Permit Signature

Definition ∞ A permit signature is an off-chain cryptographic signature that authorizes a third party to spend a user’s ERC-20 tokens without requiring an on-chain approval transaction. This mechanism allows users to grant token spending allowances more efficiently by signing a message with their private key, which a relayer then submits to the blockchain. It significantly reduces gas fees and improves user experience by streamlining interactions with decentralized applications. The permit signature functionality is a direct outcome of EIP-2612, enhancing the flexibility of ERC-20 token usage.
Context ∞ Permit signatures are a notable advancement in the Ethereum ecosystem, often featured in news regarding gas fee optimization and user experience improvements in DeFi. Their adoption by various protocols is a key development for increasing the accessibility and efficiency of decentralized financial services. The security implications of off-chain signing and the reliance on relayers remain important considerations for users and developers.