Bunq Makes History as First European Neobank to Launch Flexible Crypto Staking in 2025
- What Exactly Is bunq's Flexible Staking Service?
- Which Cryptocurrencies Are Supported?
- How Do the Yields and Fees Work?
- What Makes bunq's Approach Unique?
- What Are the Risks Users Should Consider?
- How Does This Fit Into bunq's Overall Strategy?
- What Does This Mean for European Banking?
- Frequently Asked Questions
In a groundbreaking move, Dutch neobank bunq has become the first European challenger bank to offer flexible cryptocurrency staking services across the EU through its partnership with Kraken. This innovative service allows users to earn up to 10% annual yields on 20 different digital assets without mandatory lock-up periods, marking a significant milestone in mainstream crypto adoption. The launch positions bunq at the forefront of banking innovation while raising important questions about risk management in decentralized finance.
What Exactly Is bunq's Flexible Staking Service?
The staking service, launched on September 25, 2025, represents bunq's most ambitious crypto product to date. Unlike traditional staking platforms that require users to lock their assets for fixed periods, bunq's solution lets customers stake their crypto while maintaining full liquidity - they can buy, sell, or withdraw at any time through the bunq mobile app. This flexibility comes from bunq's unique technical approach where only about 50% of deposited assets actually get staked, while the remainder stays liquid to facilitate instant withdrawals.
Which Cryptocurrencies Are Supported?
bunq's staking service currently supports 20 Proof-of-Stake (PoS) cryptocurrencies, including major players and emerging projects:
- Blue-chip tokens: Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL)
- Layer 1 alternatives: Polkadot (DOT), Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XTZ)
- Specialized projects: The Graph (GRT), Injective (INJ), Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL)
- Other notable assets: Secret Network (SCRT), Dymension (DYM), Kava (KAVA)
According to data from CoinMarketCap, these assets represent about 65% of the total staking market capitalization as of October 2025.
How Do the Yields and Fees Work?
The advertised annual percentage yields (APY) range up to 10%, but there's an important catch - bunq takes a 25% commission on all staking rewards. This is significantly higher than the 10-15% fees charged by native staking platforms like Lido. The final yield users receive depends on:
- Network conditions of each blockchain
- Market demand for validation services
- bunq's dynamic commission structure
Rewards get paid out weekly directly into users' crypto wallets within the bunq app. Trading fees vary by subscription plan, from 1.99% for free users down to 0.25% for Elite members.
What Makes bunq's Approach Unique?
While staking services aren't new in crypto (platforms like Kraken and Coinbase have offered them for years), bunq brings several banking-first advantages:
- Integrated experience: Users manage traditional banking and crypto in one app
- Simplified onboarding: No technical knowledge required compared to native staking
- Regulatory oversight: Operates under Kraken's MiCA license in Europe
"We're seeing strong demand from users who want crypto exposure but don't want to manage multiple platforms," noted a BTCC market analyst. "bunq's all-in-one approach could be a game-changer for mainstream adoption."
What Are the Risks Users Should Consider?
bunq transparently outlines several key risks in its documentation:
| Risk Type | Description | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Slashing | Validator penalties on PoS networks | Partial loss of staked assets |
| No deposit insurance | Unlike traditional bank deposits | Total loss if Kraken fails |
| Yield volatility | APYs can fluctuate dramatically | Lower than expected returns |
| Price volatility | Crypto market swings | Gains offset by price drops |
This article does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before staking cryptocurrencies.
How Does This Fit Into bunq's Overall Strategy?
The staking launch accelerates bunq's aggressive crypto expansion that began with spot trading in early 2025. With 20 million users as of September 2025 (though still trailing Revolut's 60 million), bunq appears focused on differentiating itself through crypto-native banking services. The neobank has also hinted at US expansion plans, potentially positioning itself as a bridge between traditional and decentralized finance.
From my experience testing the service, the three-step activation process is remarkably simple compared to native staking solutions. However, the higher fees mean this probably isn't the best option for serious crypto investors - it's more suited to casual users dipping their toes into staking.
What Does This Mean for European Banking?
bunq's MOVE could pressure other neobanks to follow suit, potentially making staking a standard banking feature. For now, it remains the only EU-licensed bank offering such integrated services. The availability spans all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through Kraken's regulatory infrastructure.
As one industry observer joked, "2025 might be remembered as the year Europeans finally stopped letting their crypto collect dust in wallets." Whether that's good or bad probably depends on your risk tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bunq's staking service risk-free?
No. The documentation explicitly states users can "lose part or all of their staked cryptocurrencies" due to slashing, volatility, or platform risks.
Can I withdraw my funds immediately?
Yes, but with caveats. While there's no lock-up period, actual withdrawal times depend on blockchain conditions and may experience delays.
Are staking rewards taxed?
In most European jurisdictions, yes. Rewards typically count as taxable income. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
How does bunq's staking compare to exchanges?
Exchanges often offer lower fees (10-15% vs bunq's 25%) but lack bunq's banking integration and regulatory oversight.
