> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.higherfrequency.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Staking FREEQ

> FREEQ is the Freeq Growth Network token.

**FREEQ** is the Freeq Growth Network token. **Staking** means locking a set amount of FREEQ for a fixed time. You get it all back when the lock ends.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Creators don't need to stake.** You can join campaigns, share links, earn and withdraw without staking. For creators, staking is optional. Its main use is letting you claim your reserve money early.

Staking may not be available to every account yet. If it isn't, the **Staking** page says "Not available" or "Not eligible".

## What staking does for you

* **Claim reserve funds early.** Part of each released commission can be set aside in a reserve (see [Earnings and payouts](https://docs.higherfrequency.io/creators/earnings-and-payouts.md#reserve)). With an active stake, you can move that reserve money into your available balance now instead of waiting.
* **Brand access.** For brands, an active stake is one way to unlock campaign tools without a paid Shopify plan. This doesn't apply to creators. The Staking page mentions "platform access", but creator access doesn't depend on it.

## Your wallet

Your FREEQ is held in a wallet that the Freeq Growth Network created for you when you signed up. A **wallet** is an account that holds tokens.

* You don't need a browser wallet or app, and you never sign anything yourself. When you choose **Stake**, **Claim** or **Restake**, the Freeq Growth Network sends the request for you.
* Your stake is always made from, and returned to, this same wallet.
* The **Your balance** field on the Staking page shows how much FREEQ the wallet holds.

If your balance is lower than the amount required, the page tells you how much you need and the **Stake** button is disabled. Contact support to find out how to add FREEQ to your wallet.

## Lock periods

| Option | Lock length |
| - | - |
| **Quarterly (3 months)** | 90 days |
| **Annual (1 year)** | 365 days |

There is no early exit. Once staked, your FREEQ stays locked until the end date.

## Stake

1. Open **Staking** in the menu.
2. In the **Stake FREEQ** card, check **Required** (the fixed amount for your account type) and **Your balance**.
3. Choose a **Lock period**.
4. Choose **Stake**. There is no confirmation step, so check the period first.
5. The page shows "Staking..." with "This may take a moment. Do not close this page." Wait until it finishes.

You can only have **one stake at a time**. You can't add more FREEQ to an existing stake.

## While your stake is locked

The **Your position** card shows the amount, the period, when you staked and when it **Unlocks**, with a countdown. The status badge says **Active**.

You get reminders by email and in the bell on the Staking page 3 days before your stake unlocks, 1 day before, and when it's ready.

## When your stake matures

When the lock ends, the badge says **Matured**. Nothing happens on its own: your FREEQ stays in the stake until you choose what to do.

* **Claim**: choose **Claim** to get all your FREEQ back into your wallet. Your stake then ends.
* **Restake**: pick a **Restake period** and choose **Restake** to lock the same amount again for a new period.

> [!WARNING]
>
> If you have claimed reserve funds against your stake (see below), you can't claim or restake while those claims are still backed by it.

## Claim reserve funds early

With an active stake, the Staking page shows a **Claim Reserve Funds** card.

1. Read the card. It says how much you can claim: up to **90% of your stake's current value**, in dollars.
2. Tick the campaign reserves you want to claim.
3. Choose **Claim Selected**.
4. The money moves to **Available to withdraw** on your Earnings page.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **This puts your stake at risk.** If a chargeback (a shopper's bank reversing a payment) hits any campaign you claimed from, your **entire FREEQ stake is taken and can't be recovered**. Only claim if you're comfortable with that risk.

If the FREEQ price isn't available for a moment, the card shows your reserves but turns claiming off. Try again shortly.

## When staking is paused

The Freeq Growth Network can pause staking for maintenance. While paused:

* you can't make a new stake or restake. You see "FREEQ staking is paused for maintenance — please try again later".
* you can **always** claim a matured stake. A pause never stops you getting your FREEQ back.

This is separate from a payout pause on your Earnings page. See [Earnings and payouts](https://docs.higherfrequency.io/creators/earnings-and-payouts.md#if-your-payouts-are-paused).

## If something goes wrong

* If an action fails, you see a "Last operation failed" note. Wait a moment and try again.
* If your stake is taken ("slashed"), the badge shows **SLASHED** and you get an email. When a chargeback on a claimed reserve caused it, a notification names the campaign.


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