Aptos Staking Launches on Bithumb at 2.6% Reward Rate
Bithumb, one of South Korea’s largest crypto exchanges, has launched Aptos (APT) staking and introduced a promotional campaign for users. The Aptos staking product allows Bithumb customers to earn network rewards without operating their own validator or delegation infrastructure.
Aptos uses a proof-of-stake system. Direct validators must hold at least 1 million APT, while delegated staking is available from roughly 11 APT. The current Aptos staking reward is about 2.6% annually, following a reduction under AIP-140, approved on 14 September 2026. The upgrade also established a maximum supply of 2.1 billion APT.
The Aptos staking launch gives existing Bithumb holders a way to generate yield from otherwise idle APT. However, users should consider exchange custody risks and possible restrictions on deposits and withdrawals during Aptos network upgrades. Bithumb previously added native USDT deposits and withdrawals on Aptos in September 2025, while APT trading was already available on the platform.
The supply cap could improve long-term token-supply modelling by limiting future issuance, although the immediate market impact of the Aptos staking launch is likely to depend on participation, liquidity and broader crypto-market conditions.
Neutral
The news is mildly supportive for APT because Bithumb’s staking launch expands access to approximately 2.6% annual network rewards and may reduce the amount of APT actively available for trading if participation is significant. Greater exchange utility and the 2.1 billion APT supply cap could also strengthen long-term investor interest.
However, the immediate bullish effect is likely to be limited. A 2.6% reward rate is modest, and the article provides no information about expected deposits, staking volume or changes in APT liquidity. Promotional staking campaigns on exchanges often create temporary demand, but they do not necessarily produce sustained price appreciation. Some users may also avoid staking because of custody risk, lock-up conditions or potential withdrawal suspensions during network upgrades.
Historically, exchange staking launches can produce short-term attention and modest token inflows, while the longer-term price effect depends more heavily on market sentiment, token unlocks, network activity and broader liquidity. The supply cap is structurally positive, but its impact will develop gradually. Therefore, the most likely outcome is a neutral market reaction, with a possible short-term positive bias if staking participation exceeds expectations.