> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.p2p.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> How staking on Polkadot works with the P2P.org Staking API.

Staking on the Polkadot network, also referred to <Tooltip tip="On Polkadot and Avail, a process by which tokens can be &#x22;frozen&#x22; in exchange for rewards. For example, staking is a form of bonding for which you receive rewards in exchange for securing the network.">bonding</Tooltip>, using the Staking API is possible in two ways:

## Chain Details

| Parameter            | Value             |
| -------------------- | ----------------- |
| **Minimum Stake**    | 10 DOT            |
| **Unbonding Period** | 28 days           |
| **Networks**         | polkadot, westend |

* By staking directly
* By staking via a <Tooltip tip="On Polkadot and Avail, nomination pools allow users to contribute tokens and earn staking rewards. Unlike nominating directly, where your bonded funds remain in your account but become locked, the tokens you bond to a pool is transferred to the pool's stash account. Staking using pools requires a small amount of tokens, and the pool manages nominees on your behalf.">nomination pool</Tooltip>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Direct staking">
    The [direct staking](/docs/staking-polkadot#staking-directly) process consists of several steps:

    1. Create a <Tooltip tip="On Polkadot and Avail, a process by which tokens can be “frozen” in exchange for rewards. For example, staking is a form of bonding for which you receive rewards in exchange for securing the network.">bonding</Tooltip> request: submit a bond to the Polkadot network.

    2. Create a <Tooltip tip="On Polkadot and Avail, nominating is the process of selecting validators that the user wants to stake their tokens. You can choose to nominate up to 16 validators for each of your accounts. Once the selected validators have been submitted, bonded funds are automatically distributed to nominees who are active in the current era. As long as at least one of the selected validators is actively validating in a session, bonded funds will be backing that validator. For nomination pools, a user does not nominate directly, as the pool managers are in charge of nominating validators on behalf of all the pool members.">nomination</Tooltip> request: select <Tooltip tip="A network participant responsible for proposing new blocks under a Proof-of-Stake consensus model, validating transactions, and securing a blockchain through staking tokens. Validators play a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of the network.">validator</Tooltip>s within the Polkadot network.

    3. Add a <Tooltip tip="On Polkadot and Avail, this is an account that acts on behalf of the stash account, signalling decisions about nominating and validating. It can set preferences like commission (for validators) and the staking rewards payout account. The earned rewards can be locked immediately for bonding on your stash account, which would effectively compound the rewards you receive over time. You could also choose to have them deposited to a different account as a free (transferable) balance. If you are a validator, it can also be used to set your session keys. Staking proxies only need sufficient funds to pay for the transaction fees.">staking proxy</Tooltip>: delegate your staking rights to another account, which can then sign transactions on your behalf (optional).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Nomination pool">
    To [stake via a nomination pool](/docs/staking-polkadot#staking-via-a-nomination-pool):

    1. Create a claim permission request to allow your nomination pool to bond and nominate on your behalf.

    2. Create a bonding request to the Polkadot network.

    3. Create a claim payout request.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Snippet file="auth-setup.mdx" />

<Snippet file="test-prod-endpoints.mdx" />

For Polkadot, there are several networks available:

* `mainnet` — Polkadot mainnet
* `kusama` — Kusama mainnet
* `westend` — testnet environment


## Related topics

- [Getting Started](/docs/staking-polkadot.md)
- [Withdrawal](/docs/withdrawal-polkadot.md)
- [Sign and Broadcast Transaction](/docs/signing-transaction-polkadot.md)
- [Staking API reference](/reference/polkadot-staking-bond.md)
- [Unified API guide](/docs/unified-api-polkadot.md)