What Is Jupiter (JUP)?

Discover how Jupiter, a top Solana DEX aggregator, uses JUP and staking rewards to drive governance and incentivise community participation.

Introduction to Jupiter (JUP)

Jupiter (JUP) is a decentralised exchange (DEX) aggregator built on the Solana blockchain. Created by Meteora co-founder and WEN enthusiast Meow, it compares cryptocurrency prices across multiple decentralised finance (DeFi) platforms in Solana’s ecosystem to find the best exchange rates and minimise ‘slippage’.  

Jupiter supports liquidity routing from a combination of DEXs, Automated Market Makers (AMMs), and other Solana-based protocols. Community members, known as ‘catdets’, can build a reputation for trust and helpfulness within the ecosystem. 

Jupiter launched its native token, JUP, via an airdrop in January 2024, with public trading beginning in the same month. On launch day, JUP was listed on multiple exchanges, including Crypto.com.

How Does Jupiter (JUP) Work?

While the token is central to community voting and staking-based rewards, it is not required to use JUP for trading. Users can freely swap tokens on Jupiter using any supported assets; JUP is only necessary for accessing governance rights, protocol incentives, and advanced features, such as those offered in Jupiter Pro.

As a DEX aggregator, Jupiter connects to over 20 Solana-based DEXs, including Orca, Raydium, and Meteora, to find the best swap rates and routes. Its routing algorithm dynamically splits and reorders trades across multiple liquidity pools to optimise execution, reduce slippage, and improve pricing.

Jupiter’s infrastructure includes several advanced tools:

• Ultra v2 Swap Engine (RTSE v2): Introduced in May 2025, it supports real-time swap optimisation and gasless trading by removing the need for SOL to pay network fees.
  
• Limit Orders, DCA Tools: Allow users to automate entries and execute more sophisticated trading strategies.
  
• Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) Protection: Guards against front-running and sandwich attacks via private Remote Procedure Calls (RPC in short, the communication channels used to send transactions to Solana validators) and transaction bundling.

Although Jupiter is known for its technical innovation, it also leans into meme coin culture, with a cat mascot and light-hearted branding that reflect the community’s playful spirit and the founder’s distinctive style.

Active Staking Rewards (ASR)

JUP’s standout feature is its Active Staking Rewards (ASR) programme. Unlike Proof of Stake (PoS) protocols like Ethereum, where staking alone generates rewards, JUP’s model ties rewards to active voting.

Rather than passive yield farming, the ASR programme rewards token holders for actively participating in governance, where users vote on protocol changes and project launches, such as those via Jupiter’s LFG Launchpad, and earn ASR rewards for doing so.

Each staked JUP token grants one unit of Voting Power. Rewards are auto-staked to increase users’ Voting Power and influence over future proposals. JUP is also used across Jupiter’s decentralised applications (dapps), and holders may become eligible for future airdrops, grants, or community incentives.

Benefits and Limitations of Jupiter (JUP)

Tokenomics of JUP

JUP has a maximum supply of 10 billion tokens, split evenly between the community and the development team. The community’s share is being distributed through annual 31 January airdrops of one billion JUP between 2024 and 2027 (the remaining one billion JUP, reserved for grants, is to be allocated by the Jupiter DAO). 

Of the 50% allocated to the team, 20% is reserved for the current team under a two-year vesting period starting in 2026; another 20% is held in a strategic reserve for hiring and project funding (with a six-month notice before any liquidity events); the final 10% is reserved for liquidity provision. 

Does JUP Have Utility?

JUP’s utility is closely tied to the Jupiter ecosystem. As a governance token, it allows holders to vote on key proposals and influence the protocol’s strategic direction. The launch of Jupiter Pro in April 2025 expanded its use by providing experienced traders with access to premium tools and advanced trading features.

In May 2025, Jupiter introduced the Ultra v2 Swap Engine (RTSE v2), a real-time routing engine that dynamically optimises token swaps across Solana DEXs. This upgrade also improved broadcasting speeds to enhance accessibility and user experience, and introduced gasless transactions, allowing users to trade without holding SOL for network fees.

Importantly, JUP is not required for token swaps on Jupiter. Users can swap using any supported tokens. JUP is for accessing advanced features, participating in governance, and earning ecosystem rewards.

What Does the Future Hold for Jupiter?

Jupiter is widely recognised as one of the leading DEXs in the Solana ecosystem. The project’s transparency, developer expertise, and community engagement lend JUP credibility as a crucial asset in Solana-based DeFi.

Looking ahead, several developments may shape its trajectory:

• Expansion Beyond Solana: With growing interest in cross-chain trading, Jupiter may further enhance its multi-chain integrations.
• Evolving Governance: As more users participate in veJUP voting, governance processes could become more sophisticated, with potential for sub-DAOs or theme-based grant funding.
• Airdrops and Incentives: The structured annual airdrop schedule keeps users engaged, and future incentive mechanisms may further reward loyalty and platform usage.
• Institutional and Pro-Trader Onboarding: Through Jupiter Pro, the platform is increasingly targeting professional traders and larger volumes.

With a strong hold on Solana’s liquidity flows and a community-first approach, Jupiter may continue to remain a pivotal player in Solana’s fast-paced DeFi landscape.

How to Buy JUP on Crypto.com

Buying JUP and other DeFi tokens is straightforward with the Crypto.com App. Users can use supported fiat currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP.

Below is a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Download the Crypto.com App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
   
2. Complete the sign-up process. On-screen prompts are at hand to guide users.
   
3. Funds deposited using bank transfers will usually clear within one to three business days. For faster access, users can also fund their account using Apple Pay or a debit/credit card. Please note that processing times and availability may vary depending on card issuer and other factors.
   
4. Once the funds are cleared, users can start buying JUP, along with large-cap assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), plus an extensive collection of altcoins and meme coins.

Conclusion

Jupiter has earned credibility as a Solana-native DEX aggregator with a strong developer team and active community. Its token, JUP, is widely listed on major platforms like Crypto.com and plays a central role in ecosystem governance.

However, JUP’s large circulating supply may affect its price appreciation, and its long-term value is closely tied to the success of the Jupiter platform itself. Like most crypto assets, JUP carries both opportunity and volatility.

As always, making JUP or any other cryptocurrencies a part of a portfolio should only be done after careful risk assessment and due diligence into the project.

Due Diligence and Do Your Own Research

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