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Chapter 2 · Basics: Check a Token Before You BuyLesson 11 of 16
2.11

Dex Paid

± 2 min read 4 sections 2 images

The badge shows up a lot on GMGN and in group chats. What does it mean and how much does it matter?

Section 1 / 4

What is Dex Paid?

Every token shows up on DexScreener automatically. Dex Paid means the team paid for the token's DexScreener profile (logo, banner, description, social links). It's a sign that someone was willing to spend money, not a security audit.

Section 2 / 4

How to check

  1. On GMGN, look at Dex Paid on the token's metrics card: if it's been paid, the amount shows (①); hover over it to see the payment details and date (②). If not, it says Unpaid (③).
    Left: ① Dex Paid has been paid ($299, CTO label = community takeover), ② detail tooltip: Update Social $299 + date. Right: ③ Unpaid = the Dexscreener profile hasn't been paid for. (Screenshot: GMGN)
    Left: ① Dex Paid has been paid ($299, CTO label = ), ② detail tooltip: Update Social $299 + date. Right: ③ Unpaid = the Dexscreener profile hasn't been paid for. (Screenshot: GMGN)

    Don't mix them up: the DS badge on GMGN means Sell (the dev has sold their tokens), not DexScreener. Dex Paid status is only read from this Dex Paid field.

  2. Want to see the profile? Open the token on dexscreener.com using the . A logo, banner, and social links = it's been paid.
    Dex Paid profile on Dexscreener (token NUBI): ① profile banner, ② Website and Twitter buttons, ③ 500 is a Boost (a separate feature from the profile). Dexscreener screenshot (Oct 2026). Token is only an example, not a recommendation.
    Dex Paid profile on Dexscreener (token NUBI): ① profile banner, ② Website and Twitter buttons, ③ 500 is a Boost (a separate feature from the profile). Dexscreener screenshot (Oct 2026). Token is only an example, not a recommendation.
  3. Click the social links. Make sure the X and Telegram accounts are real and active.
Section 3 / 4

Green flags & Red flags

Green flags

  • Dex Paid, active social links, a living community.

Red flags

  • Dead links, or a new/copy-pasted X account.
  • The dev or sell right after Dex Paid.
Summary

Summary

Summary
  • Dex Paid = the team paid for the token's DexScreener profile (logo, banner, social links). It's proof of payment, not a security audit.
  • Check the Dex Paid field on the GMGN metrics card (an amount or Unpaid), then click the social links: are the X and Telegram accounts real and active?
  • Use Dex Paid as extra info, not as your main reason to buy. Unpaid doesn't mean the token can't either, it just means the profile hasn't been paid for.
Section 4 / 4

Common mistakes

  • Mixing up the DS (Dev Sell) badge with DexScreener.
  • Buying just because the profile looks nice. Scammers can pay too.
  • Forgetting to check whether the dev or insiders sold right after Dex Paid.

A nice-looking profile is no guarantee of low risk. Keep putting low risk first, don't buy just because it looks tempting.
Next up, lesson 2.12: : Signs & Types.
Not financial advice.

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