What is a Crypto Airdrop? A 2026 Guide for Australians

A crypto airdrop is a free distribution of tokens to wallet addresses, usually for marketing, community growth, or as a retroactive reward for people who used a product early. This guide covers the main types of airdrop, how snapshots and eligibility work, whether tokens arrive automatically or need a claim, how to tell a legitimate drop from a fake claim site, and the Australian angle: the ATO often treats airdropped tokens as ordinary income at market value when received, with CGT on later disposal. Education only — not financial advice. Publisher: Eagle BTM Pty Ltd ACN 659 281 820 (AUSTRAC DCE / VASP).

What is a crypto airdrop? Free token drops explained — types, how they work, scam red flags, and ATO income notes for Australians in 2026.