Solana-based token launch platform Pump.fun is changing how creator fees work, giving users the ability to decide whether token deployers or traders should receive fee rewards. Summary Pump.fun has introduced “Cashback Coins,” allowing token creators to redirect 100% of creator fees to traders instead of themselves. Creators must choose between Creator Fees or Trader Cashback before launch, and the decision is permanently locked once the token goes live. The move aims to address concerns that some deployers collect fees without contributing ongoing value, letting the market decide who gets rewarded. Pump.fun lets traders take the fees with new cashback model In a post on X, Pump.fun said “not every token deserves Creator Fees,” announcing the launch of a new feature called Cashback Coins. The update allows token creators to choose, before launch, whether fees generated by the token will go to the creator or be redirected entirely to traders. How it worksCoin creators must choose between Trader Cashback or Creator Fees before launch. Cashback coins direct ALL Creator Fees towards traders, and once launched, this decision is locked foreverUnlike Creator Fee coins, CTOs cannot be carried out on Cashback Coins -…— Pump.fun (@Pumpfun) February 17, 2026 In a follow-up post, Pump.fun’s CEO said the update was aimed at “rewarding traders and REAL projects.” Creator fees have traditionally been positioned as a way to help founders, teams, and project leads fund development and grow their communities. However, Pump.fun acknowledged that many tokens gain traction without an active team or long-term project roadmap. In such cases, the platform said, creator fees can disproportionately reward deployers who may not contribute ongoing value. Under the new system, coin creators must select one of two options at launch: Creator Fees or Trader Cashback. If Trader Cashback is selected, 100% of the creator fees are redirected to traders instead of the deployer. Once the token is launched, that choice is permanently locked and cannot be changed. Pump.fun also clarified that “CTOs,” or community takeovers, cannot be carried out on Cashback Coins. Tokens launched under the cashback model will permanently reward traders and holders rather than any original deployer. Creator Fee coins are similarly locked into their chosen structure. The feature is now available within the Pump.fun mobile app and website during the token creation process. Users who participate in Cashback Coins can claim rewards directly through the app by navigating to their profile and accessing the rewards section. The move reflects growing debate within the memecoin ecosystem over incentive alignment and fairness. By shifting fee distribution decisions to token creators, and ultimately letting traders choose which model to support, Pump.fun is positioning the market itself as the mechanism that determines who gets rewarded.
