Skip to main content
Back to Learn
Provider guide2026-05-037 min read

Bonding Basics

How to bond RUNE to nodes and earn rewards

Use this when

Use this when planning a first bond, provider change, or operator-fee review.

Open Transactions dashboard

What is Bonding?

Bonding locks RUNE to a THORChain node. The bond acts as collateral that helps secure the network, and bond providers may earn a share of node rewards after operator fees.

How to Bond

  1. Choose a Node: Use the Node Explorer to compare candidate evidence, source checks, operator fees, and capacity, then reconfirm the wallet preview before signing.
  2. Connect Wallet: Connect a THORChain-capable wallet and confirm the chain/network before signing.
  3. Enter Bond Amount: Specify how much RUNE to bond and verify the memo before broadcast.
  4. Submit Bond: Sign the transaction and wait for confirmation before treating the position as active.

Understanding Rewards

  • Block Rewards: Nodes earn RUNE for validating blocks.
  • Transaction Fees: Nodes receive a share of fees from network activity.
  • Operator Fees: Operators take a configured fee before distributing rewards to bond providers.

Risks

  • Churn Risk: Nodes can leave the active set, pausing or changing reward expectations.
  • Slashing: Nodes can lose bond for severe operational faults.
  • Unbond Timing: Unbonding depends on node state and network rules, so inspect risk context before acting.

Next inspection paths

Related Articles