Fees
Know what the pool keeps
Pool fees affect your long-term return, especially on low-margin mining setups. Before mining, check the active pool page for the current fee model and any mode-specific differences between standard pool mining and solo mining if both are offered.
Thresholds
Check the payout minimum
The payout threshold determines how long you may wait before funds are sent out. Lower thresholds generally feel better for smaller miners, while higher thresholds can reduce payout frequency and payout overhead.
Timing
Expect payout cycles, not instant transfers
Pools typically process payouts on a schedule, not every time a share is accepted. If you are troubleshooting a payout, compare the pool’s stated timing with your wallet activity before assuming a problem exists.
Practical check
What to verify before mining
Before staying on a pool long term, confirm the fee, payout threshold, payout cadence, and public support path. A miner should be able to answer these four questions quickly from the pool page without relying on guesswork or third-party posts.