> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.takadao.io/takadao-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.takadao.io/takadao-docs/part-b.-takadao-the-daos/03-takadao-technology/tdaos-user-journey/membership-credits.md).

# Membership Credits

In exchange, the DAO member will receive [Membership Credits](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] locked in smart contracts that represent the membership agreement. These Credits track a member's contributions which subsequently determine payouts, surplus distribution and governance rights. 

[^1]: From a technical perspective, Membership Credits are non-tradable tokens that will be described in a later section of this paper.