Here, we’ll explain the principles and process of RSR staking, including a step-by-step guide on how to stake RSR using the Reserve Register app.

What is RSR staking?

By staking RSR, users take a stake in an RToken’s future. RSR is staked on each RToken individually, and can only be unstaked after a pre-set delay (usually ~2 weeks).

RSR stakers provide governance and peg-protection (overcollateralization) in exchange for RToken yield

Stakers earn a portion of an RToken’s yield in exchange for governance and security — pledging their RSR as emergency first-loss capital while managing the RToken’s configuration and collateral. These functions make up the three core components of RSR staking:

1. Governance. RSR stakers govern RTokens by token-weighted vote. RSR governance controls RToken collateral composition, token configuration, and contract upgrades. For example, ETH+ stakers recently voted to add Stader ETHx to its collateral basket.
2. Peg protection. Staked RSR also serves as emergency first-loss capital in case of collateral depeg. When a depeg is detected, staked RSR is sold as first-loss capital to cover any losses. This overcollateralization mitigates RToken risk and ensures incentives are aligned between RSR stakers and RToken holders. For example, RSR staked on eUSD was sold to protect against USDC’s depeg in March 2023, though stakers lost little and were made whole in a few short months.
3. Yield. In exchange for governance and security, RSR stakers earn a portion of an RToken’s yield. The amount allocated to stakers varies between RTokens, with some tokens prioritizing security over growth and vice versa. Staking yield can be compared at https://app.reserve.org/compare.

How to Stake RSR

Staking RSR takes just a few easy steps, and is supported by RTokens on Ethereum, Base, and Arbitrum.

Example staking interface on https://app.reserve.org/

1. Purchase RSR from your preferred exchange (see all markets on CoinMarketCap).
2. Connect to Reserve Register Dapp. Connect your wallet at https://app.reserve.org/
3. Choose an RToken. Click “Browse” to compare or the “RToken” dropdown to choose directly. If you choose an RToken on another chain, your wallet should prompt you to switch networks. Your RSR will have to be on the same network, so be sure to purchase or bridge it there.
4. Navigate to the “Stake” page using the vertical menu to the left.
5. Stake your RSR. Choose how much RSR you’d like to stake in the “You stake:” box. Check how much staked RSR you’ll receive in the “You receive:” box. If you’re satisfied, click the “Stake RSR” button.
6. Approve and execute the transaction using your wallet. Once the transaction is confirmed, the staked RSR will be available in your wallet.

Congrats! You’ve now secured your stake in an RToken’s future. It’s important to note that, as yield accrues, it will be reflected in the growing exchange rate between staked and unstaked RSR, and realized upon unstaking.

Stake your claim

Ready to stake your RSR?

• Compare staking yields at https://app.reserve.org/compare
• Check out governance proposals at https://forum.reserve.org/
• Stake away at https://app.reserve.org/

If you have any questions along the way, drop into the Reserve protocol Discord server — there’s always someone around to help!