An interest-bearing token is a Token-2022 token whose displayed balance grows at a rate you set, in basis points per year (500 = 5%). No new tokens are minted and nobody receives anything: the raw amount in every account stays the same, and apps that understand the extension calculate a larger displayed amount from the rate and the time passed. Use it for a visible yield-style balance, not to pay real interest.
What the extension does
| Standard | Token-2022 only |
| Rate | Basis points per year, set at creation; 100 = 1% |
| Who can change it | The rate authority |
| Supply | Unchanged, no tokens are minted |
| What grows | The amount apps display, calculated from the rate and elapsed time |
| What does not grow | The raw on-chain balance that transfers, pools and DEXs use |
Because pools and swaps work with raw amounts, a holder cannot sell the "interest". If you want holders to earn real tokens, you need a reward or distribution program, see how to reward token holders.
Create it without code
- Open a token creator that supports Token-2022 extensions, see the best Token-2022 tools.
- Choose Token-2022 and turn on the interest-bearing extension.
- Enter the rate. Check whether the tool asks for a percent or basis points.
- Fill in name, ticker, logo, supply and decimals, then sign.
Jumpbit Token Creator, for example, offers the interest-bearing extension next to the transfer fee for its standard 0.05 SOL fee. Solana's own costs for a Token-2022 token are about 0.0045 SOL, measured on mainnet on 3 November 2026.
Create it with the CLI
spl-token --program-id TokenzQdBNbLqP5VEhdkAS6EPFLC1PHnBqCXEpPxuEb create-token --interest-rate 500
spl-token set-interest-rate <MINT> 300
The first command creates a mint with a 5% yearly rate; the second changes it to 3%, signed by the rate authority. Try it on devnet first, see how to test a token on devnet.
Where it shows
- Apps that read the extension show the growing amount.
- Apps that do not show the raw amount, so the same balance can look different in two places.
- Pools, DEXs and bots trade the raw amount. Price and market cap on DEX screens may not reflect the displayed interest.
Things to know before you launch
- The rate authority can change the rate at any time unless you plan around it. Say so publicly.
- It is not yield. Calling the displayed growth "interest" or "APY" in marketing can mislead buyers.
- Extensions are permanent. You cannot add or remove the extension after creation, see SPL or Token-2022.
How we checked
Extension behaviour and CLI commands from the Token-2022 interest-bearing extension documentation, read on 3 November 2026; Jumpbit's extension support from its token creator code; costs simulated on Solana mainnet on 3 November 2026.