Token-2022 Extensions Explained for Holders
Where this fits
The token standards page covers the difference between classic SPL tokens and Token-2022. This guide goes through individual extensions, from a holder's point of view. It is education, not financial advice, and it does not say any token is good or bad.
The basic idea
Solana's documentation lists many extensions, each a feature attached to the mint or to token accounts. Its main caution is that most extensions cannot be added after an account is initialized, so a token's features are mostly fixed at creation. Some extensions conflict: the docs give the example that NonTransferable cannot combine with TransferFeeConfig. For a holder this is useful: what you see at creation tends to be what you live with, so check it first. Many popular pump.fun style memecoins use the classic token program, but you should check each token yourself.
Extensions that can affect your balance or trades
Transfer fees
The TransferFeeConfig extension stores a fee rate and the authorities that can set it and withdraw fees. A fee is withheld from each transfer, held on the receiving token account, and later collected by an authority. Effect for you: the amount received can be lower than the amount sent, and some swaps or pools may handle this poorly. Look for the rate before buying.
Transfer hooks
With the TransferHook extension, every transfer triggers a call to another program that can run custom rules, including rejecting the transfer. Solana's guide says extra accounts the hook needs are stored in a list that clients add automatically. Per the guide, signer privileges do not carry over to the hook program, and a failing hook fails the whole transfer. For a holder, a hook means trading depends on that program working, and it could in principle block transfers. Investigate who controls the hook program.
Permanent delegate
The PermanentDelegate extension is the one to read twice. Per Solana's docs, a permanent delegate can authorize transfers and burns for any token account of the mint, and token account owners cannot revoke it. The mint authority can change it. In plain terms: for a mint with this set, a party can move or destroy tokens in your account without your approval. There are legitimate uses, such as regulated assets that must support recovery, but for a memecoin it is a significant trust issue, so see who holds it. Compare with ordinary delegates in wallet safety, which you can revoke.
Non-transferable
The NonTransferable extension makes tokens that cannot be moved between holders. It suits badges or credentials, not trading assets. If you cannot sell a token, check whether this applies.
Pausable and default account state
The docs list a Pausable extension that allows minting, burning or transferring to be paused, and DefaultAccountState that sets the default state for new accounts. A frozen default means new holders cannot move tokens until an authority thaws them. Together with the freeze authority described in token authorities, these decide whether an issuer can stop trading.
Other extensions you may see
- MintCloseAuthority: an optional authority can close the mint.
- ImmutableOwner: the account owner cannot be changed. This is commonly used with associated token accounts.
- MemoTransfer: incoming transfers must include a memo.
- InterestBearingConfig and ScaledUiAmount: change how balances display, so the number in your wallet may differ from the raw amount.
- CpiGuard: blocks certain privileged instructions when called from another program.
- MetadataPointer and TokenMetadata: keep the name and symbol on the mint.
- Confidential transfer extensions: allow encrypted balances and amounts.
Rent and costs
Token accounts must hold a rent exemption deposit. Solana's docs give 0.00203928 SOL for a standard token account and note that Token-2022 accounts with extensions can require more, for example 0.00207408 SOL with the immutable owner extension. See token accounts and fees and rent.
How to check a token
- Open the mint on Solscan and note the token program. Classic tokens use the original program, Token-2022 tokens use the extensions program.
- Look for an extensions or "token extensions" section. Read each item.
- For fees, find the percentage and who can change it. For permanent delegate, hooks or pausing, note which address holds the power.
- Combine with holders, authorities and liquidity checks in the health checklist.
- If you do not understand an extension, skip the token or keep a very small position.
Extensions are tools. Many are used responsibly, but they widen what an issuer can do. Memecoins are high risk, and the QNT memecoin is independent of Quantinuum Ltd.
Sources and further reading
- Solana docs: token extensions
- Solana docs: transfer hook
- Solana docs: permanent delegate
- Solana docs: token accounts and rent
Reported as of 2026-10-09. Platform fees and rules change often, so check the primary pages before relying on any number. This is education, not financial advice. The QNT memecoin is independent of Quantinuum Ltd, the real company.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Token-2022 token have transfer fees?
Yes, through the TransferFeeConfig extension, which stores the rate and the authorities that set it and withdraw withheld fees.
What does a permanent delegate do?
Per Solana's docs it can authorize transfers and burns for any token account of the mint, and owners cannot revoke it.
Can extensions be added later?
The docs say most extensions cannot be added after an account is initialized, so features are mostly set at creation.
Are all Token-2022 tokens risky?
No. Many extensions are benign. The point is to read them and know who holds any special power.
Keep reading
- Solana Token Standards: SPL Token vs Token-2022
Solana tokens use either the original SPL Token program or the newer Token-2022 program with extensions. Learn the differences and what it means for QNT. - How Token Authorities Work on Solana
Mint, freeze and metadata update authorities explained: what each one can do, why revoking them matters, and how to check them yourself on-chain. - How to Read a Token's On-Chain Health: A Step-by-Step Checklist
A practical checklist for checking mint and freeze authorities, top holders and liquidity ownership with Solscan and DexScreener before you trade. - 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.
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