Definition ∞ Zero cost onboarding refers to the process of introducing new users to a digital platform or service without requiring them to pay any initial fees or incur significant expenses. This approach aims to lower barriers to entry, thereby facilitating broader adoption and accessibility. In cryptocurrency, it means users can begin interacting with a protocol or application without upfront gas fees or purchase requirements.
Context ∞ The concept of zero cost onboarding is a key discussion point for decentralized applications and Web3 platforms seeking mainstream adoption. High transaction fees and complex initial setup processes often deter new users. Innovations like account abstraction, gasless transactions, and subsidized entry mechanisms are being developed to make interacting with digital assets more user-friendly and financially accessible, driving wider participation.