How to Earn Interest on TON: Ultimate Guide (Lido Finance Alternatives Included)

Unlock Passive Income: Earn Interest on TON Tokens

With The Open Network (TON) rapidly expanding its ecosystem, many investors seek ways to earn interest on their TON holdings. While Lido Finance dominates liquid staking for Ethereum and other chains, it doesn’t currently support TON staking. This comprehensive guide explores proven methods to generate yield on your TON tokens, including step-by-step tutorials for native staking, DeFi platforms, and centralized alternatives. Discover how to maximize returns while understanding risks and opportunities in the TON ecosystem.

Why Lido Finance Doesn’t Support TON (And What to Use Instead)

Lido Finance specializes in liquid staking for proof-of-stake blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon. However, TON’s unique architecture presents integration challenges:

• Technical Incompatibility: TON uses a custom Proof-of-Stake consensus, differing from Ethereum’s EVM which Lido primarily supports.
• Validator Requirements: TON validators need specialized hardware and 600,000+ TON for participation, limiting third-party solutions.
• Ecosystem Focus: Lido prioritizes chains with larger TVL and established DeFi integrations.

Alternative Approach: Use TON’s native staking or trusted DeFi platforms like Tonstakers and EVAA Protocol for comparable yield opportunities.

Step-by-Step: How to Earn Interest on TON Tokens

Method 1: Native TON Staking via Wallet

1. Setup a TON Wallet: Install Tonkeeper or MyTonWallet
2. Fund Your Wallet: Buy TON on exchanges like OKX or Bybit and transfer tokens
3. Choose a Validator: Research validators at tonvalidators.org based on commission rates (typically 0-5%)
4. Delegate Tokens: In your wallet’s “Staking” section, select a validator and confirm delegation
5. Earn Rewards: Receive 3-7% APY paid directly to your wallet every 18 hours

Method 2: DeFi Yield Farming on TON

1. Connect Wallet: Use Tonkeeper with DeFi platforms like STON.fi or DeDust
2. Provide Liquidity: Deposit TON into liquidity pools (e.g., TON/jUSDT) to earn 8-25% APY
3. Lend Assets: On platforms like EVAA Protocol, lend TON for up to 12% APY
4. Compound Rewards: Reinvest earnings automatically for exponential growth

Method 3: Centralized Exchange Staking

• OKX: Up to 6% APY with flexible terms
• Bybit: 3-5% APY with 30-day lockups
• Gate.io: Flexible savings at 2% APY

Maximizing Your TON Earnings: Pro Tips

• Diversify Strategies: Split holdings between native staking (low risk) and DeFi (higher yield)
• Monitor Validators: Check performance monthly to avoid inactive nodes
• Use Auto-Compounding: Platforms like Tonstakers automatically reinvest rewards
• Track Gas Fees: Time transactions during low-network congestion (0.02-0.05 TON fees)
• Security First: Always verify contract addresses and use hardware wallets for large holdings

TON Staking vs. Alternatives: Risk Comparison

Method	APY Range	Risk Level	Liquidity
Native Staking	3-7%	Low	48h unstaking
DeFi Lending	8-12%	Medium	Instant
Liquidity Pools	15-25%	High (Impermanent Loss)	Instant
CEX Staking	2-6%	Low (Counterparty Risk)	Variable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I stake TON on Lido Finance?
A: No. Lido doesn’t support TON staking. Use native wallets or TON-specific platforms instead.

Q: What’s the minimum TON required for staking?
A: Only 1 TON for delegation. Running a validator requires 600,000+ TON.

Q: How often are staking rewards distributed?
A: Every 18 hours for native staking. DeFi platforms vary from real-time to daily.

Q: Is TON staking taxable?
A: Yes, rewards are typically taxable income. Consult a tax professional in your jurisdiction.

Q: Can I lose my TON while staking?
A: Slashing risks are minimal on TON, but DeFi platforms carry smart contract risks. Always audit platforms.

Future Outlook: When Might Lido Support TON?

While no official plans exist, TON’s growth could attract Lido’s attention if:

• TON’s TVL surpasses $1 billion (currently ~$500M)
• Demand for liquid staking tokens (like stTON) increases
• Cross-chain bridges simplify integration

Until then, leverage native tools and monitor Lido’s announcements for updates.

Conclusion: Start Earning Today

While you can’t earn interest on TON via Lido Finance yet, TON’s native staking and thriving DeFi ecosystem offer compelling alternatives. By following our tutorial to stake through wallets like Tonkeeper or farm yields on STON.fi, you can secure 3-25% APY on your holdings. Remember to diversify, prioritize security, and reinvest rewards to compound your earnings. As TON continues its explosive growth, early adopters stand to benefit most from these passive income opportunities.