Cross-Chain Fees

Definition ∞ Cross-chain fees are charges incurred when transferring assets or data between different independent blockchain networks. These payments compensate the protocols, validators, or relayers facilitating the interoperability bridge. The fees cover the computational resources and security mechanisms required for secure asset movement across distinct ledgers. They are a necessary cost for interacting with disparate blockchain ecosystems.
Context ∞ The discussion around cross-chain fees often highlights the economic friction in a multi-chain environment. High or unpredictable fees can hinder seamless asset transfers and decentralized application functionality. Ongoing efforts focus on developing more efficient and cost-effective interoperability solutions to reduce these transaction expenses.