Why This Topic Matters Now
The clock is ticking for Tria users. Season 1 of the Tria Points program is officially scheduled for a snapshot on January 30, 2026, marking the first major milestone in the protocol's roadmap toward its governance token launch. With over 300,000 active cardholders competing for a slice of the rewards pool, the final 48 hours are critical for those looking to climb the leaderboard. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do before the snapshot to ensure your eligibility.
Core Explanation
On January 23, the official Tria handle confirmed that Season 1 would conclude at the end of the month. The program, which rewards users for "Proof of Spend" on the Tria Signature and Tria Classic cards, has become one of the most successful engagement campaigns in the 2026 crypto card market. Points are calculated based on transaction volume, merchant category diversity, and "loyalty streaks."
As of today, January 28, the "Snapshot Finalization" phase has begun. This means that while transactions are still being counted, the backend is beginning to verify on-chain signatures to weed out sybil activity and non-compliant spend (such as circular gift card loops).
Market Benchmarking and ROI Math
Tria has positioned itself as the leader in the "Self-Custodial Rewards" space. Unlike custodial exchange cards where rewards are often stagnant, Tria Points represent a potential ownership stake in the protocol. With the TGE (Token Generation Event) rumored for Q2 2026, these points are the primary mechanism for determining airdrop allocations.
| Factor | Points Weighting | Multiplier Potential | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merchant Diversity | High | Up to 2.5x | Shop at 5+ Merchant Types |
| Transaction Count | Moderate | Up to 1.8x | 20+ Transactions / Month |
| Principal Spend | Low | N/A | Focus on frequency over size |
| Loyalty Streak | Critical | 1.2x - 3.0x | Do not skip a single day |
If Tria maintains its current valuation trajectory, Season 1 participants could see an "effective cashback" rate that far exceeds the standard 1-2% offered by traditional banks.
What Actually Broke (or what to watch for)
In the final rush to the snapshot, several users have reported "Pending Transaction" anxiety. Because Tria uses account abstraction and batching to save on gas fees, some transactions may take up to 4 hours to appear on the leaderboard.
Critical Warning: Do not attempt to "wash trade" by spending and immediately refunding at major retailers. Tria's security partner has explicitly stated that refunded transactions will result in a multiplier penalty or total disqualification from the season rewards.
What This Means for Your Money
If you have been using a Tria card, your priority should be maximizing your "Multiplier" rather than just your raw spend. Tria rewards Merchant Diversity. Spending $50 at five different merchant types (e.g., Grocery, Gas, Dining, SaaS, Travel) earns more points than spending $500 at a single merchant.
If you are close to a tier threshold (e.g., moving from "Gold" to "Platinum" status), a few strategic purchases at local vendors today could significantly increase your eventual airdrop weight.
How This Relates to Crypto Cards
Tria is the flagship example of the "Points-as-a-Service" model that is dominating the 2026 landscape. It proves that users are willing to accept slightly higher FX fees or annual costs if they have a "lottery ticket" to a protocol airdrop.
If you missed the Season 1 window, don't panic. Season 2 is expected to begin on February 1, with a new focus on L2 Ecosystem Synergy. You can prepare by ordering a Tria Signature card now to ensure you are active on day one of the new season.
FAQ
When exactly is the snapshot? The snapshot occurs at 23:59 UTC on January 30, 2026. Any transactions settled after this moment will count toward Season 2.
Do I need to "claim" my points? No. Points are automatically tied to your Tria wallet address. However, you should log into the Tria App before Jan 30 to ensure your "Loyalty Streak" is active.
Can I still earn points if I just got my card today? Yes. Every transaction counts until the final second. While you won't catch the top leaderboard spots, you can still secure a "Participant" tier allocation.
Overview
The Tria Season 1 snapshot is a defining moment for the "Proof of Spend" narrative. It transitions the protocol from a growth phase to a value-attribution phase. For the SpendNode community, the takeaway is clear: in the 2026 market, your spending data is an asset. Don't leave it on the table.
Recommended Reading
Sources
Actionable takeaway: Perform at least three small transactions at different merchant types today to trigger the "Diversity Multiplier" before the Jan 30 snapshot.
