> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aqua.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aqua.network/voting-and-rewards/sdex-rewards.md).

# SDEX rewards

Stellar DEX (SDEX) rewards are earned by placing buy and sell offers on the order books of markets in the reward zone, using SDEX interfaces such as [StellarX](https://www.stellarx.com/) and [StellarTerm](https://stellarterm.com/). For AMM pool rewards, see [AMM Rewards](/voting-and-rewards/aquarius-amm-rewards.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
To receive rewards, your wallet must hold a trustline to AQUA — without it, rewards cannot be credited.
{% endhint %}

### How rewards are distributed

Rewards are calculated from four factors:

* **Trade volume** – the total volume of each offer in a market.
* **Time in order book** – how long an offer remains active.
* **Proximity to spread** – how close an offer sits to the market spread.
* **Offer execution** – filled offers count for more than unfilled ones.

Rewards are distributed automatically every hour to eligible participants — see the [reward cycle](/voting-and-rewards/reward-cycle.md) for exact timing. Markets qualify through [liquidity voting](/voting-and-rewards/aquarius-voting.md): at least 0.5% of votes with both assets whitelisted in the Asset Registry. The more liquidity you provide, and the closer your offers sit to the spread, the higher the rewards. Holding ICE [boosts your SDEX rewards](/aqua-and-ice/ice-boosts-how-to-maximize-lp-rewards.md) up to x2.5, the same as for AMM rewards.

### Additional resources

* [Active market pairs for rewards](https://aqua.network/rewards)
* Medium deep-dive: [Upgrading SDEX Rewards](https://medium.com/aquarius-aqua/wip-upgrading-sdex-rewards-1ccc819fbe7c)