# Pools

## Auto Core Pools

Auto Core pools are investment instruments that users can use to stake their $ACORE and earn additional tokens.

There are currently two staking options: flexible staking or fixed term staking.

## Flexible Staking

In a flexible staking pool, users can stake and unstake any time, any amount, without penalty. This gives users who want the added flexibility and not have to lock up their tokens.

## Locked Staking

In a locked staking pool, users have to lock their stake for approximately 14 days to not incur any penalties when withdrawing. See below for further details about locked staking:

* Lock period is approximately 14 days
* Additional stakes will reset the 14 day lock period
* Early withdrawals will incur a 50% penalty. The fee will then be sent back to the fee pool and used for future rewards again
* Once staked, users can see their approximate unlock date/time

<figure><img src="https://3605218709-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6esYIFDbtp2tMChA44OU%2Fuploads%2FJv68Rcb6K81CKyVt9Jhf%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b7c0a913-6bf8-4ecb-a589-b25227f14ad6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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