> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.yieldbay.fi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.yieldbay.fi/trust-and-participation/revenue-and-fees.md).

# Revenue & Fees

Yieldbay’s revenue model is designed to evolve in **clear stages**, aligned with how the product itself matures.

This page explains how fees work today and how they may be introduced over time.

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### Stage 1: Free to Use (Today)

Today, Yieldbay is free for users.

* No platform fees
* No custody of assets
* No Yieldbay-level execution fees

Revenue at this stage comes primarily from **referral relationships with integrated protocols**, when users choose to execute actions directly on those protocols.

Users always pay **protocol-native fees**, not Yieldbay fees.

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### Stage 2: Optional Execution Fees (Planned)

As Yieldbay introduces on-platform execution features, a **small percentage fee** may apply to certain user actions.

Important points:

* Fees will be **opt-in**
* Fees will be **clearly disclosed**
* Exact percentages will be shared **before launch**
* Viewing and portfolio tracking will remain free

Execution fees are intended to align Yieldbay’s incentives with actual product usage.

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### Stage 3: Structured Yield Products (Exploratory)

In later stages, Yieldbay may support more structured strategies, including:

* Vault-style deployments
* Yield-native primitives built on Solana

In these cases, Yieldbay may earn a **clearly defined percentage** as part of the strategy design.

Any such products will be:

* Transparent
* Non-custodial
* Opt-in
* Shipped only once the underlying infrastructure is mature

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### Alignment With the Community

Across all stages, Yieldbay is designed so that **value created by the protocol flows back to the ecosystem and its users over time**.

Alignment is expected to be based on:

* Real usage
* Long-term participation
* On-chain activity

Mechanics will be introduced carefully and communicated clearly when ready.