How to Stake POL 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Polygon and Agglayer -

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Key Takeaways:

POL staking secures Polygon and powers Agglayer’s unified liquidity network.
Users earn staking rewards and qualify for ecosystem airdrops.
Staking POL requires bridging to Ethereum and using the Polygon Staking Hub.

POL—the upgraded token formerly known as MATIC—is now the core asset that secures the Polygon ecosystem and powers Agglayer, its ambitious interoperability layer. By staking POL on Ethereum, users help decentralize and secure Polygon, earn staking rewards, and unlock airdrop opportunities from projects built within the expanding Polygon ecosystem.

With Polygon’s “gigagas” roadmap promising 100,000 transactions per second and instant finality, the network is entering a new phase. POL stakers are at the heart of this evolution.

Why Stake POL?

Staking POL is more than just passive income—it’s a fundamental mechanism that supports the Polygon network and its Agglayer. Polygon operates on a proof-of-stake (PoS) model, which relies on validators to produce blocks and secure the chain. By delegating POL to a validator, users help maintain this infrastructure while earning rewards.

Unlike traditional Layer 2s, POL has real utility across multiple layers. It powers Agglayer’s unified liquidity network and gives stakers access to early rewards and ecosystem incentives. Importantly, staking also makes users eligible for airdrops, including the upcoming Katana drop—a DeFi chain focused on yield and liquidity, backed by Polygon Labs and GSR.

POL’s annual emission rate of 2% is allocated toward validator incentives and ecosystem growth, creating a positive feedback loop for stakers, builders, and the entire Polygon network.

POL Staking Process Flow

📋 Before You Start

POL tokens – Available on Ethereum Mainnet
ETH for gas fees – Sufficient balance for transactions
EVM wallet – MetaMask, Rabby, or compatible wallet
Staking Hub access – Polygon’s official staking interface

Prerequisites Setup

Prepare your wallet and ensure you have all necessary components

1.1

Prepare Your Wallet

Install and configure an EVM-compatible wallet like MetaMask or Rabby. Ensure it’s connected to Ethereum Mainnet.

Important: Double-check your wallet is on Ethereum Mainnet, not Polygon PoS chain.

1.2

Secure ETH for Gas

Ensure you have sufficient ETH in your wallet to cover Ethereum gas fees for all transactions.

Estimate: Budget 0.01-0.05 ETH depending on network congestion.

1.3

Access Staking Hub

Bookmark the official Polygon Staking Hub URL and verify its authenticity.

Security: Always verify the official URL to avoid phishing attacks.

Bridge POL to Ethereum

Transfer POL from Polygon PoS to Ethereum Mainnet (skip if already on Ethereum)

2.1

Access Polygon Portal

Navigate to the official Polygon Portal and connect your wallet to begin the bridging process.

URL: Use only the official Polygon Portal to avoid scams.

2.2

Initiate Bridge Transaction

Select POL from the token list, specify the amount to bridge, and confirm the transaction.

Cost: You’ll pay gas fees on Polygon PoS for this transaction.

2.3

Claim on Ethereum

After bridging completes, execute the claiming transaction on Ethereum to receive your POL tokens.

Required: This step requires a separate transaction and gas fee on Ethereum.

Research & Select Validator

Choose from 100+ validators based on performance, commission, and reliability

3.1

Connect to Staking Hub

Access the Polygon Staking Hub and connect your wallet to view available validators.

Display: Your POL balance and staking options will be visible after connecting.

3.2

Review Validator Metrics

Examine validator performance including uptime, commission rates, and reward history.

Key Metrics: Commission rate, uptime percentage, and total stake managed.

3.3

Deep Dive Analysis

Visit validator.info/polygon for comprehensive analytics and historical performance data.

Analysis: Review reward distribution consistency and validator reliability scores.

Execute Delegation

Complete the staking process by delegating your POL to the chosen validator

4.1

Specify Stake Amount

Enter the amount of POL you want to stake. There’s no minimum requirement.

Flexibility: You can stake any amount, from small holdings to large positions.

4.2

Review Transaction Details

Verify validator selection, stake amount, commission rate, and estimated gas fees.

Double-check: Ensure all details are correct before proceeding.

4.3

Confirm in Wallet

Execute the delegation transaction through your wallet interface.

Completion: Transaction typically confirms within minutes on Ethereum.

Monitor & Manage

Track your staking rewards and airdrop eligibility

5.1

Track Rewards

Monitor your accumulated staking rewards through the “My Account” section.

Frequency: Rewards accrue continuously and can be withdrawn anytime.

5.2

Monitor Airdrops

Check the Community Drops page for airdrop eligibility and upcoming opportunities.

Current: Katana airdrop is next, with Miden and Privado expected.

5.3

Withdraw & Reinvest

Claim your rewards when ready and consider reinvesting for compound growth.

Strategy: Regular compounding can significantly boost long-term returns.

Rewards, Airdrops, and Ecosystem Benefits

POL staking rewards accrue over time and can be monitored under the “My Account” section of the Staking Hub. In addition to earning regular rewards, stakers gain eligibility for Agglayer Breakout Program airdrops.

The Katana airdrop is next in line, with other projects such as Miden and Privado also planning rewards for POL stakers. These airdrops serve as powerful incentives, providing real value for supporting the network.

Also Read: How to Use the Polygon Bridge: A Step-by-Step Guide to Bridging Tokens Across Chains

Final Thoughts: POL Staking Is a Long-Term Bet on the Future of Crypto UX

Staking POL does more than earn yield—it contributes to the decentralization, scalability, and future-proofing of Polygon’s infrastructure and Agglayer’s multi-chain liquidity layer. As Polygon pushes forward with its gigagas roadmap, POL stakers are not just participants—they’re co-builders of a more trustless and efficient financial future.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses

Sean Williams

I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!