Chainlink has rolled out its long-awaited Payment Abstraction framework to mainnet. This new system introduces seamless cross-chain payments, automatic LINK fee conversion, and a direct path to real rewards for LINK stakers.
For years, decentralized applications needed LINK tokens upfront to access Chainlink services. This created friction for both developers and users. Now, Payment Abstraction removes that burden by accepting a wide range of tokens—including native gas assets and stablecoins—and converting them automatically into LINK.
Behind the scenes, the system leverages a powerful combination of Chainlink Automation, Price Feeds, the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), and decentralized exchanges. This ensures every transaction is trustlessly converted, reconciled, and delivered where it belongs.
We’re excited to announce Chainlink Payment Abstraction is officially live on mainnet, enabling user fees to be converted into LINK.
Network fees generated from Chainlink SVR—including @aave's usage of SVR—will now be converted to LINK.
— Chainlink (@chainlink) March 31, 2025
Aave Becomes First Integrator Through Smart Value Recapture
The first use case for Payment Abstraction has already gone live through Chainlink’s Smart Value Recapture (SVR) system. SVR enables DeFi protocols to reclaim a form of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) that typically leaks to validators during liquidations.
Aave, the largest DeFi protocol by total value locked, recently integrated SVR into its Ethereum mainnet deployment. The new system lets Aave capture liquidation MEV that would have otherwise gone to external parties. Revenue from this integration is split—65% to Aave and 35% to the Chainlink ecosystem.
For Aave, this means added protocol revenue without changing the user experience. For Chainlink, it marks a shift toward value-backed utility and sustainable economics.
How LINK Stakers Start Earning Real Fees
Chainlink’s long-term goal is to transition node and staking rewards from inflationary subsidies to actual protocol revenue. Payment Abstraction is a key part of that plan.
Initially, revenue from SVR feeds that are not secured by staking will go to node operators. This helps cover their operating costs and reduces reliance on token emissions. As soon as a specific SVR feed is secured by Chainlink Staking—like the standard ETH/USD feed—fee distribution changes.
At that point, 50% of the revenue supports the existing staking reward rate. The remaining 50% is split between node operators and community staking pools as additional rewards. In effect, Chainlink is replacing token inflation with revenue generated through core services.
Further details about the distribution timeline will be shared in future updates, but the system is already live and functional.
“Payment Abstraction removes friction, cost, and complexity from the usage of various Chainlink services.”@SergeyNazarov on the launch of Chainlink Payment Abstraction—which enables user fees to be converted into LINK & paid to service providers, starting with Chainlink SVR ↓ pic.twitter.com/UxdY5e4INH
— Chainlink (@chainlink) March 31, 2025
Scaling Chainlink Across 40+ Chains With a Single Payment Rail
Chainlink services currently operate across more than 40 blockchains. Traditionally, node operators needed to manage and claim rewards on each chain individually. This setup created unnecessary complexity and overhead.
Payment Abstraction changes that by consolidating all node operator reward flows to a single blockchain. This rollout starts with CCIP and will eventually apply network-wide.
The result is a simpler, more scalable system that reduces friction for node operators while improving payout efficiency. This is especially critical as Chainlink expands its services across even more blockchains in the future.
BUILD Rewards Are Coming for LINK Stakers
Chainlink also confirmed that the first phase of its BUILD rewards claim system is code-complete and on track for release this year. This system will allow LINK stakers to claim tokens from Chainlink BUILD ecosystem partners.
The BUILD program helps early-stage projects access Chainlink services in exchange for future token distribution to LINK stakers. Once live, this reward system will give LINK holders access to an entirely new category of upside from emerging projects.
This further positions LINK staking as a central pillar in the Chainlink economy.
It’s finally here! Chainlink stakers are not only earning yield but will soon be able to claim long awaited BUILD program rewards!
For anyone who doesn’t already know, the BUILD program allowed companies to gain subsidized access to the Chainlink protocol stack, ecosystem and… https://t.co/Ct8a1brYnM pic.twitter.com/1TilVDxpf4
— AncientMedicine (@AncientMedicin3) March 31, 2025
The Bottom Line
Chainlink Payment Abstraction is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic shift. It simplifies payments, consolidates cross-chain rewards, recaptures leaked MEV, and turns fee revenue into staking yield. It also positions LINK as the asset that powers all of it.
The integration with Aave proves large-scale DeFi players are already embracing this system. And with staking rewards just beginning to evolve, the full impact of Payment Abstraction has yet to be felt.
As more feeds, protocols, and chains come on board, the Chainlink economy will shift from subsidy to sustainability—fueled by real usage, real value, and real incentives.
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