A Thorough Guide on What Is Jio Crypto

Imagine you receive rewards just for using the digital services you already rely on – that’s the idea behind JioCoin. But what is Jio crypto exactly? Well, it’s a blockchain-based reward token introduced by Reliance Jio, one of India’s largest telecom and technology companies.

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, the token isn’t a tradable cryptocurrency available on exchanges like Binance or Bybit. Instead, it’s designed as a loyalty token within the Jio ecosystem. As India aims to push its digital payments and blockchain adoption, JioCoin has sparked debate. Is it a stepping stone to mainstream awareness or just a Jio-exclusive experiment? Let’s dive in.

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What Is Jio Crypto?

Reliance Jio's cryptocurrency launch date is January 16, 2025, when JioCoin beta version was integrated into the JioSphere browser, allowing users to earn tokens through their browsing activities.

The company has since drawn attention, as many speculate what is Jio crypto and whether it is a full-fledged crypto project like Ripple or Dogecoin.

When there’s a new cryptocurrency coming up, it’s understandable to question its hype and legitimacy. Currently, "Jio crypto" has mainly made headlines on Indian news sites and crypto community pages.

Reliance Jio, also known as Jio for short, is part of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and operates under Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), which is a subsidiary of RIL.

Jio is more than just a telecom company – it’s a major digital ecosystem with multiple businesses across telecom, digital services, eCommerce, media, and technology.

That said, you can currently earn JioCoin only by using the JioSphere web browser. Though, there are also some speculations that you might be able to earn it by using these platforms in the future, too:

• JioMart. An online shopping platform that partners with local grocery stores for quick deliveries. Users might be able to earn rewards through purchases or special offers.
• JioCinema. A streaming service where users can watch movies, TV shows, or live sports events and potentially earn JioCoins in the future.
• MyJio. The main app for managing Jio services, where users can track data usage and make payments. They also might be able to earn JioCoin rewards through app engagement and service usage in the future.

However, there's no official information regarding this yet. Most of the FAQs on the JioSphere website regarding JioCoin state that:

Currently JioCoin is in the beta stage and is available only in India and more information will be available soon.

FYI, JioCoin is only available to Indian residents because you have to provide your Indian phone number to sign up for the JioCoin reward program.

How JioCoin Works

To put it simply, unlike Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that can be traded on exchanges, JioCoin is a non-tradable and non-transferable token. Its primary function is to serve as a reward system for those who engage with JioSphere.

Jio Platforms partnered with Polygon Labs to integrate Polygon’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Layer 2 blockchain into Jio’s offerings. Thus, JioCoin is built on Polygon. There's not too much information about how it works beyond that.

By tapping into Jio’s existing base of over 450 million subscribers, Jio and Polygon Labs aim to “democratize access to Web3,” potentially embedding decentralized applications, digital-asset capabilities, and tokenized services directly within Jio’s apps and platforms in the future.

Reward System

As you already know, users can earn JioCoins by browsing through JioSphere. The accumulated tokens are stored in the JioCoin wallet integrated within the JioSphere app.

The introduction of a blockchain-based reward system could reshape customer loyalty programs, addressing issues that traditional systems face,^[1] such as a lack of transparency, fragmentation across platforms, and inefficiencies in reward redemption.

Launching JioCoin as the reward token may help solve the aforementioned issues by creating a secure, transparent, and decentralized reward model. Loyalty points are stored as tokens on a shared ledger, ensuring that all transactions are transparent and immutable.

Moreover, the introduction of this asset might later encourage user engagement across other companies' digital services, like JioMart and JioCinema.

📚 Read More: Best Ways to Earn Crypto Rewards

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JioCoin Price & Availability

Once the token was introduced, one of the most frequently asked questions was, “What is Jio Coin's price in India?”.

As of now, the token is not available for buying, selling, or trading. It primarily functions as a reward within its internal ecosystem, which is why you can't find it on major exchanges like Binance and Bybit or smaller trading platforms.

As a closed-system digital token, Jio Coin's price could be determined by the company's reward policies (how Reliance Jio decides to integrate it into the ecosystem) rather than market demand. If it is used as a loyalty or reward point, its value could be tied to specific services. For example:

• 1 JioCoin = a discount on platform services.
• X JioCoins = redeemable for mobile recharges, subscriptions, or partner services.

However, without an official exchange rate or secondary market trading, the asset doesn’t have a real-time price like other cryptocurrencies. Moreover, there has been no official confirmation on whether it will become tradable or transferable in the future (or what the value of 1 JioCoin is).

There are only some speculations that its initial price could be around $0.50 (₹43.30), if it ever got actual monetary value.

How to Earn JioCoins

I've said more than once now that you can earn JioCoin by engaging with the JioSphere browser. However, there are some specifics here:

• As JioCoin is in its beta phase, you can only earn it by using the mobile JioSphere app on Android or iOS (though JioSphere itself is also available on computers, TVs or even smart tablets integrated into cars).
• To earn JioCoin, you have to engage with the "Read" and "Watch" sections on Android or the "News" section on iOS.
• JioCoin redemption for discounts on future transactions will be available soon within the JioCoin wallet, as claimed on the JioSphere website.

