Halo
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How It Works

Get started with Halo Protocol in four simple steps. From sign-up to building your on-chain credit score, the entire process is designed to be straightforward and transparent.

01

Sign Up & Verify Your Identity

Create your Halo Protocol account using Google or GitHub OAuth. Your identity is verified through our sybil-resistant system to ensure one account per person, protecting the integrity of every circle.

  • Sign in with Google or GitHub -- no passwords to manage
  • Identity verification prevents duplicate accounts
  • Your personal data stays private; only your wallet address is on-chain
  • Account creation is completely free
02

Connect Your Stacks Wallet

Link your Leather or Xverse wallet to your account. This one-time binding connects your on-chain identity to your Halo account, enabling you to make contributions and receive payouts directly.

  • Supports Leather and Xverse wallets
  • One-time permanent wallet binding for security
  • Your wallet is how you interact with all smart contracts
  • Acquire STX, USDCx, or sBTC to get started
03

Join or Create a Circle

Browse existing circles and request to join, or create your own with custom parameters. As a circle creator, you define the contribution amount, number of rounds, and member capacity.

  • Browse open circles filtered by size, amount, and status
  • Create a new circle with custom contribution amounts (10-500 STX)
  • Set the number of members (3-10) and round schedule
  • Invite friends or let others discover your circle
04

Contribute & Build Credit

Make your STX contributions on time each round. Every on-time payment increases your credit score. When it is your turn, the full pooled amount is automatically sent to your wallet by the smart contract.

  • Contributions are collected by the halo-vault smart contract
  • On-time payments boost your credit score (300-850 range)
  • Payouts are automatic -- no manual claims needed
  • Complete circles to unlock higher-tier opportunities

Ready to Get Started?

Join the Halo Protocol community and start building your on-chain credit score today. It only takes a few minutes.

Create Your Account

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Halo Protocol, lending circles, and on-chain credit scoring.

What is a lending circle (ROSCA)?

A Rotating Savings and Credit Association (ROSCA) is a group of individuals who agree to meet for a defined period in order to save and borrow together. Each member contributes a fixed amount each round, and the total pool is given to one member on a rotating basis. Halo Protocol automates this process with smart contracts on the Stacks blockchain.

Do I need cryptocurrency to get started?

You need STX tokens for gas fees, plus a supported token (USDCx, sBTC, or STX) to deposit in the vault and contribute to circles. You can acquire tokens through exchanges like ALEX or Arkadiko.

What happens if a member misses a payment?

Missed payments are recorded on-chain and negatively impact the member's credit score. The smart contract tracks all payment activity, and repeated missed payments can affect a member's ability to join future circles.

How is my credit score calculated?

Your credit score (300-850) is calculated based on several factors: on-time payment history (the most significant factor), circle completion rate, account age, and overall participation. The score is computed and stored on-chain via the halo-credit smart contract.

Is my money safe in the vault?

Circle funds are held in the halo-vault Clarity smart contract -- not by any person or company. The contract code is open-source and auditable. Post-conditions on every transaction ensure exact amounts are transferred. No admin keys or backdoors exist in the contract.

Which wallets are supported?

Halo Protocol supports Leather (formerly Hiro Wallet) and Xverse wallet for Stacks. Both are available as browser extensions. You connect your wallet once, and it is permanently bound to your Halo account for security.

What are the fees?

Halo Protocol charges a 1% protocol fee on circle payouts. The only other cost is STX gas fees for on-chain transactions, which are typically fractions of a cent. There are no sign-up fees, monthly fees, or hidden charges.

Can I be in multiple circles at once?

Yes, you can participate in multiple circles simultaneously. This can actually help build your credit score faster, as diversity of circle participation is one of the factors in the scoring algorithm. Just make sure you can meet all your contribution obligations.