FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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How are staking rewards calculated?
Rewards are determined by the Solana network based on validator performance, total staked SOL across the network, and the current inflation schedule. The Toshi CSS validator charges 0% commission — the full network reward goes to stakers. APY fluctuates over time and is not guaranteed.
What fees does GrandmaStake charge?
GrandmaStake charges no platform fee for staking or unstaking. The Toshi CSS validator charges 0% commission. Standard Solana network transaction fees apply — typically less than $0.01 per transaction. A small SOL rent reserve (~0.002 SOL) is held in each on-chain stake account and returned to you when you withdraw.
What are the risks of staking?
The main risks are: SOL price volatility affecting the value of your stake; reduced rewards if the validator experiences downtime; an ~2–4 day unstaking cooldown during which your SOL is inaccessible; and, in rare cases, validator slashing. Slashing on Solana is uncommon, and the Toshi CSS validator maintains strong uptime. Always keep your recovery phrase safely backed up — lost credentials cannot be recovered.
How long does unstaking take?
The Solana network requires a cooldown of approximately 2–4 days (one full epoch) before unstaked SOL becomes available to withdraw. During this period, you do not earn rewards.
Can I withdraw my SOL anytime?
Yes. You can unstake at any time; your SOL becomes withdrawable after the network cooldown (~2–4 days). You can also export your private key and use it in any Solana wallet — there is no lock-in or exit fee.
Which validator does GrandmaStake use?
All stakes are delegated to the Toshi CSS validator: toshB4tPQTFfyd3VFz2tC3nmEFHVmiBMUpcxwWiexn2. You can verify its performance on Solana Beach or Solscan.
Is GrandmaStake custodial or non-custodial?
Fully non-custodial. If you connect an external wallet (Phantom, Solflare, etc.), your private key never leaves your device. If you use a managed wallet (email + passphrase), your key is encrypted by your passphrase before it ever reaches our infrastructure — we cannot read it. See the Security page for more.
Can GrandmaStake access my funds or recover my key?
No — and that’s by design. Your private key is protected by your passphrase, which is never stored on our servers. We have no way to read your key or access your funds. If you forget your passphrase and lose your recovery phrase, your funds cannot be recovered by anyone.
Do I need crypto experience to use GrandmaStake?
No. You can sign up with email, and the passphrase-protected managed wallet handles all the cryptography for you. If you’re comfortable with Phantom or Solflare, you can connect those instead. Either way, staking is a few clicks.
Can I use my existing Solana wallet?
Yes. GrandmaStake supports Phantom, Solflare, Backpack, and Ledger. On the Get Started page, choose “I Have a Wallet” and select your wallet to connect and stake directly.
How should I store my recovery phrase?
Write all 12 words on paper with a pen — not digitally. Store the paper somewhere physically secure: a safe, a locked drawer, or a safety deposit box. Never photograph the screen, save to cloud storage, or email yourself the phrase. Paper stored offline is the safest option.
What if someone else gets my private key or seed phrase?
They would have full, immediate access to your wallet. Solana transactions are irreversible. This is why we ask you to store your recovery phrase on paper, in a place only you can access — treat it like cash or an important legal document.
Why shouldn't I store my key in a password manager or cloud notes?
If someone else gains access to your cloud account, anything stored in it can be exposed. A handwritten note in a safe has no such weak point — there’s no password to guess and nothing online to reach. It sounds old-fashioned, but it’s genuinely the most secure option.
Are staking rewards taxable?
In the United States, the IRS treats staking rewards as ordinary income at the fair market value on the date received (Rev. Rul. 2023-14). Tax rules vary by jurisdiction. GrandmaStake does not provide tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional about your obligations.
What is an epoch?
An epoch is a period of time on the Solana blockchain, currently about 2 days. Rewards are distributed once per epoch. Stake activation and deactivation also align with epoch boundaries, which is why the staking and unstaking cooldowns are measured in epochs.