MetaMask's Token Rewards Spark Debate: New Users vs. Longtime Skeptics

MetaMask, the leading non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet with 140 million users, has confirmed a $30 million rewards program tied to its ecosystem, fueling speculation about a potential airdrop of a native token. The program, dubbed "MetaMask Rewards," will distribute LINEA tokens-a native asset of Consensys' Ethereum Layer-2 network Linea-across multiple seasons, with the first season launching in Q4 2025 Cryptomaniaks.com^[1]. While no official airdrop of a MetaMask token (tentatively named $MASK) has been confirmed, the structure of the rewards initiative aligns with pre-airdrop strategies seen in projects like Uniswap and Optimism Cryptonews.com^[2].

The rewards program rewards users for on-chain activity, including token swaps, perpetual trading, referrals, and usage of MetaMask's mUSD stablecoin. A leaked GitHub post revealed a points-based system: users earn 80 points for every $100 in spot trading, 10 points for futures trading, and bonus points for historical activity, with double points awarded for transactions on Linea Coindesk.com^[3]. Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin hinted at broader "token-powered economies," suggesting the rewards program could serve as a foundation for a future $MASK token launch Cryptomaniaks.com^[1].

Eligibility for potential airdrops appears tied to user engagement metrics such as account age, transaction volume, DeFi activity, and staking participation Cryptomaniaks.com^[1]. Long-time users have expressed skepticism, noting past unfulfilled airdrop rumors and concerns that the program prioritizes short-term activity over loyalty. "OGs will not be ignored," MetaMask stated, though specifics on retroactive rewards remain unclear Cryptonews.com^[2].

The rewards program also ties into Linea's ecosystem. Linea's own airdrop, which distributed 9.4 billion LINEA tokens in September 2025, may have served as a test for MetaMask's airdrop strategy . Linea's current daily active wallet count (26,000) and app revenue ($331,000 as of October 2025) indicate growing traction, though some analysts question whether the program will incentivize meaningful liquidity or attract "point farmers" .

Market observers highlight the potential significance of a MetaMask token. The wallet token market, led by Trust Wallet ($3.1 billion market cap), is projected to grow to $100 billion by 2033 at a 25% CAGR Cryptomaniaks.com^[1]. A $MASK token could become a key player, given MetaMask's dominance in the crypto wallet space. If launched, use cases might include fee discounts, governance rights, and NFT marketplace integration Cryptomaniaks.com^[1].

Scam warnings accompany the hype. MetaMask urged users to verify links and avoid phishing sites, as the platform's popularity makes it a target for impersonators Cryptomaniaks.com^[1]. The rewards program's lack of KYC requirements and anti-Sybil measures has also raised concerns about fairness .

Community reactions are mixed. While some view the initiative as a step toward decentralization and user ownership, others criticize the opacity of eligibility criteria and the exclusion of early adopters. "This is a marketing experiment," one user tweeted, arguing that the program favors new users over those who supported MetaMask during its high-gas-fee era .

MetaMask's cumulative revenue of $300 million from fees underscores its financial viability without a token, but the rewards program could accelerate ecosystem growth by aligning user incentives with platform activity Cryptomaniaks.com^[1]. The company has not set a firm timeline for a $MASK token launch but emphasized that future seasons will "deepen" the rewards model Bitrue.com^[6].