Guide

Network fees for token swaps

Every source-chain transaction needs its network fee asset. That remains true when the token being sold is a stablecoin or another non-native asset.

EVM network gas

Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum and Optimism use ETH for network fees. Polygon uses its network gas asset. The fee is paid by the connected source wallet.

An ERC-20 trade can require an approval followed by execution, creating more than one network transaction.

Solana fees

Solana transactions use SOL for fees. SOL may also be required to create an associated token account when the receiving account does not already exist.

Do not enter the wallet’s entire SOL balance as the swap amount. Leave enough for the required transaction.

Cross-chain costs

A cross-chain quote can reflect source swaps, bridge costs and destination execution. The exact structure depends on the selected route.

Evaluate the expected amount delivered at the destination alongside the source gas requirement.

  • Keep gas on the source network.
  • Allow for an ERC-20 approval when needed.
  • Check whether the route estimate includes provider costs.
  • Retain destination gas if you plan to transact after receiving.

Common questions

Before you continue

Can a stablecoin pay gas?

Normally no. The wallet needs the native fee asset for the source network.

Why might a swap need two transactions?

An ERC-20 token may require a spending approval before the swap execution transaction.

Does Betelgeuse set network gas prices?

Network conditions and the prepared transaction determine the gas parameters presented by the wallet.