MATIC is the original token ticker for the Polygon network, launched in 2020. POL is the upgraded token introduced as part of the Polygon 2.0 roadmap. POL introduces multi-chain validator support, enabling holders to validate multiple Polygon chains simultaneously. The migration from MATIC to POL began in 2024 and is ongoing across exchanges. Both tickers refer to the same underlying asset on most platforms.

Polygon MATIC (POL) tokens serve multiple purposes: paying gas fees on the Polygon PoS network, staking to secure the network and earn staking rewards, participating in network governance through voting, accessing DeFi protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and QuickSwap on Polygon, and qualifying for ecosystem airdrops from the AggLayer.

Yes, Polygon MATIC still exists in 2026. The token has been rebranded to POL as part of Polygon 2.0, but remains actively traded on all major exchanges. The Polygon network continues to expand with zkEVM technology, the AggLayer cross-chain aggregation layer, and growing institutional adoption. The MATIC ticker remains recognized on CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, and most trading platforms.