Definition ∞ User transaction costs are the fees paid by individuals to execute operations on a blockchain network, such as sending cryptocurrency or interacting with smart contracts. These costs typically compensate network validators or miners for processing and securing transactions. They can fluctuate significantly based on network congestion and demand.
Context ∞ Crypto news frequently discusses user transaction costs, especially during periods of high network activity on popular blockchains like Ethereum, where “gas fees” can become substantial. Reports often cover developments aimed at reducing these costs, such as layer-2 scaling solutions or new protocol designs. Understanding these fees is crucial for users and developers evaluating the economic viability and accessibility of various digital asset platforms.