pros and cons, and where to do so. Let's dive in!

What is Cardano Staking?

Cardano is a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain founded by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson. PoS blockchains, unlike proof-of-work (PoW) blockchains like Bitcoin, validate transactions and produce blocks through staking rather than mining. 

Staking involves locking away coins in a node to validate transactions and contribute to the network's security and stability. By staking ADA, you can earn staking rewards without moving or losing your coins.

In Cardano's PoS blockchain, nodes play a crucial role in the validation process. Nodes are groups of people who have pooled their staked ADA tokens together. 

The more ADA coins locked away in a node, the higher the chances of producing blocks and earning rewards. Staking pools, often operated by those with technical expertise, allow users to pool their tokens with others or run their own staking pool.

How to Stake Cardano?

Staking Cardano is a straightforward process that can be done through reputable crypto exchanges or by staking directly with staking pool operators. Let's explore both methods.

Staking via an Exchange

If you prefer a user-friendly and convenient option, staking Cardano via a crypto exchange might be the right choice. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to stake Cardano via an exchange:

  • Find a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that supports ADA trading and staking, such as Binance or Coinbase.
  • Create an account on the exchange platform and complete the necessary verification process.
  • Deposit ADA tokens into your exchange wallet by either buying ADA directly on the exchange or transferring existing tokens from another wallet.
  • Navigate to the "Staking" page on the exchange platform and select "Cardano" as the cryptocurrency you want to stake.
  • Choose your desired staking duration, determining how long your ADA tokens will be locked away.
  • Enter the amount of ADA tokens you want to stake and review any associated fees.
  • Confirm your staking transaction and wait for the staking process to begin.

Staking with Staking Pool Operators

Staking directly with staking pool operators offers more independence and control over your assets. Here's how to stake Cardano with staking pool operators:

  • Obtain an ADA wallet that supports staking, such as Daedalus or Yoroi.
  • Transfer your ADA tokens to your chosen wallet from an exchange or any other source.
  • Research staking pool operators and choose a pool that aligns with your preferences and requirements.
  • Delegate your ADA tokens to the selected staking pool by following the instructions provided by your wallet.
  • Your ADA tokens will now be staked in the pool, and you will start earning staking rewards.

It's important to note that staking with staking pool operators allows you to retain full control of your funds and withdraw them at any time.

Pros and Cons of Cardano Staking

Before diving into Cardano staking, it's essential to consider the pros and cons. Let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of staking Cardano.

Pros of Cardano Staking

  • Passive Income: Staking Cardano allows you to earn a passive income by participating in the network and contributing to its security and stability.
  • Higher Yields: The potential yields from Cardano staking are typically higher than traditional investments, making it an attractive option for long-term holders of ADA tokens.
  • Energy-Efficient: Unlike crypto mining, staking requires minimal energy consumption and setup, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
  • User-Friendly: Staking Cardano is relatively simple, especially when staking via exchanges that offer user-friendly interfaces.
  • Network Participation: By staking ADA, you actively participate in the Cardano network, making it faster and more stable.

Cons of Cardano Staking

  • Volatility: The crypto market is known for its volatility, and the price of ADA can fluctuate dramatically. If the value of ADA depreciates significantly, potential losses from staking can quickly exceed the income earned.
  • Pool Selection: Choosing the right staking pool is crucial for maximizing rewards. While reputable pools exist, some pool operators may take advantage of contributors by claiming a significant portion of the rewards.
  • Risk of Loss: While staking itself is safe, losing your funds is risky if you lose access to your wallet's private key. It's important to ensure proper wallet security measures are in place.

Despite these potential drawbacks, Cardano staking remains an attractive option for those earning passive income from their ADA holdings.

Where to Stake Cardano?

You can stake your Cardano (ADA) tokens, including popular exchanges and dedicated wallets. Let's explore some of the platforms where you can stake Cardano.

Staking on Coinbase

Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offers Cardano staking with an annual percentage yield (APY) of 3.75%. Here's how to stake Cardano on Coinbase:

  • Create an account on Coinbase and complete the necessary verification process.
  • Select your desired Cardano staking pool and review the staking amount required.
  • Buy Cardano on Coinbase or transfer your ADA tokens from an external wallet into your Coinbase wallet.
  • Add your ADA to the selected Cardano staking pool and approve the associated fees and minimum lock-up period.
  • Wait for your Cardano staking rewards to arrive, typically every five to seven days after the initial holding period.

