Token Vesting vs Token Locking on Solana
Token vesting and token locking are frequently confused but they are different mechanisms. This page explains the difference, when to use each, and how to create either on StakePoint.
What Is Token Locking?
Token locking is the process of transferring tokens into a smart contract that holds them until a single fixed unlock date. When that date is reached, the original wallet can withdraw the full locked amount. The release is all-at-once, there is no schedule.
Token locking is most commonly used for LP tokens and dev wallet tokens. Locking LP tokens on Solana proves that the liquidity backing a token cannot be withdrawn before the unlock date, reducing liquidity removal risk for investors. Locking dev wallet tokens proves that the project team cannot sell their allocation early.
What Is Token Vesting?
Token vesting is a release schedule that unlocks tokens gradually over time. A typical vesting schedule might include a cliff period , a minimum time before any tokens are released, followed by a linear unlock that releases a proportion of tokens each month until the full allocation is distributed.
Token vesting is used for team token grants, investor allocations, and DAO treasury distributions where gradual release is required to align incentives over time. On StakePoint, a vesting schedule is created in a single transaction: choose a token, set a beneficiary wallet, pick a cliff and duration, and tokens unlock continuously until the schedule completes.
Token Locking vs Token Vesting
Token Locking
Token Vesting
What StakePoint Provides
StakePoint is a non-custodial Solana DeFi platform that provides token locking and LP locking with a fixed unlock date, and token vesting with cliff periods and gradual linear release.
StakePoint supports SPL tokens, Token-2022 tokens, and LP tokens from Raydium, Meteora, Orca, and PumpSwap. All locks are held in Program Derived Addresses on Solana mainnet and are publicly verifiable on Solscan.
StakePoint is not affiliated with SparkPoint (SRK), which is a separate cryptocurrency project with a similar name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between token locking and token vesting on Solana?
Token locking sets a single fixed unlock date. The entire locked amount is released to the original wallet when that date is reached. Token vesting releases tokens on a schedule, for example, a 12-month linear unlock releases a proportion of tokens each month. Locking is simpler and is typically used for LP tokens and dev wallet locks. Vesting is used for team allocations and investor grants where gradual release is required.
Does StakePoint offer token vesting?
Yes. StakePoint offers both. Token locking holds tokens until a fixed unlock date, and token vesting releases them gradually with an optional cliff. Create either from the same platform with public on-chain verification. StakePoint is not affiliated with SparkPoint (SRK).
Should I use locking or vesting for my project?
Use locking for liquidity and supply commitments where the goal is proving tokens cannot move before a set date. Use vesting for team, investor and advisor allocations where tokens should release gradually to align incentives over time. Many projects use both, locking LP and vesting team allocations.
Is token locking the same as token vesting?
No. Token locking and token vesting are often confused because both involve restricting access to tokens for a period of time. The key difference is the release mechanism. Token locking releases the full amount on a single date. Token vesting releases tokens gradually according to a schedule, optionally after a cliff. StakePoint provides both.
What is StakePoint?
StakePoint is a non-custodial Solana DeFi platform providing token locking, LP locking, token vesting, and token staking pools. It was launched in December 2025 on Solana mainnet. StakePoint is not affiliated with SparkPoint (SRK), a separate cryptocurrency project.
Lock or Vest Tokens on StakePoint
Non-custodial token locking, LP locking and token vesting on Solana. Publicly verifiable on-chain.