Español
Deutsch
Français
Português
Italiano
简体中文
日本語
Tiếng ViệtSPL tokens explained
by PrivaccUpdated September 21, 20262 min read
Almost every token on Solana is an SPL token — the equivalent of ERC-20 on Ethereum. A few details of how they work explain things that otherwise look like bugs.
On this page
The mint address is the real identity
Each token is defined by a mint address. That address, not the name or symbol, is the token's actual identity.
Anyone can create a token called USDC with a matching logo. Nothing prevents it. This is why every serious interface shows the mint address, and why pasting an address from a trusted source beats searching a symbol.
Token accounts and rent
Your wallet does not hold token balances directly. For each token you own, a separate account exists that links your wallet to that mint.
These accounts need a small SOL deposit — around 0.002 SOL — to remain on-chain. That is why receiving a new token costs a little SOL. The deposit is recoverable: close an empty token account and it is returned.
Mint and freeze authority
A mint can have an authority permitted to create more supply, and a freeze authority permitted to block transfers on specific accounts.
Both can be revoked, and on most legitimate projects both are. Checking their status is one of the fastest risk checks available.
Token-2022
Token-2022 is a newer standard adding features the original lacks: transfer fees collected automatically, confidential transfers, permanent delegate authority and more.
The features are useful but some are dangerous in the wrong hands. A permanent delegate can move tokens out of your wallet without your signature. A transfer fee means the amount arriving is less than the amount sent. Worth knowing which standard a token uses before holding a large position.