Staking on Binance

Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, offers Cardano staking with an APY of up to 6.1%. Here's how to stake Cardano on Binance:

  • Create an account on Binance if you don't already have one.
  • Visit the Binance "Staking" homepage.
  • Ensure you have sufficient funds in your Binance spot wallet.
  • Choose ADA from the list of tokens available for staking.
  • Follow the prompts on the screen for first-time staking on the platform.
  • Enter the desired amount for staking or choose the percentage of total assets to be staked.
  • Review the details and click "Confirm" to complete the staking process.

Staking on eToro

eToro, a popular social trading platform, offers automatic staking of supported cryptocurrencies, including Cardano. Here's how to stake Cardano on eToro:

  • Create an account on eToro and complete the necessary verification process.
  • Deposit ADA into your eToro wallet.
  • Automatic staking will begin, and you will start earning staking rewards.
  • The staking yield percentage depends on your membership status on eToro.

Risks of Cardano Staking

While Cardano staking offers numerous benefits, knowing the associated risks is important. Here are some risks to consider before staking Cardano:

  • Market Volatility: The value of ADA can fluctuate significantly, potentially impacting the overall returns from staking.
  • Pool Performance: The performance of the staking pool you choose can impact the rewards you receive. It's essential to research and select reputable and well-performing pools.
  • Lock-Up Period: Staking your ADA involves a lock-up period during which your tokens are locked and cannot be easily accessed or sold. If you need immediate liquidity, staking may not be suitable.
  • Loss of Private Key: Losing access to your wallet's private key can permanently cause you to lose your staked ADA. Keeping your private key secure and backing up your wallet is crucial.

It's vital to conduct thorough research and carefully consider these risks before engaging in Cardano staking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Cardano staking safe?

Yes, Cardano staking is generally considered safe. The ADA tokens used for staking never leave your wallet, and staking rewards are earned similarly to interest in a savings account. However, practicing proper wallet security measures to protect your funds is important.

Q2. Can I unstake my ADA at any time?

Yes, you can unstake your ADA anytime, but it's essential to consider the lock-up period associated with your chosen staking duration. Withdrawing your ADA before the end of the staking duration may result in losing staking rewards.

Q3. Can I stake Cardano if I don't have technical expertise?

Yes, even if you don't have technical expertise, you can stake Cardano by using reputable crypto exchanges that offer staking services. These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces that simplify the staking process.

Q4. How often are staking rewards distributed?

Staking rewards are typically distributed at the end of each epoch, which lasts approximately five days. The distribution of rewards is based on the snapshot taken at the end of each epoch, reflecting the distribution of staked ADA tokens.

Conclusion

Cardano staking offers a compelling opportunity to earn passive income and actively participate in the Cardano network. By staking ADA, you contribute to the network's security and stability while enjoying potentially higher yields than traditional investments. 

Whether you choose to stake through exchanges or directly with staking pool operators, it's important to consider the pros and cons, research staking pools, and understand the associated risks. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to begin your Cardano staking journey. Happy staking!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Token Metrics Team

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Python Quick-Start with Token Metrics: The Ultimate Crypto Price API

Token Metrics Team
10 min
MIN

If you’re a Python developer looking to build smarter crypto apps, bots, or dashboards, you need two things: reliable data and AI-powered insights. The Token Metrics API gives you both. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to quickly get started using Token Metrics as your Python crypto price API, including how to authenticate, install the SDK, and run your first request in minutes.

Whether you’re pulling live market data, integrating Trader Grades into your trading strategy, or backtesting with OHLCV data, this guide has you covered.

🚀 Quick Setup for Developers in a Hurry

Install the official Token Metrics Python SDK:

pip install tokenmetrics

Or if you prefer working with requests directly, no problem. We’ll show both methods below.

🔑 Step 1: Generate Your API Key

Before anything else, you’ll need a Token Metrics account.

  1. Go to app.tokenmetrics.com/en/api
  2. Log in and navigate to the API Keys Dashboard
  3. Click Generate API Key
  4. Name your key (e.g., “Development”, “Production”)
  5. Copy it immediately — keep it secret.

You can monitor usage, rate limits, and quotas right from the dashboard. Track each key’s status, last used date, and revoke access at any time.

