VeThor Token (VTHO) is the operational token that powers activity on the VeChainThor blockchain.
VeChain uses a dual-token model. VET is the network's primary asset and staking collateral, while VTHO is used to pay for transactions and other computational activity on VeChainThor.
That separation is central to VeChain's design. Applications can use VTHO to pay network fees without requiring every transaction to be priced directly in VET.
The VTHO system has also changed significantly since the original dual-token model was introduced. Following the Hayabusa upgrade in December 2025, VTHO is no longer generated simply by holding VET. Under the current model, VTHO issuance is linked to actively staked VET and network participation.
The fee system also evolved with the Galactica upgrade, introducing a base fee and priority fee structure. The base fee is burned, while the priority fee goes to the validator producing the block.
This guide explains what VTHO is, how it works with VET, how VTHO is generated and consumed, what changed after the 2025 upgrades, and how to trade VTHO on Bitunix.
What Is VeThor Token (VTHO)?
VeThor Token is the gas and transaction-fee token of the VeChainThor public blockchain.
Every operation that consumes computational resources on VeChainThor requires VTHO. This includes token transfers, smart contract execution, data recording, NFT activity, and interactions with decentralized applications.
The simplest way to understand VTHO is to think of it as the fuel required to use the network.
VTHO has a different role from VET:
Token | Main Role |
VET | Value transfer, staking, and network participation |
VTHO | Transaction fees and computational costs |
This two-token structure separates the asset used to participate in the network from the token consumed when using network resources.
How Does VTHO Work?
VTHO is consumed when users or applications perform operations on VeChainThor.
For example, a user transferring tokens or interacting with a smart contract may need to pay a VTHO fee. The amount depends on the computational resources required and the network's fee parameters.
The current fee model has two components:
This creates a direct link between network activity and VTHO consumption.
When the network processes more transactions, more VTHO can be consumed through fees. At the same time, new VTHO enters circulation through the protocol's reward mechanism.
That balance is a key part of VTHO's token economics.
How Is VTHO Generated?
The old VTHO model was relatively simple: VET holders automatically generated VTHO at a fixed rate.
That is no longer the current system.
After the Hayabusa upgrade, VTHO generation is tied to network participation through staking and delegation. VET holders can stake through VeChain's StarGate system, receive a staking NFT, and delegate the position to a validator.
Eligible delegated positions can then receive VTHO rewards from validator block production.
This creates a different relationship between VET and VTHO:
VET provides the staking position, while VTHO is one of the rewards generated through active network participation.
The reward amount isn't a permanently fixed return. It can vary according to the protocol, staking position, validator activity, and other network parameters.
Can You Still Earn VTHO Just by Holding VET?
No.
Under the current VeChainThor staking model, simply holding VET in a wallet doesn't generate the old passive VTHO rewards.
VET holders who want to participate in the current reward system need to stake VET and delegate the resulting staking position to an eligible validator.
The process generally involves:
Stake VET through the StarGate system.
Receive a staking NFT representing the position.
Complete the applicable maturity period or use an available boost option.
Delegate the staking NFT to a validator.
Receive VTHO rewards when the delegation becomes active and the validator produces blocks.
This change is one of the most important differences between the current VTHO model and older VeChain articles.
What Is VeChain StarGate?
StarGate is VeChain's staking platform for the current network architecture.
Instead of representing a staking position only as a balance, StarGate uses NFTs to represent staked VET positions. The NFT records the relevant staking tier and associated parameters.
After the applicable maturity period, the staking NFT can be delegated to a validator.
Validator periods can vary, and rewards are distributed according to the validator and staking position.
StarGate therefore connects three parts of the VeChain ecosystem:
VET: The asset being staked.
Staking NFT: The representation of the staking position.
VTHO: The reward generated through active delegation.
What Happens to VTHO When You Use VeChainThor?
VTHO is consumed as part of transaction fees.
The current fee structure separates the cost into a base fee and a priority fee.
The base fee is burned, permanently removing that portion of VTHO from circulation.
The priority fee is paid to the validator that produces the relevant block.
This is different from the older model in which a fixed percentage of transaction fees was burned and the remainder was distributed to Authority Masternodes.
The current mechanism therefore ties VTHO supply more directly to network usage and validator activity.
VTHO Tokenomics
VTHO does not have a fixed maximum supply.
Its supply can increase through protocol issuance and decrease through fee burning.
VTHO Mechanism | Current Role |
Issuance | VTHO is generated through the network's staking and block-reward mechanism |
Base-fee burn | Base transaction fees are permanently burned |
Priority fee | Paid to the validator producing the block |
Maximum supply | No fixed maximum supply |
Primary utility | Network transaction and computational fees |
This means VTHO should not be analyzed like a capped-supply token such as Bitcoin.
Its long-term supply depends partly on how much VTHO the protocol creates and how much the network consumes and burns.
VTHO vs. VET: What's the Difference?
VTHO and VET are designed to work together, but they serve different purposes.
