In the fast-paced world of Solana DeFi, points programs have become a staple for projects looking to incentivize user engagement and loyalty. These systems reward participants with points for activities like lending, trading, or staking, which often convert into tokens or airdrops down the line. If you're hunting for the next big opportunity in Solana's ecosystem, a recent tweet from @FabianoSolana sheds light on the longest and shortest running points programs still active as of August 2025. Let's dive into the details and explore what each one offers.

Longest Running Points Programs on Solana

These veterans have been rewarding users for hundreds of days, proving their staying power in the competitive DeFi landscape. Here's a closer look:

1. MarginFi - 780 Days
   MarginFi is a decentralized lending protocol on Solana, emphasizing safety, transparency, and flexibility. Users earn points by lending and borrowing assets on the platform, which has already led to the airdrop of its MRGN token. With nearly two years of operation, it's a go-to for stable DeFi yields. Check it out at marginfi.com to start earning.

2. Photon - 636 Days
   Photon serves as a high-speed trading platform and bot for discovering and sniping new tokens on Solana. Points are accumulated through trading activities, completing missions, and leaderboard competitions. It's perfect for traders eyeing quick flips and portfolio monitoring. Visit Photon's site for more on their hyperspeed features.

3. RainFi - 587 Days
   RainFi specializes in effortless token and NFT lending on Solana, allowing users to borrow against collateral or use "buy now, pay later" for NFTs. Their points system, known as Droplets, rewards borrowing and lending volume, with potential for future conversions into tokens. Explore at rain.fi.

4. Switchboard - 498 Days
   As an open-source oracle protocol on Solana, Switchboard provides customizable data feeds for developers. While details on their points program are tied to oracle usage and community contributions, it's a key infrastructure player. The recent timing of their announcements hints at ongoing rewards—keep an eye on Switchboard's docs for integration opportunities.

5. Gradient - 342 Days
   Gradient Network is a decentralized edge computing protocol on Solana, tackling compute challenges with user participation. Points are earned by installing their browser extension, running nodes, and referrals, paving the way for future token rewards. Get started via Gradient's dashboard.

Shortest Running Points Programs on Solana

On the flip side, these newer entrants are just getting started but could offer fresh opportunities for early adopters. Shorter durations often mean higher potential rewards to attract users quickly.

1. Sanctum - 33 Days
   Sanctum is a liquid staking platform on Solana, enabling users to stake SOL while keeping it liquid through LSTs (liquid staking tokens) like INF. Their points program rewards staking and liquidity provision, with a focus on maximizing yields from trading fees and MEV. It's one of the fastest-growing DeFi apps—head to sanctum.so to join the wonderland.

2. Huma 2.0 - 38 Days
   Huma Finance 2.0 brings real-world payment flows to Solana DeFi, offering permissionless yields in USDC backed by actual economic activity. Points come from staking and LP incentives, providing stable double-digit returns. Launched in April 2025, it's ideal for those seeking real yield. Learn more at huma.finance.

3. Kamino - 72 Days
   Kamino unifies lending, liquidity, and leverage in one secure suite on Solana. Users earn points across products like vaults and borrowing, with a dedicated points hub to track progress. Recent seasons have boosted stablecoin deposits with KMNO rewards. Dive in at kamino.finance.

4. Drift - 86 Days
   Drift is the leading perpetual futures exchange on Solana, offering zero-fee trading for assets like BTC and ETH. Their points program incentivizes traders and market makers, evolving into rewards like FUEL for predictions and yields. Trade now at drift.trade.

5. Parcl - 115 Days
   Parcl allows users to trade real estate price exposure on Solana without owning property. Points are earned via liquidity provision and trading, with a leaderboard to climb. It culminated in a PRCL airdrop earlier, but the program continues. Check your rank at parcl.co.

Points programs like these are more than just freebies—they're a gateway to understanding Solana's vibrant ecosystem and potentially scoring meme-worthy airdrops that turn into the next big token frenzy. Whether you're farming long-term with MarginFi or jumping into Sanctum's fresh pools, always do your own research and manage risks. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for more updates on Solana's reward landscapes, and who knows? Your next big win might be just a stake away.