> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.metapool.app/master/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.metapool.app/master/meta-pool-by-chains/near-protocol/what-is-usdstnear.md).

# What is $stNEAR?

## stNEAR

stNEAR is a yield bearing asset, **accruing in value every epoch** (\~12 hours) meaning that you keep earning staking rewards, while you can use stNEAR for DeFi (e.g. lending, farming, borrowing) on NEAR and Aurora.

<figure><img src="https://1322102881-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5HvxIwoS8YhIHItpA1lt%2Fuploads%2F0TQFppumg35Szy2dmEKK%2Fimagen.png?alt=media&amp;token=25584a75-5f55-4329-b9b4-5d05f8e5b3b7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

With the stNEAR tokens handed to you, you now have the unique opportunity to simultaneously get the staking yield of your $NEAR and get additional APY from the DeFi protocols where your depositing stNEAR.

stNEAR can be traded and farmed on multiple DeFi platforms and can also be used as a collateral asset on lending and borrowing platforms to receive additional income.

<figure><img src="https://1322102881-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5HvxIwoS8YhIHItpA1lt%2Fuploads%2F3knpu2lGximCH2W5oPLB%2Fimagen.png?alt=media&amp;token=799e853a-08d7-45a8-8467-cab2dcd81411" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your Total APY with stNEAR can then be well above the \~10% native staking APY:

<figure><img src="https://1322102881-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F5HvxIwoS8YhIHItpA1lt%2Fuploads%2F0icyAyBjeRwVNO6nUPid%2Fimagen.png?alt=media&amp;token=be90f30e-0101-4c76-a865-577e4fececdc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>