This article explains how to deposit USD into KAST Earn, how the Gauntlet USD Alpha vault works, and how to withdraw your funds. You'll also learn about variable yield, custody, and what makes KAST Earn different from traditional savings options.
What is KAST Earn?
KAST Earn lets you earn variable yield on your USD through the Gauntlet USD Alpha vault.
When you deposit, your USD goes into an onchain vault managed by Gauntlet. Gauntlet deploys funds across established DeFi lending protocols and actively adjusts the positions as market conditions change, with the goal of generating sustainable yield.
Instead of “interest payments,” you receive Vault Shares that represent your portion of the vault. As the vault earns yield, the value of your Vault Shares increases over time.
When you withdraw, your Vault Shares are converted back into USD and sent to your KAST Spending Account, and your earnings are realized.
Key features:
- Variable yield that adjusts with market conditions
- Funds in your onchain smart wallet
- No lockup periods for deposits or withdrawals
- 100% onchain with full transparency for your funds
- Optional auto-sweep to automatically move idle USD into KAST Earn
As of the time of writing, the vault manages $73.8M in TVL with a variable APY between 4-9%.
How Do I Start Earning With KAST?
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1.From the dashboard, tap Accounts at the bottom of the screen. |
| 2. On the Accounts tab, select Manage Earn | |
| 3. Tap Deposit | |
| 4. Enter the amount you want to transfer to Savings. (Make sure your KAST Spending Account has enough funds.) | |
| 5. Tap Confirm. Your deposit will be marked as Pending and usually clears within 24 hours or less. |
How Do I Withdraw?
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| 2. Enter the amount you want to withdraw | |
| 3. Tap Confirm |
What Makes KAST Earn Different?
| Feature | KAST Earn | Traditional Banks | Other Crypto Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | Variable onchain yield | ~0.1%–1% | Often higher, incentive-driven |
| Custody | On-chain | Bank-custodied | Often custodial |
| Liquidity | Withdraw anytime | Always liquid | May require lockups |
| Transparency | Fully on-chain, Vault Shares | Limited visibility | Varies, often opaque |
| Fees | No fees | Hidden or indirect | Often protocol fees |
Your USD doesn’t need to wait.
Open the KAST app and start earning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the APY fixed?
No. The APY is variable and adjusts automatically based on market conditions.
Is there a deposit or earnings limit?
No. There is no cap on deposits or earnings.
When do I get paid?
Earnings are continuously compounded and reflected in the value of your Vault Share tokens. Your earnings are realized when you withdraw funds from KAST Earn to your KAST Spending Account.
Can I withdraw anytime?
Yes. There are no lockup periods. You can deposit or withdraw your funds at any time.
Are there any fees?
Currently, KAST passes through 100% of yield with no fees. Fees may be added in the future.
Is this a bank account?
No. KAST Earn is an onchain savings product. Your funds are deployed into DeFi lending protocols and carry smart contract and liquidity risks.
Who manages the vault?
The Gauntlet USD Alpha vault is managed by Gauntlet, a risk management platform with over 8 years of experience building quantitative DeFi strategies.
What are Vault Share tokens?
Vault Share tokens represent your ownership in the Gauntlet USD Alpha vault. As the vault earns yield, the value of your Vault Shares increases. You can track your holdings on-chain at any time.
Can I use my KAST Earn balance directly for payments?
No. To spend or transfer funds, you must first withdraw them from KAST Earn to your KAST Spending Account.
What happens if I need to withdraw during a market downturn?
You can withdraw at any time regardless of market conditions. However, the yield rate may be lower during periods when DeFi lending rates decrease.
How do I track my KAST Earn position?
You can view your balance and Vault Share value directly in the KAST app under Accounts → Manage Earn. You can also verify your position on-chain using your wallet address.
Is there a minimum deposit amount?
Check the KAST app for current minimum deposit requirements, as these may change over time.
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