📈 Step 2: Retrieve Crypto Prices in Python

Here’s a simple example to fetch the latest price data for Ethereum (ETH):

import requests

API_KEY = "YOUR_API_KEY"

headers = {"x-api-key": API_KEY}

url = "https://api.tokenmetrics.com/v2/daily-ohlcv?symbol=ETH&startDate=<YYYY-MM-DD>&endDate=<YYYY-MM-DD>"

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

data = response.json()

for candle in data['data']:

    print(f"Date: {candle['DATE']} | Close: ${candle['CLOSE']}")

You now have a working python crypto price API pipeline. Customize startDate or endDate to get specific range of historical data.

📊 Add AI-Powered Trader Grades

Token Metrics’ secret sauce is its AI-driven token ratings. Here’s how to access Trader Grades for ETH:

grade_url = "https://api.tokenmetrics.com/v2/trader-grades?symbol=ETH&limit=30d"

grades = requests.get(grade_url, headers=headers).json()['data']

for day in grades:

    print(f"{day['DATE']} — Trader Grade: {day['TA_GRADE']}")

Use this data to automate trading logic (e.g., enter trades when Grade > 85) or overlay on charts.

🔁 Combine Data for Backtesting

Want to test a strategy? Merge OHLCV and Trader Grades for any token:

import pandas as pd

ohlcv_df = pd.DataFrame(data['data'])

grades_df = pd.DataFrame(grades)

combined_df = pd.merge(ohlcv_df, grades_df, on="DATE")

print(combined_df.head())

Now you can run simulations, build analytics dashboards, or train your own models.

⚙️ Endpoint Coverage for Python Devs

  • /daily-ohlcv: Historical price data
  • /trader-grades: AI signal grades (0–100)
  • /trading-signals: Bullish/Bearish signals for short and long positions.
  • /sentiment: AI-modeled sentiment scores
  • /tmai: Ask questions in plain English

All endpoints return structured JSON and can be queried via requests, axios, or any modern client.

🧠 Developer Tips

  • Each request = 1 credit (tracked in real time)
  • Rate limits depend on your plan (Free = 1 req/min)
  • Use the API Usage Dashboard to monitor and optimize
  • Free plan = 5,000 calls/month — perfect for testing and building MVPs

💸 Bonus: Save 35% with $TMAI

You can reduce your API bill by up to 35% by staking and paying with Token Metrics’ native token, $TMAI. Available via the settings → payments page.

🌐 Final Thoughts

If you're searching for the best python crypto price API with more than just price data, Token Metrics is the ultimate choice. It combines market data with proprietary AI intelligence, trader/investor grades, sentiment scores, and backtest-ready endpoints—all in one platform.

✅ Real-time & historical data
✅ RESTful endpoints
✅ Python-ready SDKs and docs
✅ Free plan to start building today

Start building today → tokenmetrics.com/api

Looking for SDK docs? Explore the full Python Quick Start Guide

Research

Crypto API to Google Sheets in 5 Minutes: How to Use Token Metrics API with Apps Script

Token Metrics Team
6 min
MIN

If you're a trader, data analyst, or crypto enthusiast, chances are you've wanted to pull live crypto data directly into Google Sheets. Whether you're tracking prices, building custom dashboards, or backtesting strategies, having real-time data at your fingertips can give you an edge.

In this guide, we'll show you how to integrate the Token Metrics API — a powerful crypto API with free access to AI-powered signals — directly into Google Sheets in under 5 minutes using Google Apps Script.

📌 Why Use Google Sheets for Crypto Data?

Google Sheets is a flexible, cloud-based spreadsheet that:

  • Requires no coding to visualize data
  • Can be shared and updated in real time
  • Offers formulas, charts, and conditional formatting
  • Supports live API connections with Apps Script

When combined with the Token Metrics API, it becomes a powerful dashboard that updates live with Trader Grades, Bull/Bear Signals, historical OHLCV data, and more.

🚀 What Is Token Metrics API?

The Token Metrics API provides real-time and historical crypto data powered by AI. It includes:

  • Trader Grade: A score from 0 to 100 showing bullish/bearish potential
  • Bull/Bear Signal: A binary signal showing market direction
  • OHLCV: Open-High-Low-Close-Volume price history
  • Token Metadata: Symbol, name, category, market cap, and more

The best part? The free Basic Plan includes:

  • 5,000 API calls/month
  • Access to core endpoints
  • Hourly data refresh
  • No credit card required

👉 Sign up for free here

🛠️ What You’ll Need

  • A free Token Metrics API key
  • A Google account
  • Basic familiarity with Google Sheets

⚙️ How to Connect Token Metrics API to Google Sheets

Here’s how to get live AI-powered crypto data into Sheets using Google Apps Script.