Feature | VET | VTHO |
Main function | Network asset and staking collateral | Gas and transaction fees |
Used for transactions | Yes, depending on the operation | Used to pay computational fees |
Used in staking | Yes | No, VTHO is the reward/fee asset |
Supply model | Fixed maximum supply | No fixed maximum supply |
Generated through staking | VET is the staked asset | VTHO can be generated as a staking reward |
Burned through network fees | No | Base fee is burned |
The distinction matters when evaluating either token.
VET represents participation and collateral within the VeChain ecosystem. VTHO represents the cost of using the network.
VTHO vs. Ethereum Gas
VTHO and Ethereum's gas system serve similar basic functions: both are used to pay for computational resources on their respective networks.
The economic structures are different.
Feature | VTHO / VeChainThor | Ethereum |
Fee asset | VTHO | ETH |
Main use | VeChainThor network operations | Ethereum transactions and smart contracts |
Fee model | Base fee + priority fee | Base fee + priority fee |
Base fee treatment | Burned | Burned |
Validator incentive | Priority fee and protocol rewards | Priority fee and protocol rewards |
Network asset | VET and VTHO dual-token model | ETH single native asset |
The main difference is the separation between VET and VTHO.
Ethereum uses ETH for both its native asset and transaction fees. VeChain separates those functions between VET and VTHO.
Why Does VeChain Need Two Tokens?
The dual-token structure was designed to separate network usage costs from the market value of the primary network asset.
If an application needs to process a large number of transactions, paying network costs directly with a highly volatile asset can make budgeting more difficult.
With VTHO acting as the gas token, VeChain can adjust its fee mechanism separately from the market price of VET.
For businesses and applications, this creates a clearer distinction between owning or staking the network asset and paying for network resources.
What Is VTHO Used For?
VTHO is used whenever an operation consumes resources on VeChainThor.
Common examples include:
Token transfers
Smart contract execution
Onchain data recording
NFT transactions
Decentralized applications
Staking-related operations
Enterprise applications
Other blockchain transactions
The amount of VTHO required depends on the resources consumed by the operation and the network's fee conditions.
Why Does VTHO Have Value?
VTHO's utility comes from its role as the fuel for VeChainThor.
The basic relationship is straightforward:
More network activity → more transactions → more VTHO consumed.
That doesn't mean higher network activity automatically produces a higher VTHO market price. VTHO also has an ongoing issuance mechanism, and market prices depend on supply, demand, liquidity, speculation, and broader crypto conditions.
The stronger fundamental question is whether VeChainThor can generate enough real activity to create sustained demand for the network's gas token.
Recent VeChain Developments in 2026
VeChain's economic model has continued to evolve following the Hayabusa upgrade in December 2025.
The upgrade introduced delegated proof-of-stake mechanics, changed how VTHO rewards are generated, and moved the network away from passive VTHO generation through simple VET ownership.
VeChain has also continued upgrading its execution environment and fee system. The Galactica-era fee structure introduced the base-fee and priority-fee model, while more recent 2026 network developments have focused on improving compatibility and attracting application developers.
These changes matter for VTHO because they affect both sides of its economics:
For VTHO holders and traders, network activity is therefore more useful to monitor than the old fixed-generation-rate model.
VTHO Price and Market Data
VTHO trades at a fraction of a cent, so small absolute price movements can translate into large percentage changes.
As of September 2026, CoinMarketCap lists VTHO at roughly $0.00079, with more than 103 billion VTHO in circulation. The token has no fixed maximum supply. Market data can change continuously as trading activity and supply evolve.
VTHO has also experienced significant historical volatility. Its previous all-time high was substantially above its current price, showing how far the token can move across different market cycles.
For current price, market capitalization, volume, and circulating supply, traders should use live market data rather than relying on historical figures published in older articles.
VTHO Price Prediction for 2026
There isn't a single reliable VTHO price target for 2026.
Published forecast tools use very different assumptions. Kraken's current calculator, for example, allows users to select an annual growth rate and then calculates future prices from that assumption. Its default 5% model produces a much more conservative path than speculative prediction websites. Coinbase uses a similar user-input approach.
A scenario-based framework is more useful.
Lower-Demand Scenario
VTHO could remain under pressure if:
VeChainThor activity grows slowly.
Broader crypto liquidity weakens.
VTHO supply growth exceeds consumption.
Traders lose interest in smaller-cap altcoins.
VeChain applications fail to generate sustained transaction demand.
In this environment, network utility could continue without creating enough market demand to support a sustained price increase.
Growth Scenario
A stronger scenario would involve:
Higher VeChainThor transaction activity.
More applications using the network.
Increased developer activity.
Greater use of smart contracts and onchain services.
Higher VTHO consumption and fee burning.
A supportive broader crypto market.
The key variable would be actual network usage rather than the narrative surrounding the token.
Strong Adoption Scenario
A much more bullish outcome would require VeChainThor to attract meaningful application and enterprise activity while the broader crypto market remains supportive.
