Question 1

What is Core?

Accepted Answer

Core is the Bitcoin Everything Chain that transforms idle Bitcoin into a productive, yield-generating asset. Through Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking, Core enables you to earn rewards by timelocking your Bitcoin directly on the Bitcoin blockchain while maintaining full custody. This secure mechanism helps power Core's high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain where you can access a growing ecosystem of Bitcoin DeFi applications.

Question 2

How does Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking work?

Accepted Answer

Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking uses Bitcoin's native CLTV (CheckLockTimeVerify) timelock feature to lock your Bitcoin for a specified period (minimum 24 hours). By timelocking, you earn the right to participate in Core's consensus by voting for validators who help secure the network. Your Bitcoin stays in your wallet—it never leaves your control. When your elected validators produce blocks, you receive CORE token rewards sent to your specified EVM address. After the timelock expires, your Bitcoin becomes spendable or sendable again.

Question 3

Is my Bitcoin safe when staking with Core?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your Bitcoin is completely safe. When staking with Core, your Bitcoin never leaves your wallet or control. The timelock is enforced by Bitcoin's native consensus rules, not by Core or any third party. There is no risk of slashing, no wrapping required, and no bridging involved. Your Bitcoin remains on the Bitcoin blockchain throughout the entire process. After the timelock period expires, your Bitcoin automatically becomes spendable again.

Question 4

Where do the staking rewards come from?

Accepted Answer

Core's rewards come from two primary sources: (1) a fixed block rewards schedule distributing CORE tokens gradually over an 81-year period, and (2) transaction fees generated by activity on the Core blockchain. Together, these form Core's consensus rewards pool, which is distributed to those who help secure the network through Bitcoin staking, CORE staking, and Bitcoin mining contributions. This creates a sustainable flywheel where Bitcoin DeFi activity drives rewards, and rewards attract more Bitcoin to secure the network. You can see live yields at stake.coredao.org/staking.

Question 5

What is Dual Staking and how does it boost my rewards?

Accepted Answer

Dual Staking combines Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking with CORE token staking to dramatically increase your yields. When you stake both Bitcoin and CORE tokens simultaneously, you demonstrate stronger alignment with the Core ecosystem. The protocol recognizes this commitment with a multiplier effect on your rewards, based on your CORE-to-Bitcoin ratio. The higher this ratio, the higher your reward tier, with the Satoshi Tier offering the maximum yields. This creates a mathematical advantage in the reward distribution, delivering yields significantly higher than Bitcoin staking alone.

Question 6

What is the CORE token?

Accepted Answer

CORE is the native utility and governance token of the Core blockchain with a fixed supply of 2.1 billion tokens. It serves several key functions: paying for transaction fees on the network, participating in governance through proposals and voting, securing the network through staking, and, most importantly, acting as the exclusive key to unlocking higher Bitcoin staking yields through Dual Staking.

Question 7

What is lstBTC?

Accepted Answer

lstBTC is a liquid, yield-bearing Bitcoin token offered by Maple Finance and held by institutional custodians (BitGo, Copper, and Hex Trust). lstBTC works through a sophisticated process: (1) Clients deposit Bitcoin with a supported custodian; (2) Maple Finance, with permission from the custodian, stakes the Bitcoin and borrows against the staked Bitcoin; (3) Maple acquires CORE tokens and stakes them to access the highest Dual Staking yields; (4) Maple uses options strategies to hedge out CORE price risk; (5) The yield earned is added to the value of lstBTC; (6) lstBTC remains fully liquid and can be used for trading, as collateral, or redeemed for Bitcoin at any time. This mechanism transforms Bitcoin from a negative-carry asset into a yield-bearing, liquid asset without compromising security, compliance, or cost basis.

Question 8

How does Core work with Bitcoin miners?

Accepted Answer

Core integrates Bitcoin miners into its consensus through a process called Delegated Proof of Work. Miners can include special metadata in the Bitcoin block coinbase that they mine, which votes for Core validators. This allows miners to earn supplemental CORE token rewards without affecting their primary Bitcoin mining operations. This creates a "second block reward" for miners while enhancing Core's security through direct Bitcoin miner participation. When miners embed a Core validator vote in each Bitcoin block they mine, it proves the miner produced a valid Bitcoin block and cast a legitimate vote for Core validators. This deepens the connection between Core and Bitcoin's security model in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Unlocking Bitcoin DeFi

A Trillion-Dollar Bitcoin Economy

Core Chain’s Vision Paper