> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.getbze.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.getbze.com/our-apps/dex/staking-and-earning.md).

# Staking & Earning

The DEX isn't only for trading — its **Staking** page lets you put your tokens to work and earn rewards while you hold them. There are two ways to do it.

* **Stake BZE with a validator.** Validators are the machines that keep the BeeZee network running. When you stake (delegate) your BZE to one, you help secure the chain and earn a share of the rewards it produces, including the new BZE created by inflation. Your BZE never leaves your control — you're lending your vote of confidence, not handing it over.
* **Join reward programs.** Some tokens run programs that pay you for staking them. Each program shows an **estimated APR** (a yearly rate, based on current conditions), your **daily rewards**, and an **unlock period** — the waiting time before your tokens come back when you unstake.

{% hint style="info" %}
Rewards are **claimed manually** — they build up over time, and you collect them whenever you like from the Staking page. They don't get added to your stake automatically.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Unstaking isn't instant. Both BZE staking and token reward programs have an **unlock period**, during which your tokens are locked and earning nothing before they return to your wallet. Check the period shown before you commit.
{% endhint %}

This page is the friendly summary. For step-by-step guides, head to the pages built for each:

{% content-ref url="/pages/VyfLosjJ2eCRZPj0TgLK" %}
[Staking Your BZE](/our-apps/staking/staking-your-bze.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/5OO2fsWfVLUsoW1JLSuG" %}
[Managing Your Stake](/our-apps/staking/managing-your-stake.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/0zELrtcKANfrjjdfAwF6" %}
[Staking Programs](/our-apps/communities/staking-programs.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**For example.** A gaming guild sets up a reward program that pays out **$GUILD** to anyone who stakes it. Members stake their $GUILD from the Staking page, watch their daily rewards tick up, and claim them whenever they want — earning simply for being part of the guild.
{% endhint %}