The Polygon network has undergone a transformative upgrade—its native token, MATIC, has officially evolved into POL, marking a pivotal moment in the blockchain’s journey toward a more scalable and interconnected future. This change is far more than a simple rebranding or ticker swap. It’s a strategic move aligned with Polygon 2.0, a bold vision to unify multiple chains under one seamless, interoperable ecosystem powered by Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between MATIC and POL, the reasons behind this transition, how the migration works, and what it means for users, developers, and the broader crypto community.
POL Replaces MATIC: Key Highlights
As part of the Polygon 2.0 roadmap, the network has introduced the Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL), replacing MATIC as the native gas and staking token for the Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network.
- On September 4, 2024, POL officially replaced MATIC in a seamless 1:1 token migration.
- Unlike MATIC’s fixed supply of 10 billion tokens, POL adopts a dynamic emission model with a 2% annual increase for the next decade.
- POL supports all previous functions of MATIC—transaction fees, staking, governance—while expanding into multi-chain security and cross-chain utility.
- The migration is automatic on most centralized exchanges like Binance and Coinbase.
- No airdrop was issued; users must migrate manually if holding tokens in non-custodial wallets.
This evolution positions POL as a hyperproductive token, designed to power not just one chain but an entire ecosystem of interconnected ZK-powered networks.
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Why Polygon Upgraded from MATIC to POL
Polygon began in 2017 as Matic Network, launching its Ethereum sidechain in 2020 using Plasma technology to scale Ethereum transactions. In 2021, it rebranded to Polygon, shifting focus from a single sidechain to becoming a modular blockchain platform.
Today, Polygon hosts over $900 million in Total Value Locked (TVL) and supports major projects across DeFi, gaming, and NFTs—all drawn by low fees and fast finality.
But as the ecosystem grew, so did the limitations of MATIC. Designed for a single PoS chain, it lacked the flexibility needed for a multi-chain future.
The Vision: Polygon 2.0
Polygon 2.0 aims to unify all Polygon-developed chains—including zkEVM, zkEVM Validium, and CDK chains—into a cohesive network through the AggLayer.
Key components include:
- Polygon zkEVM: A fully EVM-compatible ZK rollup that enhances scalability while maintaining Ethereum-level security.
- PoS Chain Upgrade: Transforming the current PoS chain into a zkEVM Validium, effectively upgrading it to a true Layer 2 solution.
- Chain Development Kit (CDK): Enables enterprises and developers to launch their own ZK-powered appchains quickly and efficiently.
These innovations require a new economic backbone—one capable of securing multiple chains, enabling cross-chain staking, and supporting decentralized governance at scale.
That’s where POL comes in.
Introducing the AggLayer: The Heart of Interoperability
The Aggregation Layer (AggLayer) is the technological foundation that binds all Polygon-based chains together. It ensures:
- Full interoperability between different ZK chains.
- Unified liquidity pools across networks.
- Seamless communication between users, dApps, and validators.
By connecting disparate chains into a single logical layer, AggLayer eliminates fragmentation—a common pain point in multi-chain environments.
POL plays a central role here by serving as the common security token across all AggLayer-connected chains. This means staked POL can help secure not just one chain but potentially dozens, increasing capital efficiency and network resilience.
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How the MATIC to POL Migration Works
The migration was proposed via PIP-17 in September 2023 and executed through three core smart contracts:
1. Polygon Ecosystem Token Contract
This is the new ERC-20 POL token contract, built with modern standards like EIP-2612 "permit", allowing users to approve token transfers without paying gas for separate approval transactions—a significant UX improvement over MATIC.
2. Polygon Migration Contract
Handles the 1:1 swap from MATIC to POL. Users send their MATIC and receive an equal amount of POL. A reverse function ("unmigrate") exists but is locked by governance—meaning it can only be activated if future consensus allows.
3. Default Emission Manager
Manages POL’s supply with a 2% annual emission rate for ten years. After that, POL holders will vote on future emission policies through on-chain governance.
