The Solana Account Model, Simply Explained
Updated · 5 min read
On Solana, all state lives in accounts. Understanding this model explains why rent deposits exist and why cleaning up accounts returns SOL.
Everything is an account
Your wallet is an account that holds SOL. Programs are accounts that hold code. Token balances are accounts owned by the token program. Each account has an owner program that is allowed to change its data.
Storage costs a deposit
Validators keep account data available, so each account must hold a rent-exempt deposit that scales with its size. The deposit is returned when the account is closed.
Why cleanup helps everyone
Closing accounts you no longer need returns your SOL and removes unused data from the network's active state.
Check your wallet for locked SOL
Scan any Solana address for empty token accounts and see exactly how much rent you can reclaim. Free to check, non-custodial to close.
Frequently asked questions
Can any program close my token account?
No. The token program only closes an account when the owner, or an assigned close authority, signs the instruction.