$USDC USDC staking means locking your USD Coin (USDC), a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, into a platform or protocol to earn passive income. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, USDC maintains a stable value, making it a lower-risk option for staking. When you stake USDC, you lend it to platforms like DeFi protocols, exchanges, or lending services. In return, you earn interest or rewards, usually paid in USDC. It’s similar to earning interest in a savings account. However, risks still exist, such as platform security, smart contract bugs, or liquidity issues. Always choose trusted platforms and understand the terms before staking USDC.