How Tokens Work on Builders.to
Earn, spend, and gift the in-app currency for builders
Tokens are the way Builders.to rewards the work that keeps the community alive—shipping, sharing updates, bringing in new builders, and supporting each other. They're not a meme cryptocurrency and they don't expire on a whim. Think of them as platform credit you actually earn.
Here's exactly how to earn them, where to spend them, and which tier gives you the best ROI.
In this guide
What tokens actually are
Tokens are an in-app currency that lives on your account. One token roughly equals $0.10 in platform value. You can see your balance any time at builders.to/tokens.
How to earn tokens
There are five reliable ways to grow your balance. None of them require a credit card and most of them are things you should be doing anyway as a builder shipping in public.
Welcome bonus
+5 tokensGranted automatically the first time you sign in.
Complete your profile
+10 tokensAdd your bio, location, links, and avatar. One-time bonus.
Refer a builder
+10 tokensShare your referral link from /tokens. You earn when they sign up and verify.
Daily update streaks
VariablePost a daily update to extend your streak. Streak milestones grant bonus tokens.
Membership grants
50 or 100/moPro members get 50 tokens monthly. Founder's Circle gets 100.
Pro tip: The fastest way to compound your balance is to combine a daily update streak with the Pro monthly grant. A 30-day streak plus the Pro 50-token grant typically lands you over 80 tokens for the month.
How to spend tokens
Earning is only half the system. The other half is putting tokens to work—either to grow your own project or to support someone else's.
Sidebar ad slots
Redeem tokens to claim one of the 8 limited sidebar ad slots and put your project in front of every builder browsing the site.
Gift other builders
Send tokens directly to a builder whose work you love. A five-token tip says more than a like ever will.
Premium actions
Some premium actions can deduct tokens per use. Tokens stretch your usage well past the included monthly allotment.
Boost your reach
Tokens can also be used to feature listings and updates so they show up at the top of relevant surfaces.
Pro vs Founder's Circle grants
The single biggest token multiplier is your membership tier. Here's what each tier earns automatically every month:
| Tier | Monthly grant | Approx value |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Earn-only (per post & streak) | — |
| Pro | 50 tokens / month | ~$5 |
| Founder's Circle | 100 tokens / month | ~$10 |
Looking for a full breakdown? See the Membership Tiers & Benefits guide.
Decay & expiry rules
Tokens are designed to be used, not hoarded. To keep the economy healthy, balances are subject to gentle decay if your account goes inactive for an extended period.
- Earned tokens stay valid as long as you're actively posting and engaging on the platform.
- The /tokens page surfaces a “Tokens at risk” panel when you have a balance about to expire so nothing sneaks up on you.
- Spending or earning any tokens resets the clock—a single update or gift is enough to keep your balance healthy.
FAQ
Are tokens a cryptocurrency?
No. Tokens are platform credit. They live in our database, not on a blockchain, and they have no off-platform value.
Can I cash out tokens for real money?
Tokens are non-redeemable for cash. They're designed to circulate inside the platform—ads, gifts, services, and Pro features.
Do I lose tokens if I cancel Pro?
No. Your existing balance stays. You just stop receiving the monthly grant going forward.
How do referrals get attributed?
Anyone who signs up via your referral link from /tokens is attributed to you. You receive 10 tokens once their account is verified.
Ready to start earning?
Check your balance, grab your referral link, and see what your tokens can unlock today.