[FAQ] ETHPOOL - NON-CUSTODIAL STAKING POOL [ETHEREUM 2.0]

Modified on Wed, 2 Mar, 2022 at 8:21 AM

[FAQ] ETHPOOL - NON-CUSTODIAL STAKING POOL [ETHEREUM 2.0]

Ethpool, a non-custodial staking pool, allows users to stake without exposing their private keys and funds.

What is Ethpool Solo Staking?

Ethpool is a non-custodial solo staking pool for Ethereum 2.0. A stake of 32 ETH per validator is required.

A guide is available is here.
How does staking work?

To start staking, you need to create validator keys and deposit 32 ETH into a smart contract "deposit contract", which allows the corresponding validator to propose blocks and attest ("stake").
The validator node needs to be online in order to propose blocks or sign attestations to receive rewards.

Ethpool will take care of running your validator once you have uploaded your validator keys to Ethpool.org.
How can I get started on Ethpool?

a) Use the official Eth2.0 Deposit-cli to create validator keys. Store the keys and passwords safely!
b) Import the deposit.json file from a) to the official Launchpad to fund your validator.
c) Once funded with 32 ETH, upload the keystore.json file from a) to ethpool.org

The keystore.json file only contains the validator keys, not the withdrawal keys. In other words, Ethpool, does not have access to your deposited 32 ETH but can stake on your behalf.

A detailed guide will be released soon.
What does "Non-Custodial" mean?

Staking involves two keys. One for performing your validator duties and generating a reward. And the other one to withdraw your stake and rewards.

Ethpool only has access to the key that performs validator duties. We do not have access to any funds involved.
You stay in full control of your involved ether.

Deep dive into Ethereum 2.0 keys
How much can I earn by staking?

The current annual percentage rate for Ethereum 2.0 is around 5.5%. You can find more current information on the Ethereum Launchpad.

MEV and Transaction fee rewards will provide additional block proposal rewards for stakers after the merge. These rewards will act as additional income for stakers.

Current estimates predict an annual income of around ~25%.
Will there be an ETH 1.0 and ETH 2.0 coin?

No. There will only be one ETH.
"Ethereum 1.0" and "Ethereum 2.0" are the same network and thus use the same coin "ETH".
Do I need a GPU to stake with EthPool?

No. There are no hardware requirements.
Can Ethpool access my funds?

No. As a non-custodial staking pool, we do not have access to any of your funds involved.
I can stake with less than 32 ETH on exchanges. Why should I stake on EthPool?

Exchanges are fully centralized, require KYC and control the keys, which Ethpool does not.
Not your keys, not your coins!
I don't have 32 ETH, can I still stake with Ethpool?

As of right now, no. In its current phase, Ethpool Solo Staking is only available as a non-custodial staking pool for already fully funded (32 ETH) validators.

Follow us on Twitter or Discord for any future updates on this regard.
How much does it cost to stake with Ethpool?

The staking fee on Ethpool is 0% on all rewards until the merge.

After the merge the pool fee will be around 10%.

We will provide more details on those fees in a timely manner around the merge.
Will Ethpool share additional rewards like MEV and transaction fees after the merge?

Yes. Not only will you receive your normal ETH2 duty rewards, but we also guarantee any additional income from MEV or transaction fees after the merge. More information on "How much does it cost to stake with Ethpool".
Can I exit my validator or switch pools at any time?

Yes. The stop process is prone to slashing because running the validator keys twice is malicious. Before you switch pools or stake yourself, please contact our support [Freshdesk][Discord] and we will stop the validator process securely.
Can I run my validator keys twice?

No. Uploading the keys to a different service or staking yourself may result in a slashing event.
Running the validator twice (uploading it to multiple services and/or running the keys yourself) is not tolerated by the protocol. and thus the validator will be punished by losing up to 32 ETH.

You can find more information on "Can I exit my validator or switch pools at any time?".
When can I withdraw funds?

Withdrawal of validator funds is currently not implemented on Ethereum 2.0 and won't be for some time till after the merge until the withdrawing function has been implemented by the Ethereum Core Developers.

There are three type of rewards with staking

1) Block rewards
Will be sent to the validator address (not accessible until withdrawals are implemented)
EthPool does not have access to these funds because we don't get access to these keys.

2) Attestation rewards
Will be sent directly to the validator address (not accessible until withdrawals are implemented)
EthPool does not have access to these funds because we don't get access to these keys.

3) Transaction fee rewards / MEV rewards
Will be sent to the ETH 1.0 address of Ethpool.
These funds are accessible directly after the merge, and will be distributed to stakers shortly after.

We will provide more information on the withdrawal process along the way.
When will "Eth 2.0" ("merge") happen?

The eth2 chain is already running parallel to the proof of work chain. You can view the chain here https://beaconcha.in/
The transition from Proof of work (mining) to staking will occur sometime next year, probably Q1/Q2 2022.
Mining ETH will be possible until that transition occurs.
Can I still mine ETH?

Yes. You will be able to mine ETH until the merge.
Where do I find support?

We have a dedicated channel (#ethereum-2-solo-staking) on our Discord server. Join us!