Solana Token Standards: SPL Token vs Token-2022
What a token program is
On Solana, tokens are not separate blockchains. They are accounts managed by a shared program that defines the rules for minting, holding and transferring. Every token's data points to the program that governs it.
The two standards
| SPL Token | Token-2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | The original program | Newer program |
| Extensions | None built in | Optional extensions |
| Metadata | Usually a separate metadata program | Can live inside the token itself |
| Support | Very widely supported | Supported by many tools, but check |
What this means for QNT
QNT uses Token-2022 and has the metadata pointer and token metadata extensions, which store its name and symbol with the token. The contract address is DeqsPTYwvsNjkf5G8zDxziUnFPp55nQZA4vrNM2apump. You can confirm the program on Solscan, and learn how mint and supply fit in at mint and supply.
Why extensions need care
Some Token-2022 extensions can add powers such as transfer fees or other controls. That is why it pays to check what a token has enabled. Follow how to verify a Solana token contract before trading any token.
Practical notes
- Most major wallets and swap tools handle Token-2022, but a feature may lag in some apps.
- Your wallet creates a token account for each token you hold.
For everyday use, you rarely need to think about the program. Your wallet handles it. The difference mainly matters when you research a token, because extensions can change how a token behaves. A short check of the token page on an explorer takes a minute and tells you which program and extensions are present.
Which extensions exist, and what each means for a holder
Solana's documentation lists several optional Token-2022 extensions. Here is a plain-language reading of the ones holders meet most:
| Extension | What it does | Why a holder cares |
|---|---|---|
| Metadata pointer and token metadata | Stores name and symbol in the token's own mint | Usually harmless and common |
| Transfer fee | Takes a configured percentage of each transfer | Your received amount can be lower than what was sent |
| Permanent delegate | An account keeps authority over the token | Could move or burn tokens in holders' accounts |
| Non-transferable | Blocks transfers | Tokens that cannot be sold |
| Transfer hook | Calls another program on every transfer | Extra logic can block or alter transfers |
| Confidential transfers | Hides balances using encryption | Privacy feature, uses more complex tooling |
The same documentation notes that some extensions cannot be combined, and that most must be set when the token is created, so a token's extension list is mostly fixed from the start. Worked example: if a token has a 5 percent transfer fee and you send 1,000 tokens, the recipient gets 950 and 50 are withheld. That makes a difference to your fills in a pool. See Token-2022 Extensions Explained for Holders for more.
Accounts, rent and why Token-2022 costs can differ
Every wallet needs its own token account for each mint. For a standard 165 byte token account, the rent-exempt minimum is about 0.00204 SOL, refundable if the account is closed. Token-2022 accounts with extensions can be larger and cost more. See Token Accounts and Associated Token Accounts Explained and Solana Fees and Rent Explained.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Token-2022 is "better" or "worse". It is a different toolkit.
- Ignoring the extension list on an unfamiliar token.
- Assuming every app supports every extension.
- Skipping the check because the token is popular.
How to check it yourself
- Open the mint on Solscan and read the program and extension fields.
- Confirm authorities with How Token Authorities Work on Solana.
- Follow How to Verify a Solana Token Contract Before You Buy for the full routine.
Education only, not financial advice. The QNT memecoin is independent of Quantinuum Ltd.
Sources and further reading
- Solana docs: Token-2022 extensions
- Solana docs: tokens (mint accounts, token accounts, authorities, decimals)
- Helius docs: getMinimumBalanceForRentExemption (165-byte token account example)
Facts checked 2026-10-09 against the linked pages. Education only, not financial advice. Nothing here predicts the price of any asset, and the QNT memecoin is an independent community token with no link to Quantinuum Ltd or any lab, chain or exchange named on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Does QNT use Token-2022?
Yes. QNT uses Solana's Token-2022 program with metadata pointer and token metadata extensions.
Is Token-2022 safer than SPL Token?
Not inherently. It adds features, and some extensions add powers, so each token should be checked individually.
Can I hold Token-2022 tokens in Phantom?
Major wallets generally support them, but support can vary by app and version, so confirm in your wallet.
What is an SPL token?
SPL stands for Solana Program Library. An SPL token is a token created with the original Solana token program.
Does a transfer fee make a token a scam?
Not by itself. It is a documented feature. It is a reason to read the settings, because it changes what recipients get.
Can extensions be added later?
Solana's docs say most extensions must be set at account creation, so plan for them up front. Always check the current token page.
Why do some DEXes not support certain tokens?
A venue may not support every extension, especially unusual ones like transfer hooks.
How big is a token account?
A standard SPL token account is 165 bytes. Extensions can make it bigger.
Keep reading
- What Is a Token Mint and Token Supply on Solana?
A token mint is the Solana account that defines a token and tracks its supply. Learn what mint authority, decimals and supply mean and how to check them. - How to Use Solscan to Check a Solana Token
Solscan is a Solana block explorer. Learn how to look up a token, wallet or transaction, and what to check before trusting a memecoin's contract address. - How to Verify a Solana Token Contract Before You Buy
A checklist to verify a Solana token: confirm the contract address, check mint and freeze authority, supply and holders on Solscan.
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