> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://flexdefi.gitbook.io/flex/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://flexdefi.gitbook.io/flex/staking/managing-a-stake.md).

# Managing a stake

#### Withdrawing Rewards

Only **revocable stakes** may withdraw rewards before maturity.

Withdrawing rewards early does not end the stake, but it **reduces its future earning power**. This happens because the protocol lowers the stake’s fShares to prevent compounding abuse.

{% hint style="info" %}
Irrevocable stakes cannot withdraw rewards early. All rewards remain locked until the stake ends.
{% endhint %}

#### Ending a Stake

A stake may end either at maturity or, in the case of revocable stakes, earlier.

If a revocable stake is ended early, **90% of the originally staked&#x20;**<mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark>**&#x20;is penalised**. This penalty is redistributed to other stakers rather than destroyed.

If a stake ends at or after maturity, **no principal penalty applies**.

When a stake ends, the protocol:

• calculates all remaining <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> rewards\
• calculates any USDT rewards\
• applies penalties if necessary\
• mints <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> back to the user\
• transfers any available USDT rewards

Once ended, a stake is permanently closed.

#### Late Claims

If a user waits too long after maturity to end a stake, rewards gradually decrease after a grace period. This rule exists to encourage timely participation and keep protocol accounting efficient.

#### Transferring a Stake

Active stakes can be transferred to another wallet as long as no rewards have been withdrawn and the recipient is not a contract.

The stake transfers exactly as it is. Nothing is recalculated, reset, or changed. Transfers are final and irreversible.

#### Renaming a Stake

A stake may be renamed at any time. Renaming is purely cosmetic and has no effect on rewards, power, or rules.

***

### In Simple Terms

Staking in <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> rewards users who:

* lock <mark style="color:blue;">**FLEX**</mark> for longer periods,
* commit early
* avoid early exits
* avoid early reward withdrawals
* and choose strong, long-term positions.

Everything is enforced automatically by code. There are no administrators, no special permissions, and no manual intervention.