Priority Fee Market

Definition ∞ A priority fee market is a system where users can pay an additional fee to incentivize block producers to include their transactions sooner within a block. This fee is separate from the base network fee and directly compensates the miner or validator for prioritizing the transaction. It allows users to compete for faster transaction confirmation times. This market mechanism helps manage network congestion.
Context ∞ The priority fee market is a central element of transaction fee mechanisms in many blockchains, particularly after upgrades like Ethereum’s EIP-1559. While it provides a way for users to signal urgency, it also contributes to the dynamics of MEV and can lead to higher transaction costs during periods of high network demand. Ongoing protocol refinements seek to balance efficient resource allocation with user experience.