In the Balance ecosystem, Key Nodes serve as a critical layer of infrastructure. By running a node, users help secure the network, validate participation across chains, and contribute to the long-term reliability of the ecosystem. Their operation powers the backend of Balance’s decentralized protocol.

Balance node rewards are thoughtfully structured to support long-term participation, ensuring that the 25% of total $EPT supply allocated to Node Rewards is distributed in a fair, incentive-aligned manner that reinforces the protocol’s sustainability.

Key Node operators are more than just participants. They are foundational contributors to Balance network’s success. As decentralized infrastructure providers, their ongoing support is essential to maintaining the security, stability, and scalability of Balance across chains. The long-term evolution of the ecosystem depends on this continued participation. That is why we are committed to empowering node operators with meaningful incentives, flexible reward mechanisms, and a structure that directly aligns their contributions with the protocol’s future.

What is vEPT?

vEPT is the token reward that Key Node operators earn through node participation. It represents pending $EPT that can be redeemed by users over time. While vEPT accrues in real time based on network activity, it is not immediately liquid. Users must redeem vEPT for $EPT based on a time-based unlocking schedule.

The redemption design creates a predictable and gradual flow of rewards while reinforcing long-term alignment between node operators and the ecosystem.

Redeeming vEPT for $EPT

Earning vEPT is automatic for active Key Nodes. As your node performs its role in the network, vEPT accumulates in your account in real time.

To redeem vEPT into $EPT, you’ll need to initiate a redemption and select an unlock period. The duration you choose determines the redemption rate — longer periods allow you to redeem a higher percentage of your vEPT.

vEPT can be redeemed into $EPT by choosing one of the following unlock periods:

The longer the unlock period, the more vEPT you can redeem. For instance, a 15-day redemption will convert only 15% of the vEPT amount, while the full amount is unlocked after 120 days.

Each redemption requires a gas fee of 10 $EPT. Any unreleased portion of vEPT from shorter unlocks is permanently forfeited and converted to $EPT, which is then redirected into the Balance treasury. These forfeited tokens are not burned and are reallocated as future rewards for users who continue staking and contributing to the ecosystem. In other words, short-term redemptions help strengthen long-term incentives, rewarding those who remain committed to Balance over time.

How to Redeem vEPT

Redeeming your vEPT rewards is designed to be straightforward. You can manually claim your accumulated vEPT through the Balance platform at any time by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official Balance website and select the “APP” section in the top menu to access the Token page.

Step 2: On the Token page, review your mining data and select the “Claim” button to open the redemption interface.

Step 3: Choose your preferred unlock method, either by “Deadline” or by “Days”. Enter the amount of vEPT you wish to redeem, then select the “Claim” button to proceed.

Step 4: BSC and ETH users can redeem vEPT directly. Solana, Aptos, and Tron users must provide a BSC wallet address to complete the redemption.

Incentivizing Long-Term Participation and Sustainability

The vEPT system is built to reward long-term commitment while supporting a stable and healthy token economy. With flexible unlock options, users can choose between faster access to rewards at reduced rates or full redemption over longer periods.

Meanwhile, forfeited rewards are not wasted — they strengthen the ecosystem by rewarding Key Node operators who hold, stay and support.

By reinforcing value around sustained contribution, the vEPT mechanism plays a key role in shaping a more reliable and community-driven network for Balance.

As Balance continues to grow, Key Node participants will remain central to its future. Join the network, run a node, and take part in building the foundation of what comes next!