Onchain Fees

Definition ∞ Onchain Fees are charges paid to network participants for processing and confirming transactions on a blockchain. They compensate miners or validators for their computational effort and resource use in maintaining the decentralized ledger. These fees are essential for network security and deterring spam. They directly influence transaction priority and cost.
Context ∞ Onchain fees are a recurring topic in cryptocurrency news, particularly during periods of high network congestion when costs can escalate significantly. Reports often analyze fee trends on various blockchains, impacting user adoption and the viability of certain decentralized applications. The discussion frequently involves scaling solutions aimed at reducing these fees and improving transaction affordability.