Skip to main content

Create Regular Vault

Now that you know what operating a Vault involves, let's create one.

Creating a Vault is done via the StakeWise UI and takes just a few minutes. If you're not sure about the exact parameters for your Vault, reach out to the StakeWise team for personalized guidance. Once your Vault is created, you can set up the validator infrastructure and launch the Operator Service to begin your operator journey.

IconTest on Hoodi First

To try the full Vault setup on a testnet, open Settings (gear icon) in the StakeWise App and enable Show Testnets. Then switch to the Hoodi network to create and test your Vault before going to mainnet.

You'll need some Hoodi ETH to cover gas fees. Get testnet ETH from a faucet:

Getting Started

  1. Navigate to the StakeWise App ↗ and go to the Operate page
  2. Click the Create Vault button to begin the setup process

Step 1: Select Vault Type

Vault type is set once at creation — select Regular Vault. You can optionally enable:

  • Private — Restrict deposits to approved wallets only.
  • Block list — Prevent specific addresses from depositing.
  • ERC-20 Token — Stakers receive a token they can hold in their wallet and transfer to others.

Step 2: Configure Vault Parameters

Configure your Vault parameters. Most of these parameters are permanent — only the Vault fee can be changed after creation:

  • Vault capacity – Set maximum ETH capacity (default: unlimited ∞).
  • Vault fee – The fee percent your Vault will charge from users' staking rewards.

If you enabled the ERC-20 Token, you will also need to set:

  • Token name – Your Vault ERC-20 token name.
  • Token symbol – Your Vault ERC-20 token symbol.
IconVault Fee

The Vault Fee can be updated after creation via Settings → Vault fee → Edit → Save. If you've made your Vault private or added a block list, you can add/remove authorized addresses via Vault access → Edit → Save.

Step 3: Block Rewards Destination

Choose how block rewards are distributed. This is a permanent decision.

Most operators choose Smoothing Pool for stable returns, while Vault Escrow gives you full control but with volatile rewards.

Step 4: Add Branding

Customize your Vault's appearance with name, description, and logo.

IconBranding

Unlike Vault parameters, you can update branding anytime via Settings → Branding → Edit → Save.

Step 5: Summary

Review all your settings before final submission. This is your last chance to verify everything is correct.

Click Create Vault to submit your configuration and create the Vault.

Step 6: Transaction Confirmation

Confirm the transaction in your wallet to deploy your Vault. Once the transaction confirms, your Vault is live and visible on the Operate page.

Where to Find Your Vault Address

You'll need your Vault address to configure and run the Operator Service.

Navigate to your Vault page — the address is included in the URL:

https://stakewise.io/vault/mainnet/0x1234567890abcdef...
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Your Vault Address