Every blockchain transaction has a cost, known as a network fee or gas. This fee is always charged in the network's native token and is required for your transaction to go through. This article explains how network fees work and what to expect when you transact.

Why network fees exist #

Every blockchain transaction requires a small fee to be processed. This fee goes to the validators who run the network, not to Phantom.

Phantom does not set, control, or receive any part of your network fee.

Network fees are paid in the network’s native token #

Network fees are always paid in the network’s native token, such as SOL on Solana or ETH on Ethereum.

You can’t pay network fees with USDC, stablecoins, or other tokens on the same network.

Why network fees aren’t refunded if a transaction fails #

Validators still process every submitted transaction, even if it ultimately fails.

Because the network still performed work, the fee isn’t refunded.

Why network fees sometimes change #

Network fees fluctuate based on how busy the network is. A spike usually means high demand from events such as a popular token launch or a major DeFi event.

If your transaction isn’t urgent, waiting until off-peak hours, such as early morning UTC, can result in lower fees.

Native tokens by network #

Every blockchain network has a native token, which is the token the network itself runs on.

For example, SOL is the native token of Solana, while ETH is the native token of Ethereum, Base, and Robinhood Chain. Network fees are always paid in the native token of the network you’re using, regardless of what crypto you’re sending or swapping.

The following table provides the amounts that should have you covered for multiple transactions. You may need more native tokens depending on network congestion, transaction type, or smart contract complexity.

Why you need ETH on Robinhood Chain if you already have ETH on Ethereum #

Native tokens are network-specific.

For example, ETH on Ethereum can’t be used to pay network fees on Robinhood Chain or Base. Likewise, ETH on Robinhood Chain can’t be used to pay fees on Ethereum.

How much native token should you keep on hand? #

For suggested amounts by network, see Suggested native token balances for network fees.

Network fees when bridging crypto #

Bridging usually requires network fees on the source network. Depending on the bridge and route, additional fees may also apply.

How do fees work by network? #

Solana #

Solana uses a fixed-fee model. Phantom sets the fee automatically. Certain transactions on Solana in Phantom can be gasless, meaning your transaction will go through even if your SOL balance is too low. See Understanding gasless transactions on Solana in Phantom.

Bitcoin #

Fees are based on transaction size in vBytes and current congestion.

Ethereum, Base, Polygon, Robinhood Chain, HyperEVM #

These networks use a gas-based model. Phantom sets fees automatically. If your transaction uses less gas than expected, the difference is refunded.

Some eligible same-network swaps on Robinhood Chain are gasless. If you don’t have enough RH ETH, Phantom pays the network fee for eligible swaps. See Understanding gasless swaps on EVM networks in Phantom.