Gas fees in blockchain transactions: mechanisms and effective management methods

GasFeeCrying · 2026-02-18T20:09:51+00:00

The essay explains the importance of gas fees in blockchain transactions, detailing how they serve as compensation for network resources, their calculation, reasons for transaction failures, and solutions to gas fee shortages, all while promoting Bitget Wallet's "gas-free" features for easier transactions.

GasFeeCrying

2026-02-18 20:09:51

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When conducting transactions on the blockchain, a key factor many users face is the gas fee. When sending tokens or executing smart contracts, you need to pay for the computational resources that support the network. Understanding how gas fees work can help you avoid failed transactions and enable a more efficient and secure blockchain experience.

What Are Gas Fees? The Essence of Transaction Costs on the Blockchain

Gas fees are the transaction fees required to process and record transactions on the blockchain. Just like gasoline powers an engine, they are an essential mechanism that supports all activities on the blockchain.

Nodes and validators that maintain the network earn rewards by verifying and approving transactions using computational resources. In other words, gas fees are compensation for network participants and form the foundation that sustains the overall security and stability of the blockchain.

The term “gas fee” originates from the concept of “fuel” needed to move transactions forward, but payment methods and amounts vary significantly across different blockchain networks.

How Gas Fees Are Calculated and Paid with Tokens

Gas fees are determined by the following formula:

Gas Fee = Gas Price × Gas Usage

Here, the gas price is expressed in Gwei and is decided by the user initiating the transaction. Setting a lower gas price may result in lower priority for processing, leading to longer confirmation times. Gas usage depends on the complexity of the transaction; simple token transfers require less computation, while executing complex smart contracts requires more.

Different blockchains use different tokens for gas fees:

Native Tokens: Most mainnets require payment with the blockchain’s native token. For example, ETH for Ethereum, BTC for Bitcoin, SOL for Solana, TRX for Tron.
Multi-Chain Environments: Networks like BNB Chain (using BNB), Arbitrum (using ETH), Base (using ETH) have their own gas tokens.
Layer 2 Solutions: In subnet environments like Avalanche, a specific token different from the mainnet token may be used for gas fees.

Common Causes of Blockchain Transaction Failures

A frequent issue for Web3 beginners is transaction failure due to insufficient gas tokens. For example, if you only hold USDT in your Ethereum wallet and try to swap without ETH, the transaction won’t go through. Since gas on Ethereum is paid in ETH, holding at least a minimal amount of ETH (roughly 0.01 ETH) is essential.

Even if you pay the gas fee, transactions can still fail. The most common reason is network congestion. When the network is busy, your set gas price might be deemed too low, causing your transaction to be delayed. To resolve this, you need to specify a higher gas price to signal priority to the network.

On-chain state changes can also cause failures. For example, if the token you’re trying to send has been used in another transaction first, conflicts may prevent processing. Monitoring network congestion and adjusting gas prices flexibly are crucial.

Practical Strategies to Address Gas Fee Shortages

If you encounter a gas token shortage, here are some solutions:

Add More Main Token Funds: Receive gas tokens into your current address from an exchange or another wallet. You can also get them directly from acquaintances.
Use Bitget Wallet’s Services: Purchase gas tokens using fiat currency via OTC or P2P features. The “QuickBuy” function offers quick and convenient options.
Review Network Selection: When gas prices are high, consider switching to cheaper Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Base.

Achieve Stress-Free Transactions with Bitget Wallet’s “Gas-Free” Feature

To make transactions more comfortable, Bitget Wallet offers a “Gas-Free” service:

Instant Gas Feature: Even without holding mainnet tokens, you can temporarily borrow the necessary gas fees to proceed smoothly.

GASU Reward Program: Earn GASU tokens through activities within Bitget Wallet, which can be used to reimburse gas fees after transactions.

This service supports multiple networks including Ethereum, Tron, BNB Chain, Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, with plans to add more.

How to Ensure Smooth Blockchain Transactions

To confidently perform transactions on the blockchain, it’s essential to understand how gas fees work. Setting appropriate gas prices, preparing the necessary tokens, and monitoring network conditions can significantly reduce the risk of transaction failures.

Using Bitget Wallet’s “Gas-Free” feature and other tools makes managing gas fees much easier, allowing both beginners and experienced users to enjoy a more efficient blockchain experience. For further information, it’s recommended to contact official channels.

About Bitget Wallet

Bitget Wallet is one of Asia’s largest global Web3 wallets, used by over 30 million users. It offers a wide range of features including asset management, intelligent market analysis, swaps, launchpad, NFTs, DApp integration, and token revenue center. Supporting over 100 blockchains and more than 10 million cryptocurrencies, it integrates liquidity from major DEXs and cross-chain bridges to provide a seamless trading environment.

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