Gate Contract Points vs. Fee Rebate: Which is More Cost-Effective? A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Strategy

The essence of contract points is to convert users’ trading behaviors and asset retention into accumulative long-term rights, used for redeeming tokens, trial funds, and other rewards, serving as a platform’s way of rewarding users’ long-term participation.

Fee rebates, on the other hand, are more directly reflected as immediate reductions or cashbacks on the cost of individual transactions, acting as a short-term, straightforward tool for optimizing trading costs.

Quick Overview of Core Differences

Before delving into detailed analysis, we can quickly grasp the fundamental differences between Gate Contract Points and Fee Rebate mechanisms through a core comparison table.

In-Depth Analysis of Gate Contract Points

The Gate Contract Points system is designed as a long-term user growth incentive mechanism. Its core logic is to quantify users’ trading behaviors, asset retention, and invitation relationships, transforming them into accumulative and manageable rights.

Since its launch, the system has demonstrated considerable scale. As of January 20, 2026, its contract points airdrop system has completed 67 rounds, distributing approximately $3.7 million USD worth of airdrop rewards to 264,000 users.

Points are mainly acquired through three channels: contract trading volume, account asset snapshots, and effective invitations.

This means that even if your trading frequency on a given day isn’t high, maintaining a certain asset size in your contract account can earn you stable points through daily asset snapshots.

The value of contract points isn’t limited to exchanging for cash tokens; they also serve as a bridge connecting to Gate’s broader ecosystem. Points can be used to redeem trial funds, position experience coupons, and more. More importantly, they are closely linked to the platform’s token GT, new project TGE (Token Generation Event) opportunities, and ecosystem airdrops.

This positioning elevates contract points from mere trading subsidies to a “ticket” for participating in the platform’s future development.

However, users must pay attention to the validity rules of points. Points are only valid within a specified period from the date of issuance; expired points automatically become invalid.

Therefore, regularly checking your point balance and planning their use is an important part of participating in this system.

Comprehensive Understanding of Fee Rebate System

The fee rebate system offers a clearer, more direct way to save on trading costs. It mainly includes fee cashback coupons and invitation rebate programs.

Fee cashback coupons require manual activation. Once activated, within their validity period, any trading fees incurred in applicable markets (such as contract markets) will be refunded in USDT within 24 hours, based on the coupon’s face value ratio (e.g., 50%) and remaining amount.

The cashback is calculated based on “net fees,” i.e., the actual amount paid by the user after deducting VIP discounts, invitation rebates, etc. For example, if User B pays 200 USDT in fees, and their trade brings in a rebate of 40 USDT for inviter A, the net fee for cashback calculation is 160 USDT. With a 50% rebate ratio, the cashback amount is 80 USDT.

The invitation rebate plan is another powerful cost optimization method. After successfully inviting friends via your referral link to register on Gate, you can earn up to 40% of their trading fees (spot, contract, etc.) as rebate rewards within one year.

Invitation rebates and fee cashback coupons can be used together, but rebate calculations will deduct the rebate portion first.

Fee cashback coupons also have clear usage restrictions: applicable markets and validity periods, only support USDT perpetual contracts, and trades using trial funds are not eligible for cashback.

User Profiles: Who Is More Suitable for Which Method?

Choosing the more cost-effective method depends entirely on your trading habits and personal situation.

If you’re a high-frequency or large-volume contract trader seeking maximum cost optimization per trade, directly using fee cashback coupons or focusing on invitation rebates can bring immediate benefits.

If you’re a medium- to long-term holder or asset allocator, with moderate trading frequency but maintaining a certain amount of funds in your account, the contract points system may be more advantageous. Asset snapshot mechanisms allow your holdings to generate points continuously, and the ecosystem rights connected to points (such as potential airdrops) may offer long-term value beyond immediate cashback.

For beginners, the trial fund redemption feature within the contract points system provides a low-risk opportunity to learn contract operations. For users with extensive social networks or community influence, deep engagement with invitation rebate programs can open a steady and substantial passive income stream.

Decision-Making Tips and Practical Strategies

In practice, you can adopt a combined approach rather than choosing one over the other.

A rational strategy is: focus on regular, strategy-aligned trading as the core, while viewing contract points as a long-term participation bonus and ecosystem engagement credential.

Simultaneously, actively acquire and reasonably use fee cashback coupons to offset trading costs, and build your invitation network to earn rebates.

To help you make more intuitive decisions, consider the following process: first, assess whether you’re a high-frequency trader. If yes, prioritize using rebates and invitation rebates; if not, evaluate whether you value long-term asset retention and ecosystem participation. If so, the value of contract points is greater.

Regardless of your choice, one point must be clear: all incentive mechanisms are designed to reward genuine trading activity. Engaging in unnecessary overtrading solely to earn points or rebates is counterproductive and carries high risks.

Summary

Whether you choose contract points or fee rebates, the numbers on your screen are just the outcomes. The real determinant of long-term gains is a thorough understanding of the rules, a clear awareness of your trading style, and the ability to calmly integrate platform tools with your personal strategy.