🔑 Step 1: Generate Your API Key

  1. Visit: https://app.tokenmetrics.com/en/api
  2. Click “Generate API Key”
  3. Copy it — you’ll use this in the script

📄 Step 2: Create a New Google Sheet

  1. Go to Google Sheets
  2. Create a new spreadsheet
  3. Click Extensions > Apps Script

💻 Step 3: Paste This Apps Script

const TOKEN_METRICS_API_KEY = 'YOUR_API_KEY_HERE';

async function getTraderGrade(symbol) {

  const url = `https://api.tokenmetrics.com/v2/trader-grades?symbol=${symbol.toUpperCase()}`;

  const options = {

    method: 'GET',

    contentType: 'application/json',

    headers: {

      'accept': 'application/json',

      'x-api-key': TOKEN_METRICS_API_KEY,

    },

    muteHttpExceptions: true

  };

  

  const response = UrlFetchApp.fetch(url, options);

  const data = JSON.parse(response.getContentText() || "{}")

  

  if (data.success && data.data.length) {

    const coin = data.data[0];

    return [

      coin.TOKEN_NAME,

      coin.TOKEN_SYMBOL,

      coin.TA_GRADE,

      coin.DATE

    ];

  } else {

    return ['No data', '-', '-', '-'];

  }

}

async function getSheetData() {

  const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();

  const symbols = sheet.getRange('A2:A').getValues().flat().filter(Boolean);

  const results = [];

  results.push(['Name', 'Symbol', 'Trader Grade', 'Date']);

  for (const symbol of symbols) {

    if (symbol) {

      const row = await getTraderGrade(symbol);

      results.push(row);

    }

  }

  sheet.getRange(2, 2, results.length, results[0].length).setValues(results);

}

🧪 Step 4: Run the Script

  1. Replace 'YOUR_API_KEY_HERE' with your real API key.
  2. Save the project as TokenMetricsCryptoAPI.
  3. In your sheet, enter a list of symbols (e.g., BTC, ETH, SOL) in Column A.
  4. Go to the script editor and run getSheetData() from the dropdown menu.

Note: The first time, Google will ask for permission to access the script.

✅ Step 5: View Your Live Data

After the script runs, you’ll see:

  • Coin name and symbol
  • Trader Grade (0–100)
  • Timestamp

You can now:

  • Sort by Trader Grade
  • Add charts and pivot tables
  • Schedule automatic updates with triggers (e.g., every hour)

🧠 Why Token Metrics API Is Ideal for Google Sheets Users

Unlike basic price APIs, Token Metrics offers AI-driven metrics that help you:

  • Anticipate price action before it happens
  • Build signal-based dashboards or alerts
  • Validate strategies against historical signals
  • Keep your data fresh with hourly updates

And all of this starts for free.

🏗️ Next Steps: Expand Your Sheet

Here’s what else you can build:

  • A portfolio tracker that pulls your top coins’ grades
  • A sentiment dashboard using historical OHLCV
  • A custom screener that filters coins by Trader Grade > 80
  • A Telegram alert system triggered by Sheets + Apps Script + Webhooks

You can also upgrade to the Advanced Plan to unlock 21 endpoints including:

  • Investor Grades
  • Smart Indices
  • Sentiment Metrics
  • Quantitative AI reports
  • 60x API speed

🔐 Security Tip

Never share your API key in a public Google Sheet. Use script-level access and keep the sheet private unless required.

🧩 How-To Schema Markup (for SEO)

{

  "@context": "https://schema.org",

  "@type": "HowTo",

  "name": "Crypto API to Google Sheets in 5 Minutes",

  "description": "Learn how to connect the Token Metrics crypto API to Google Sheets using Google Apps Script and get real-time AI-powered signals and prices.",

  "totalTime": "PT5M",

  "supply": [

    {

      "@type": "HowToSupply",

      "name": "Google Sheets"

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToSupply",

      "name": "Token Metrics API Key"

    }

  ],

  "tool": [

    {

      "@type": "HowToTool",

      "name": "Google Apps Script"

    }

  ],

  "step": [

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Get Your API Key",

      "text": "Sign up at Token Metrics and generate your API key from the API dashboard."

