> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://trustedstake.gitbook.io/trustedstake/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://trustedstake.gitbook.io/trustedstake/basics/lets-talk-fees.md).

# Lets Talk Fees

TrustedStake charges a dynamic validator-reward share on all index strategies. Our validator has a standard 9% take rate on dividends earned, with the remainder distributed to stakers.

Following our recent partnership with Kraken Institutional and resulting operational efficiencies, users now experience an average \~26.5% reduction in fees, bringing the effective take rate down to approximately \~6.62% as of May 7, 2026.

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**Important Disclaimer:** This fee is taken only from your staking yield rewards, not from your principal TAO investment. Your original TAO remains fully intact and under your control.
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**Implementation:**

1. **Stake:** You delegate TAO to TrustedStake's proxy for your chosen index strategy.
2. **Child-Hotkey Routing:** We direct your stake to best-in-class & non weight copying validators through child hotkeys based on your selected index constituents.
3. **Automatic Split:** Each block, the validator pays a share of rewards to TrustedStake, we take 9%, and the rest goes to you.
4. **No lock-ups:** Users can undelegate or revoke the proxy at any time.

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• You keep full custody of your TAO principal 

• No escrow or locked funds 

• No performance calculation disputes\
• 100% on-chain transparency 

• Fees only apply to earned rewards, never principal
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> [Learn more about CHK here](https://docs.bittensor.com/subnets/child-hotkeys)

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