Terminology glossary
Plain-language definitions for stablecoin and payment concepts on Solana. Each entry links to related articles where we go deeper.
Book a guided walkthrough
- SPL Token
- The Solana Program Library standard for fungible tokens. USDC, USDT, and PYUSD on Solana are SPL tokens with distinct mint addresses.
- The address permitted to create new token supply. For Circle-issued USDC, mint authority rests with Circle's controlled keys — not your wallet.
- Associated Token Account (ATA)
- A deterministic account that holds a specific SPL token for your wallet address. Receiving USDC requires an ATA for the USDC mint.
- Solana Pay
- A protocol for requesting payments via QR codes or deep links. Merchants specify amount, token mint, and optional reference keys for reconciliation.
- Reference Key
- An optional public key included in a Solana Pay request so merchants can match an on-chain transfer to an invoice or order ID.
- Finality
- The point at which a Solana transaction is considered settled. Payment articles in our library cite typical confirmation times under normal network conditions.
- Token-2022
- An extended token program supporting transfer fees, confidential transfers, and other hooks. Some stablecoins may migrate or deploy with Token-2022 features.
- Redemption
- Converting stablecoin back to fiat through the issuer or an authorized partner. Redemption timing and minimums vary by issuer and jurisdiction.
- Attestation
- Periodic reports from stablecoin issuers confirming reserves backing circulating supply. We link primary attestation PDFs from relevant articles.
- Transaction Memo
- Optional text attached to a Solana transaction. Some remittance flows use memos to carry payment references visible on explorers.
Need a term explained in context? Contact us or book a 45-minute glossary walkthrough.