On September 4, 2024, the migration went live following a successful testnet rollout in July. No additional tokens were distributed—only existing MATIC holders could upgrade.
What Is the POL Token?
POL is now the native currency of the Polygon PoS chain and the cornerstone of the broader Polygon 2.0 ecosystem. Its core utilities include:
- Paying transaction fees
- Staking for network validation
- Participating in multi-chain governance
- Securing AggLayer-connected chains
- Accessing treasury-funded ecosystem initiatives
Compared to MATIC, POL offers enhanced flexibility and long-term sustainability through its adaptive tokenomics.
Key Differences: POL vs MATIC
| Feature | MATIC | POL |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | April 2019 | September 2024 |
| Supply Model | Fixed cap: 10 billion | No max supply; +2% annual emissions |
| Chain Scope | Single-chain (PoS) | Multi-chain (AggLayer-integrated) |
| Staking Use Case | PoS chain only | Unified staking across ecosystem |
| Governance Role | Protocol upgrades on PoS | Cross-chain decision-making |
| Token Flexibility | Basic ERC-20 | Advanced features (e.g., EIP-2612) |
In essence, POL is engineered to be future-proof, supporting dynamic growth while empowering holders with expanded participation rights.
How to Convert MATIC to POL
The migration process varies depending on where your tokens are stored.
On Ethereum or Polygon zkEVM
Use the official Polygon Portal:
- Connect your wallet (e.g., MetaMask).
- Approve the migration contract to access your MATIC.
- Submit your MATIC and pay a small ETH fee.
- Receive an equal amount of POL instantly.
Alternatively, use DEX aggregators like CoW Swap, KyberSwap, or 1inch, which have integrated direct migration paths.
On Centralized Exchanges (CEXs)
Major platforms such as Binance, Coinbase, and OKX handled the transition automatically. If your MATIC was held on these exchanges during the migration window, they were converted to POL without any action required.
Always check your exchange’s official announcement page for timeline details.
On Polygon PoS Chain
Users staking or holding MATIC on the main PoS chain had their balances upgraded automatically. However, some wallet interfaces may still display "MATIC" due to legacy token lists.
To update manually:
- RPC URL: Use a reliable node provider (custom endpoint recommended)
- Chain ID: 137
- Symbol: Change display currency from MATIC to POL
Developers building on Polygon can ensure uninterrupted service by using high-performance RPC endpoints—critical during high-traffic periods.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is POL a new token or just a rebranded MATIC?
A: POL is technically a new token contract with upgraded features, though it replaces MATIC on a 1:1 basis. It introduces dynamic emissions and expanded utility across the Polygon ecosystem.
Q: Do I need to migrate my MATIC if it's on Binance?
A: No. Centralized exchanges handle the migration automatically. Your MATIC will be converted to POL in your account without any action needed.
Q: Can I still use my old MATIC tokens?
A: No. After September 4, 2024, MATIC is no longer valid on the Polygon network. You must migrate to POL to continue transacting or staking.
Q: Will there be an airdrop for early MATIC holders?
A: No official airdrop was announced as part of the upgrade. The transition is strictly a 1:1 migration with no bonus distributions.
Q: How does POL support multiple chains?
A: Through the AggLayer, POL secures interconnected ZK chains via shared validation and unified staking—allowing one token to back multiple networks efficiently.
Q: What happens after the 10-year emission period ends?
A: After 2034, future emission rates will be decided by on-chain governance, giving POL holders full control over monetary policy based on network needs.
Final Thoughts
The transition from MATIC to POL reflects more than just a name change—it symbolizes Polygon’s evolution from a single scaling solution to a fully integrated, multi-chain ecosystem. With advanced tokenomics, cross-chain functionality, and deep integration into ZK infrastructure via AggLayer, POL is poised to become one of the most versatile tokens in Web3.
For users and developers alike, this upgrade unlocks greater participation, improved security, and enhanced interoperability across the growing Polygon universe.
As blockchain ecosystems continue to fragment and compete, Polygon’s unified approach—with POL at its core—offers a compelling blueprint for scalable, sustainable decentralization.
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