Solana, Start Here

Updated 2026-10-29

Short answer: Solana is a fast, low-fee blockchain where apps, tokens and NFTs are cheap to use. Its coin is SOL. Addresses are long strings of letters and numbers (32 to 44 characters). Fees are usually a fraction of a cent, but you need a little SOL in your wallet for every action.

Token accounts

On Solana, each token you hold sits in its own small "token account" linked to your wallet. Creating one takes a small deposit of SOL, which you get back if the account is closed. That's why receiving a new token can cost a tiny amount, and why "close empty accounts" tools exist.

Staking

You can stake SOL directly from most wallets (Phantom, Solflare and others) to a validator, or hold a liquid staking token like JitoSOL. Changes take effect at the end of an epoch (about two days). See staking on Ethereum and Solana.

Watch out

Scam tokens and NFTs are airdropped to wallets with names like "Claim your reward at …". Don't visit the link, and don't try to sell them.
Delegations: Solana's version of an approval lets another address move your tokens. Drainer sites trick people into signing them. Our Solana check lists them and can revoke them.
Read what you sign. Good wallets show a preview of what leaves your wallet: see how to read a transaction before you sign.

On Crypto Lighthouse

[Portfolio](/portfolio): SOL, your tokens, staked SOL with its status and rewards, and liquid staking yields.
[Solana check](/rewards): paste a Solana address to see token delegations and revoke them.
Token checks for freeze and mint powers, on the Portfolio and Check an Address.

Learn more at solana.com.