Higher network usage could increase VTHO consumption, while the base-fee burn would remove part of the VTHO used for transactions.
The effect on price would still depend on the balance between issuance, burned fees, market demand, and liquidity.
What Is the VTHO Price Prediction for 2026?
Current third-party models vary considerably because they use different assumptions.
Kraken's September 2026 calculator uses a user-selected annual growth rate. At a 5% annual growth assumption, its model shows approximately $0.00042 for the end of 2026. Coinbase also uses user-entered growth assumptions rather than presenting its calculation as a guaranteed forecast.
These figures should be treated as mathematical scenarios, not predictions of what VTHO will actually trade at.
For VTHO, tracking network usage, fee consumption, VTHO issuance, burned fees, VET staking participation, and market liquidity provides more useful context than relying on a single forecast number.
What Will VeThor Token Be Worth in 2030?
Long-term VTHO forecasts are even more uncertain because the token's economics can change with protocol upgrades and network usage.
A 2030 valuation would depend heavily on whether VeChainThor has meaningful sustained demand several years from now.
The main variables to watch are:
VeChainThor transaction volume
Smart contract activity
Enterprise adoption
Developer activity
VTHO issuance
VTHO burn volume
VET staking participation
Broader crypto market conditions
A long-term VTHO thesis therefore needs to account for both token supply and actual network usage.
Is VeThor Token a Good Investment?
Whether VTHO fits an individual's portfolio depends on their view of VeChainThor, the risks of smaller-cap crypto assets, and their investment horizon.
The utility case for VTHO is straightforward: it is required to use VeChainThor.
The investment case is more complicated.
Potential positive factors include:
VTHO has direct network utility.
Increased blockchain activity can increase VTHO consumption.
Base fees are burned.
VeChain continues to develop its staking and execution infrastructure.
VTHO provides exposure to the VeChain ecosystem without being the same asset as VET.
Risks include:
VTHO has no fixed maximum supply.
Continued issuance can increase circulating supply.
Network activity may not grow fast enough to offset issuance.
VTHO is highly volatile.
VeChain competes with other smart contract networks.
Smaller-cap tokens can experience significant liquidity changes.
The important distinction is that VTHO utility doesn't automatically translate into token price appreciation.
How to Trade VTHO on Bitunix
VTHO can be traded against USDT on supported spot markets.
Source: Bitunix
If you're looking to trade VTHO rather than use it for VeChainThor network fees, a spot market provides a straightforward way to buy or sell the token.
How to Trade VTHO/USDT on Bitunix
Step 1: Create or log in to your Bitunix account
Open Bitunix and complete the account setup required for your region.
Step 2: Fund your account
Deposit USDT or another supported asset that can be used to access the VTHO/USDT market.
When depositing crypto, always select the correct blockchain network and confirm the receiving address before sending funds.
Step 3: Open the Markets section
Search for VTHO and select the available VTHO/USDT spot market.
Step 4: Choose an order type
A market order prioritizes execution at available market prices.
A limit order lets you specify the price at which you want the order to execute.
Step 5: Review the order
Check the amount, price, estimated cost, and available balance before submitting the trade.
Step 6: Manage your position
VTHO can experience sharp percentage moves because of its low unit price and relatively small market capitalization. Consider position size, liquidity, and overall market conditions when managing an open position.
VTHO vs. VET: Which One Is Used for What?
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
VET is the network asset. VTHO is the fuel.
VET is used for staking and network participation, while VTHO pays for computational activity on VeChainThor.
This means owning VET and needing VTHO are not necessarily the same thing.
A user who wants to participate in VeChain's current staking system needs VET. A user who wants to execute transactions or interact with applications on VeChainThor needs VTHO.
Where Can You Store VTHO?
VTHO can be stored in wallets that support the VeChainThor network.
VeWorld is VeChain's ecosystem wallet and supports VTHO alongside VET and other VeChainThor assets.
When transferring VTHO from an exchange to a self-custody wallet, make sure the receiving wallet supports the native VeChainThor network.
A token with the same ticker on another blockchain is not necessarily interchangeable with native VTHO.
Final Thoughts
VeThor Token plays a very specific role in the VeChain ecosystem.
VET is the network's primary asset and staking collateral. VTHO is the gas token used to pay for transactions and computational resources.
The biggest change for anyone reading an older VTHO article is the network's new economic model. Since the Hayabusa upgrade, VTHO is no longer generated simply by holding VET. Active staking and delegation now play a central role in VTHO rewards, while the current fee structure burns the base fee and pays the priority fee to validators.
That makes VTHO a token whose economics are closely connected to actual VeChainThor usage.
For traders, the same principle applies. VTHO's low unit price can make percentage moves look dramatic, but price alone doesn't tell you whether the token's underlying demand is growing.
If you're evaluating VTHO in 2026, watch the network rather than just the chart: transaction activity, smart contract usage, staking participation, VTHO issuance, fee burns, and liquidity all matter.
