Drift

Drift is one of Solana's longest-running perpetuals protocols, using a hybrid model that blends an orderbook with pooled liquidity. It pays maker rebates and governs via the DRIFT token.

Drift fees

Drift charges about -0.5 bps maker and 4 bps taker (a basis point is 0.01%). Makers earn a rebate for providing liquidity. As with any perp venue, the funding rate often matters more than the headline fee: it is a recurring payment between longs and shorts that can quietly run for or against your position. See how this stacks up on the lowest-fee perp DEX ranking.

Drift leverage & markets

Drift offers up to 20x leverage across crypto markets on Solana. Higher leverage magnifies both gains and liquidation risk, so size positions carefully. For the most aggressive limits, see the highest-leverage perp DEX ranking.

Is Drift safe and is there KYC?

Drift is non-custodial: your funds stay in your own wallet and you sign each trade, so there is no company holding your balance and typically no KYC. The trade-off is smart-contract and liquidation risk, so prefer venues with a solid track record and verify contracts yourself.

Who is behind Drift?

Drift was built by Cindy Leow and David Lu, building through Drift Labs.

Backers: Polychain Capital, Multicoin Capital and Jump Crypto, over $25M raised.

Drift milestones

• Nov 2021Drift version 1 launches on Solana
• Dec 2022Drift version 2 adds the Liquidity Trifecta
• Jan 2024$23.5M Series A led by Polychain Capital
• May 2024DRIFT governance token and Genesis airdrop

Drift FAQ

What is Drift?

Drift is a veteran Solana perp DEX with a hybrid orderbook and maker rebates. It runs on Solana using a orderbook model, offering up to 20x leverage on crypto markets.

What are Drift's fees?

Drift charges roughly -0.5 bps maker and 4 bps taker (1 bp = 0.01%). Makers receive a rebate. Funding is paid periodically between longs and shorts.

Does Drift require KYC?

No. Drift is a decentralized exchange: you connect a self-custody wallet and trade permissionlessly, with no signup or KYC on the protocol.

Does Drift have a token?

Yes, Drift's token is $DRIFT.