> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.leather.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.leather.io/stacking/choose-stacking-method.md).

# Choose a staking method

The three ways to earn on app.leather.io/staking, STX-only staking with a pool, liquid staking and Bitcoin staking pools, and how pools differ.

[app.leather.io/staking](https://app.leather.io/staking) lists three ways to earn. Leather does not operate any of the pools or protocols.

## STX-only staking with a pool

Listed under "Stacks staking pools". You lock STX with a pool, and rewards accrue in sBTC. The whole flow runs on app.leather.io. See [Stake STX with a pool](/stacking/join-stacking-pool.md).

The table shows how pools differ:

* **"Rewards token":** "sBTC", or "sBTC / BTC" when the pool can also pay to a Bitcoin address.
* **"Fee":** the share of your rewards the pool keeps. Each pool sets it in its signer-manager contract. A coming change shows as "From cycle" and the cycle number. See [Staking pool fees](/stacking-and-sbtc-reference/stacking-pool-fees.md).
* **"TVL":** the STX staked with the pool.
* **"Self-claim only":** the pool takes no fee and never claims for you. You claim your rewards yourself.
* **"Custodial BTC payout":** the pool collects the sBTC rewards and pays you native BTC off chain, on its own schedule. There is no on-chain claim and no on-chain recourse.

Each pool sets its own minimum stake. A pool also needs at least 50,000 STX staked in total to earn rewards for a cycle. Below that it earns nothing, and the pool page shows a warning.

"Bring your own signer manager" stakes through any signer-manager contract that implements the standard interface. Leather checks that the contract exists and is registered with PoX-5. It cannot vouch for the operator, so check who runs the contract.

## Liquid staking

Listed under "Liquid staking". You convert STX into a liquid staking token, which earns rewards and stays transferable. "Start earning" opens the provider's website, where you convert and later redeem. See [Liquid staking](/stacking-and-sbtc-reference/liquid-stacking.md).

## Bitcoin Staking pools

Listed under "Bitcoin staking pools". In Bitcoin Staking, an operator pools participants into a protocol bond, a staking position in PoX-5 that pairs BTC with STX. A bond is not a financial instrument. You lock sBTC rather than STX, and each pool sets whether you also supply STX.

"Deposit" or "Join waitlist" opens the operator's own app. Leather cannot stake into these pools for you. Rewards accrue in sBTC, and the operator's contract decides who receives them. For larger amounts, "Staking a larger amount? Request institutional access" opens a request form on stacks.co.

## Related

* [Getting started with STX-only staking](/stacking/getting-started-with-stacking.md)