> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.usd8.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.usd8.ai/products/lock-terms.md).

# Lock: Term Certificates

Lock sUSD8 for 30 to 364 days and earn boosted yield of up to 1.50×, sealed in a transferable certificate NFT.

For holders with a fixed horizon, the protocol offers term locks: commit your sUSD8 for a set period and earn a **boost multiplier** on top of base staking yield. Fixed terms give the reserve manager a predictable liability profile, which is what funds the boost.

## How a lock works

```mermaid
sequenceDiagram
    participant U as You
    participant L as Locker
    participant D as Rewards distributor

    U->>L: Lock sUSD8 and choose a term
    L->>U: Certificate NFT minted
    loop Each day until maturity
        D->>L: Accrue boost on the position
    end
    Note over U,L: No early exit by the holder
    U->>L: Claim at maturity
    L->>U: Principal plus boost (sUSD8)
```

You pick a term, the locker seals the position in an NFT, boost accrues on-chain every day, and at maturity you claim principal plus boost — or relock in one transaction.

## The terms

| Term     | Multiplier | Certificate numeral |
| -------- | ---------- | ------------------- |
| 30 days  | 1.10×      | XXX                 |
| 60 days  | 1.20×      | LX                  |
| 180 days | 1.35×      | CLXXX               |
| 364 days | 1.50×      | CCCLXIV             |

The multiplier is **snapshotted into your position at lock time** — later governance changes to a tenor's multiplier never affect existing locks.

## How the boost works

The boost is real on-chain yield, not points. Each day's distribution is split between the staking vault and the locker:

* Your locked principal earns **base yield** like any other sUSD8 (the NAV effect).
* On top, the locker accrues **extra sUSD8** to your position each day, proportional to your principal × (multiplier − 1). A 364-day lock at 1.50× accrues 50% more than the same principal unlocked.

At maturity you claim **principal + accrued boost**, both in sUSD8.

## The certificate NFT

Every lock mints a unique **ERC-721 certificate** — your on-chain proof of position. It records:

| Field      | Meaning                             |
| ---------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Principal  | The sUSD8 amount you locked         |
| Multiplier | Your snapshotted boost (e.g. 1.50×) |
| Start      | When the lock began                 |
| Maturity   | The day your term completes         |
| Status     | Active or matured                   |

The certificate is **transferable**: you can move it to another wallet or, as ecosystem support grows, use it on secondary markets. Whoever holds the certificate at maturity claims the position.

## Maturity and exit

* **At maturity** — claim your principal plus all accrued boost, or **relock** into a new term in one transaction.
* **Before maturity** — there is **no early exit**. The fixed horizon is the deal that earns the boost; plan your terms accordingly.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Locked positions cannot be exited early by the holder. The protocol retains an emergency-unlock path (governance only, for protective situations) that returns the full principal but forfeits accrued boost — it exists as a safety valve, not an exit feature.
{% endhint %}