# Stake for Validator via Credit Staking

## **Preparation**

* Please prepare a Bitcoin wallet on the Bitcoin network with a minimum balance of **100 #BTC**.
* Assuming you’ve already [created your BTC Validator account](/guides-of-data-consensus/others/operation-references/validator-operations/create-new-btc-validator-account.md).

## Prove Wallet Ownership

To complete Credit Staking, you must use the Bitcoin wallet holding at least 100 #BTC to perform a transfer of a **specified random amount** on the Bitcoin network. This transfer serves as proof of ownership and control over the wallet.

### 1. Generate the Random Transfer Amount

If you're running from source code, please execute "yarn start-commander" to run the client.

```
yarn start-commander
```

If you're running with Docker, please use the following commands to run it in interactive mode (assume the container name is commander)

```
docker rm commander
docker run -it --name commander -v $HOME/.exsat/:/app/.exsat -e CLIENT_TYPE=commander exsatnetwork/exsat-client:latest
```

In the menu, navigate to and select “**Self-Custodied BTC Staking**”

<figure><img src="/files/FYVqBhQ4i25kcRcruzYc" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/tIjgC3P0rHg87B2XOROY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/NEyVbSNWEnIBw286Nl1w" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/WCPlbc6ebNlE7riTsUuv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Setup your [Reward Address](/guides-of-data-consensus/run-a-btc-validator/requirements-and-rewards-for-btc-validators.md#reward-types) and Commission Rate

<figure><img src="/files/mjG4bpQ6uFM2YbOro7Xl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The smart contract will generate a **randomized amount** to verify your ownership of the BTC address used for Credit Staking. This amount looks like **x.xxxx9399 BTC**, where 9399 is the random amount , and *x* can be decided by you, it can be any digit—for example, **0.00009399 BTC** or **1.00009399 BTC**.

To complete the verification, use your BTC address (which must hold at least 100 BTC) to send **x.xxxx9399 BTC** to **any** address on the Bitcoin network. Then, submit your BTC address along with the **transaction ID (txid)** of this transfer.

{% hint style="info" %}
The randomized amount is valid for **1,008 Bitcoin blocks** (approximately **7 days**).\
Please ensure the transfer is completed and the verification submitted **before the expiration period**.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/5ZUvrW7zJ9GuNQ73N57b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The system contract will verify your transaction. Once the verification is successful, you can start running the exSat Client to participate in consensus and earn rewards.

Please note that the verification process may take some time, as it depends on your transaction being finalized on the Bitcoin network and the verification contract being triggered. You can either check back later for the result or optionally provide your email address to receive a notification once the verification is complete.

<figure><img src="/files/N9L6c4XfoiKSFBUQVAW5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Check Verification Status**

You can check the verification result using the client. After starting the client, navigate to the menu **“Check Transaction Verification Status”** to view the result.&#x20;

If you encounter any issues during the process, please don’t hesitate to [contact us](/contact-us.md).

<figure><img src="/files/5q7DlI8FwNlxzuPof5hD" alt="" width="364"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/9c1ZQB1vD9MonpuPbDgE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Congratulations on completing Credit Staking!\
You can now visit the [**portal** ](https://portal.exsat.network/)to top up gas fees for your BTC Validator account, view your rewards, [configure your BTC RPC node](/guides-of-data-consensus/others/operation-references/common-operations/set-btc-rpc-node.md), and start [running the client](/guides-of-data-consensus/run-a-btc-validator/run-as-btc-validator.md) to participate in consensus.

**Important:** The exSat contract continuously monitors the balance of the Bitcoin wallet. If the balance falls below 100 #BTC, your Credit Staking will be automatically revoked, and your Validator will lose its eligibility to participate in consensus.\
To remain a **qualified BTC Validator**, please ensure that your Bitcoin wallet maintains a balance of **at least 100 #BTC** at all times.


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