> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://paidnetwork.gitbook.io/paid/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://paidnetwork.gitbook.io/paid/about-paid/staking-and-tier-system.md).

# Staking & Tier System

The [PAID staking](https://www.paidnetwork.com/membership?utm_source=gitbook\&utm_medium=direct) system rewards long-term commitment across both token raises and equity deals.

* **Extra guaranteed token allocation for higher tiers** - More staked $PAID means larger guaranteed allocations through EarlyPool multipliers for token raises
* **Lower fees for higher tiers** - Higher-tier participants pay reduced fees while earning increased rewards from [The Flywheel Economy](/paid/about-paid/the-flywheel-economy.md) - Diamond tier pays zero fees overall
* **Exclusive access** - PriorityPool, EarlyPool, Flash Raise, and Inner Circle benefits for committed stakers
* **Cross-asset benefits** - Single staking position unlocks advantages across both token raises and equity deals

### Token raise tier benefits

<figure><img src="/files/S4woKY1XGDQFz7o6qjvT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Protocol fees are used to buy back $PAID from the market, creating continuous demand for the token regardless of market conditions.
{% endhint %}

Every tier unlocks guaranteed allocations based on your [$PAID stake](https://www.paidnetwork.com/membership?utm_source=gitbook\&utm_medium=direct), with guaranteed allocation multipliers scaling from 0.5x to 6x.

These multipliers determine how much guaranteed allocation you receive in EarlyPool, ensuring that committed backers are rewarded with higher allocations.

{% hint style="success" %}
Higher tiers enjoy reduced protocol fees, starting from 25% at Normal and dropping to 0% at Diamond.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Equity deals tier benefits

<figure><img src="/files/y5MHAdKbpvZsVlOCsJud" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important equity staking requirements:** You must maintain your staked amount from investment until exit (typically 3-5 years) to keep fee benefits. Early unstaking results in highest carry rate (25%).
{% endhint %}

Traditional investment funds charge 20% carry, meaning you keep 80% of gains. PAID Diamond tier members keep 100% of gains with zero carry fees.

Equity deals include a one-time entry fee - typically up to 10% - to cover SPV legal and operational costs, shared pro rata across all investors. **PAID does not profit from this fee.** The average percentage tends to be lower for larger raises, as the costs are distributed across more participants. For select deals, Diamond members may be exempt.

## How to stake & manage your tier

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Go to the** [**Membership page**](https://www.paidnetwork.com/membership?utm_source=gitbook\&utm_medium=direct)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select the amount of $PAID to stake**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Confirm the transaction**&#x20;
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Your tier is automatically assigned based on your total staked balance. Increase your staked amount anytime to move up a tier and unlock better benefits.&#x20;

When you stake $PAID, you receive $sPAID (staked PAID) tokens in your wallet as proof of your staked position. You must keep this $sPAID in your primary wallet.

**$sPAID Contract Address (Base):** `0x767001D99103C9589c339Ff0dd323ebE354B6b0c`

→[ Stake $PAID & earn rewards](/paid/about-paid/welcome-to-paid.md)

### Important staking requirements

* **Staking fees:** 2% fee applies to both staking and unstaking actions
* **Token raises:** You can unstake anytime after participating in token raises
* **Equity deals:** You must hold your stake from investment until exit to maintain fee benefits

{% hint style="warning" %}
Unstaking before a raise can result in loss of tier benefits. Users dropping below 7,500 $PAID (Bronze) may face 14-day restrictions.
{% endhint %}