Now, let's go through the JioCoin earning process step-by-step:

That's all. The rewards will appear in your JioCoin wallet (in the profile section of JioSphere). The balance is updated once a day. There's no limit on the number of JioCoins you can earn in a day and the earnings are forcasted based on the engagement of the previous three days.

Potential Redemption Options

While Jio has not yet announced specific redemption methods, there are many theories as to how users might eventually redeem their tokens:

• Internal currency. Some believe the coin may act as an internal currency for all platform services, integrating all its brands into a coherent rewards system.
• Discounts and purchases. Others speculate that JioCoins can be redeemed for discounts or exchanged for their services and products.
• Marketplace integration. If the token gains traction, the JioSphere browser can position itself as a competitive alternative to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, attracting users by offering digital prizes for online activity.

The future applications of JioCoins by Reliance Jio are uncertain, but it's more likely that the team integrates the token for incentivization across eCommerce, telecom services, and fuel stations within its broad ecosystem.

How JioCoin Might Influence India’s Web3 Adoption

Financial Express reported that blockchain adoption in India could reach 46% by 2026. So far, the region has already made progress in making the prediction a close reality, particularly with the introduction of the digital rupee (CBDC), the government’s official digital currency.

So, what is Reliance Jio’s role in this forecast? The launch of JioCoin can further accelerate this trend by familiarizing millions of Indians with blockchain technology.

By integrating the token into everyday activities, people may experience how blockchain works without needing in-depth technical knowledge. This practical, hands-on approach can make Web3 technology more accessible and familiar, encouraging wider adoption of digital assets in the country.

Since JioCoin is a reward token rather than a cryptocurrency, users don’t need to trade or invest in it, making it an easy first step for people new to blockchain. Over time, it may encourage users to explore other applications like digital wallets and decentralized apps (dApps).

If JioCoin succeeds, other Indian businesses may consider using blockchain in their operations. This possibly leads to more blockchain-powered rewards, payments, and digital services across different industries, making digital tokens more common in India.

📚 Read More: Best Crypto Apps in India

JioCoin’s Challenges

Despite the hype, JioCoin has drawn sharp criticism from the Indian crypto community.

Transparency Questions

One of the key advantages of using blockchain is trust and transparency, allowing users to view the full details of transactions within the network. However, concerns have been raised about JioCoin’s transparency, especially regarding its limited information.

Some critics have questioned whether this "cryptocurrency" by Jio has a block explorer, raising worries about the transparency and auditability of its blockchain activity. Since JioCoin isn't designed to be a publicly traded cryptocurrency, the lack of a block explorer might be less concerning in this case, though transparency about its transactions is still a valid point of interest.

Additionally, there’s limited information on the maximum and circulating supply of JioCoin. While the token isn’t tradable like traditional cryptocurrencies, users still want clarity on its supply to better understand potential scarcity or inflation risks within the Jio ecosystem.

Further concerns have been raised regarding whether JioCoin’s smart contracts on the Polygon network are verified. While this is a common concern for fully decentralized assets, JioCoin operates within a controlled environment, so the need for third-party verification might be less critical. However, ensuring the security of any smart contracts in the system would still enhance user trust.

On top of everything, there’s still a big question mark around JioCoin’s future use cases. How will it be redeemed? Will it actually have any real value? Right now, no one knows. There’s just not enough info on how it fits into the bigger picture, so people are left guessing about its purpose and whether it’s worth anything in the long run.

On the brighter side, Aishwary Gupta, Global Head of Payments at Polygon, has defended the collaboration amid skepticism. He described it as a step toward real-world blockchain adoption and emphasized that the initiative is part of a more significant push to bring India to the forefront of Web3 innovation.

Community Comparisons and Regulatory Challenges

Discussions within the crypto community have drawn comparisons between JioCoin and Brave Browser’s Basic Attention Token (BAT), which serves as a reward system, too. Some have speculated that JioCoin might follow a similar model.

Others have questioned whether the token's main purpose is to promote platform services rather than build a truly independent digital asset. Critics have labeled it a “marketing gimmick”, expressing doubts about its long-term utility beyond its internal ecosystem.

There are also rumors that the coin's non-tradable nature may be a strategic decision to align with India’s uncertain crypto regulations. JioCoin’s launch comes at a time when the country's digital asset laws remain strict. The government imposes a 30% tax on crypto gains and a 1% tax deduction at the source (TDS) on transactions exceeding ₹50,000 annually without allowing loss offsets.

In simple terms, even if you lose money on your holdings, you still have to pay a hefty tax on any profits you make. Additionally, a small percentage is automatically taken out of every transaction, regardless of whether you make a profit or not, which can discourage frequent trades.

This rather rigid environment creates a huge barrier to actively participating in the crypto market and makes the use of any digital token even more complex. That said, some believe that positioning JioCoin as a reward token – one that can’t be traded or transferred – helps it comply with current tax policies while driving user engagement within the company's platforms.

