Hold-to-Access
permission via token possession
Hold-to-Access is a gatekeeping model in which users unlock tools, features, or privileges by simply holding a minimum amount of a specific token in their wallet. Unlike spend-based or subscription models, hold-to-access preserves user capital and reinforces loyalty by making access a function of ownership, not expenditure. ItÔÇÖs commonly used for unlocking analytics dashboards, DAO participation, NFT mints, or tiered feature sets.
Use Case: A decentralized portfolio tracker offers advanced metrics and real-time alerts only to users who hold at least 1,000 $TRACK tokens in their wallet. As long as the tokens remain in the wallet, access stays activeÔÇöno payment or staking required.
Key Concepts:
- Wallet-Based Access ÔÇö Verification based on live token balance.
- Capital Retention ÔÇö No need to spend, burn, or stake to gain access.
- Demand Driver ÔÇö Increases token demand without creating sell pressure.
- Simplified UX ÔÇö No lockups, interfaces, or contracts needed to unlock tools.
Summary: Hold-to-Access models create utility and exclusivity without friction. They support token demand while protecting user capital, enabling lightweight loyalty systems that integrate directly into the Web3 experience.
| Model Type | Hold-to-Access | Pay-to-Access |
|---|---|---|
| Access Requirement | Token balance in wallet | Token must be spent |
| Capital Risk | None ÔÇö tokens are retained | High ÔÇö tokens are gone after use |
| Token Utility | Increases with access demand | One-time use, no ongoing value |
| UX Simplicity | Seamless and automatic | Requires manual action |