How Ethereum, Base, and Polygon (EVM) Transactions Are Processed
Transactions on EVM-based blockchains (Ethereum, Base, and Polygon) follow a different process than those on Solana, especially when sending assets between addresses. The key difference lies in how transactions are prioritized and the use of gas fees, which may result in longer transaction times or cause transactions to be stuck in a "pending" state if not properly configured.
Gas Configuration
Before sending a transaction on an EVM network, you must configure gas settings, which determine the amount you are willing to pay for the transaction to be processed. Once a transaction is submitted, it is placed in a "mempool" (memory pool) where it waits to be confirmed. The transactions in this pool are prioritized based on the gas fee offered—higher gas fees result in faster processing.
Why is this important?
High gas fees, especially on Ethereum Layer 1, lead many users to set lower gas fees to save costs. However, setting a low gas limit can delay your transaction or cause it to remain "pending" if the network is congested or if other transactions with higher gas fees take priority. On Layer 2 solutions like Base and Polygon, gas fees are generally lower, but the same principles apply.
What can I do?
If your transaction is stuck in a pending state, you have the option to either speed it up or cancel it. You can speed up a transaction by re-submitting it with a higher gas fee to push it through faster. Also, you can cancel the transaction if you no longer want it to be processed.
How do I speed up my transaction?
How do I cancel my transaction?