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Create a New Google Sheet",

      "text": "Open a new sheet and list crypto symbols in column A."

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Add Apps Script",

      "text": "Go to Extensions > Apps Script and paste the provided code, replacing your API key."

    },

    {

      "@type": "HowToStep",

      "name": "Run the Script",

      "text": "Execute the getSheetData function to pull data into the sheet."

    }

  ]

}

✍️ Final Thoughts

If you're serious about crypto trading or app development, integrating live market signals into your workflow can be a game-changer. With the Token Metrics API, you can get institutional-grade AI signals — right inside Google Sheets.

This setup is simple, fast, and completely free to start. Try it today and unlock a smarter way to trade and build in crypto.

👉 Get Your API Key & Start for Free

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🚀Put Your $TMAI to Work: Daily Rewards, No Locks, Up To 200% APR.

Token Metrics Team
5 min
MIN

Liquidity farming just got a major upgrade. Token Metrics AI ($TMAI) has launched its first liquidity incentive campaign on Merk — and it’s designed for yield hunters looking to earn fast, with no lockups, no gimmicks, and real rewards from Day 1.

📅 Campaign Details

  • Duration: June 5 – June 19, 2025
  • Rewards Begin: 17:00 UTC / 1:00 PM ET
  • Total TMAI Committed: 38 million+ $TMAI
  • No Lockups: Enter or exit at any time
  • APR Potential: Up to 200%

For two weeks, liquidity providers can earn high daily rewards across three different pools. All rewards are paid in $TMAI and distributed continuously — block by block — through the Merkl platform.

💧 Where to Earn – The Pools (as of June 5, 17:00 UTC)

Pool                                                    Starting APR %               Total Rewards (14 days)                Current TVL

Aerodrome WETH–TMAI        150%                                16.79M TMAI (~$11,000)                   $86,400

Uniswap v3 USDC–TMAI        200%                                14.92M TMAI (~$9,800)                    $19,900

Balancer 95/5 WETH–TMAI    200%                                5.60M TMAI (~$3,700)                       $9,500

These pools are live and actively paying rewards. APR rates aren’t displayed on Merkl until the first 24 hours of data are available — but early providers will already be earning.

🧠 Why This Campaign Stands Out

1. Turbo Rewards for a Short Time

This isn’t a slow-drip farm. The TMAI Merkl campaign is designed to reward action-takers. For the first few days, yields are especially high — thanks to low TVL and full daily reward distribution.

2. No Lockups or Waiting Periods

You can provide liquidity and withdraw it anytime — even the same day. There are no lockups, no vesting, and no delayed payout mechanics. All rewards accrue automatically and are claimable through Merkl.

3. Choose Your Risk Profile

You get to pick your exposure.

  • Want ETH upside? Stake in Aerodrome or Balancer.
  • Prefer stablecoin stability? Go with the Uniswap v3 USDC–TMAI pool.

4. Influence the Future of TMAI Yield Farming

This campaign isn’t just about yield — it’s a test. If enough users participate and volume grows, the Token Metrics Treasury will consider extending liquidity rewards into Q3 and beyond. That means more TMAI emissions, longer timelines, and consistent passive income opportunities for LPs.

5. Built for Transparency and Speed

Rewards are distributed via Merkl by Angle Labs, a transparent, gas-efficient platform for programmable liquidity mining. You can see the exact rewards, TVL, wallet counts, and pool analytics at any time.

🔧 How to Get Started

Getting started is simple. You only need a crypto wallet, some $TMAI, and a matching asset (either WETH or USDC, depending on the pool).

Step-by-step:

  1. Pick a pool:
    Choose from Aerodrome, Uniswap v3, or Balancer depending on your risk appetite and asset preference.

  2. Provide liquidity:
    Head to the Merkl link for your pool, deposit both assets, and your position is live immediately.

  3. Track your earnings:
    Watch TMAI accumulate daily in your Merkl dashboard. You can claim rewards at any time.

  4. Withdraw when you want:
    Since there are no lockups, you can remove your liquidity whenever you choose — rewards stop the moment liquidity is pulled.

🎯 Final Thoughts

This is a rare opportunity to earn serious rewards in a short amount of time. Whether you’re new to liquidity mining or a DeFi veteran, the TMAI Merkl campaign is built for speed, flexibility, and transparency.

You’re still early. The best yields happen in the first days, before TVL rises and APR stabilizes. Dive in now and maximize your returns while the turbo phase is still on.

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