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Corporate-Controlled Blockchain Tokens

Since Jio is a very large company, and the coin is designed to be used within its own ecosystem, there are concerns that the token is too centralized. This means that the corporate has much control over the reward:

• Jio dictates the token’s value, distribution, and redemption rules. Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, token holders have no say in governance.
• If Jio decides to discontinue or change the reward system, users may lose their accumulated holdings with little recourse.
• The company can alter terms of use, devalue tokens, or restrict certain functionalities at any time, potentially impacting those who have accumulated rewards.

Another pressing issue is the security of the blockchain infrastructure. If Reliance Jio’s platform is compromised, the consequences can be severe, potentially exposing millions of users to fraud or data theft.

For example, in 2017, an independent website, Magicapk.com, went live, allowing anyone to search for Jio customers’ private information. These included full names, email addresses, and Aadhaar numbers (India’s unique identification number linked to SIM registrations).

The website was later taken down, but many users confirmed that their sensitive information had been leaked, raising concerns about Reliance Jio’s ability to secure user data.

📚 Read More: Mastering Cryptocurrency Security

Jio Crypto VS Other Crypto and Rewards

We've already established that JioCoin is a digital token that differs from cryptocurrencies like BTC or ETH. Notably, these large market cap assets function as cryptocurrencies that people can buy, sell, and trade on exchanges, but JioCoin appears to be structured more like a closed-loop rewards system rather than a fully independent digital currency.

So, what is Jio crypto’s difference from other cryptocurrencies in this regard? It's important to differentiate between "cryptocurrencies" and "tokens" that use blockchain technology. That said, some digital assets on blockchains are not intended for open-market trading.

As a token, JioCoin's primary purpose is to improve user engagement within the ecosystem instead of serving as an investment or a medium of exchange on the public market. For a clearer understanding, the following points are the primary differences between Jio crypto and other tokens:

• Exchange listings. Traditional cryptocurrencies are typically listed on exchanges and price trackers. However, JioCoin can’t be traded for fiat or other cryptocurrencies, making it more of a loyalty point than a crypto asset.
• Purpose and utility. You can use other cryptocurrencies for various purposes, including payments and decentralized finance. Meanwhile, JioCoin is reportedly designed as a reward token, potentially redeemable for the company's services only. Its value is tied to the benefits and rewards within its ecosystem rather than being determined by market speculation.
• Regulatory considerations. India imposes strict regulations on crypto trading. Since JioCoin is likely a non-tradable token, it may bypass some of these regulatory hurdles while still using blockchain technology.

While the coin has generated massive hype for being a blockchain-based token, this concept is not entirely new. Several companies have already implemented blockchain-powered loyalty programs, demonstrating how digital assets can be integrated into customer rewards systems.

For example, Singapore Airlines introduced KrisPay, a digital blockchain wallet for its frequent flyer program, KrisFlyer. This system allows members to convert their air miles into digital currency, which can be used for purchases at 400+ partner merchants, including gas stations, beauty retailers, and food and beverage outlets.

Similarly, Starbucks has adopted blockchain technology by partnering with Polygon to develop Starbucks Odyssey, an extension of its rewards program. This Web3-powered project enables members and employees to earn and purchase digital collectible stamps in the form of NFTs.

In addition, Starbucks has collaborated with Microsoft^[2] to use blockchain technology to improve supply chain transparency and let customers track the journey of their coffee.

📚 Read More: Blockchain in Supply Chain

Many crypto enthusiasts may also be familiar with Basic Attention Token (BAT) I've mentioned before, a utility asset built on the Ethereum blockchain and integrated into the Brave browser. Similar to JioCoin’s mechanism, BAT is designed as a reward system but with a focus on privacy-first advertising and content monetization.

Users who opt-in to view privacy-respecting ads receive BAT rewards, which they can hold, trade, or tip to content creators. This model allows users to monetize their attention while brands get access to a more engaged audience.

Then, what is Jio crypto's difference from BAT? Unlike the former, which is a non-tradable token limited to Jio services, the latter is fully tradable and listed on major CEXs. This key distinction makes BAT more akin to a “traditional” cryptocurrency, whereas JioCoin may be positioned as a closed-loop reward system.

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Conclusions

So, what is Jio crypto? What is currently clear is that the coin is a blockchain-based reward token. It's exclusively designed for Reliance Jio's internal ecosystem instead of being a fully tradable cryptocurrency that you can buy on exchanges like Binance or Bybit.

Now, the bigger questions are: how will it shape India’s blockchain adoption? Can it truly drive Web3 awareness among millions of users? There has been speculation about its long-term role in India's digital economy – whether it will become a widely useful blockchain tool or stay a closed-loop token limited to Jio’s services. Only time will tell.

The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.

Scientific References

1. Santos A.F., Marinho J., Bernardino J.: 'Blockchain-Based Loyalty Management System';

2. Gong Y., Jiang X., Wang Z., Zhan J.: 'Considering Blockchain Technology and Fairness Concerns for Supply Chain Pricing Decisions under Carbon Cap-and-Trade Mechanism'.