Crypto Basics
Why do I see a network fee for my transactions?
What are network fees?
A network fee is a small payment you make to process a transaction on a blockchain. It pays the network for the computing power needed to validate and complete your action (like sending tokens or interacting with a smart contract). You can learn more about network fees in this blog post: Understanding Crypto Costs: Transaction and Network Fees.
World Money normally covers network fees, so you can transact smoothly without worrying about extra costs. However, in some situations, the app may not be able to sponsor the fee. World may update or modify its fee sponsorship policies at any time.
When this happens, you’ll see the amount of WLD needed to continue. This process is called a self-sponsored transaction and helps ensure your transaction can still be completed without interruption.
This system is powered by ERC-4337 account abstraction and a third-party ERC-20 paymaster, which pays the network fee upfront and is reimbursed in WLD.
Why this happens
You may be asked to cover the network fee for a transaction when:
- Network activity is unusually high.
- Our daily limits for sponsored transactions have been reached.
In these cases, the app temporarily pauses sponsorship only for that transaction and switches to a backup flow.
What you’ll see in the App
When a network fee is required, the app will guide you clearly:
- A message will display the exact amount of WLD needed.
- You’ll see an option to accept and continue.
- Once confirmed, the transaction proceeds normally.
- No advance setup is needed — the app notifies you only when a fee is required.
How the Self-Sponsored Flow Works
- You start a transaction as usual.
- World checks whether it will sponsor the network fee.
- If not, your wallet shows a quote from a third-party paymaster.
- The quote tells you how much WLD is needed to cover the fee.
- If you accept, the paymaster pays the fee upfront.
- During the transaction, the paymaster is instantly reimbursed in WLD.
Everything happens in a single, secure on-chain process.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
Why are crypto transactions irreversible?
Crypto transactions are permanent and cannot be reversed once they’re confirmed. This is a key feature of blockchain technology, which powers most cryptocurrencies.
This means that once funds are sent, they cannot be recovered unless the recipient chooses to send them back.
1. Blockchain is Unchangeable
Once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain (a public digital ledger), it cannot be changed or deleted. This is called immutability. It helps keep the network secure and prevents anyone from tampering with past transactions.
2. No Central Authority
Unlike banks, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks with no single authority controlling the system. This means there is no bank or company that can reverse a transaction once it’s been processed.
3. Transactions are Final
When a crypto transaction is confirmed, it’s final. There are no chargebacks or cancellations like with credit card payments. Because transactions cannot be undone, it’s important to carefully review all details before sending funds.
4. Transaction Validation
Each transaction goes through a validation process. Once it’s confirmed by the network, it is permanently added to the blockchain.
5. Sufficient Balance is Required
A crypto transaction can only be processed if you have enough balance in your wallet to cover:
The amount you are sending
Any applicable network fees
If your balance is insufficient, the transaction will not go through.
How to Protect Yourself?
- Double-check the wallet address before sending funds.
- Confirm that you are using the correct blockchain network (chain). Sending funds to the correct address on the wrong network may result in permanent loss.
- Make sure the token you are sending is supported by the receiving wallet.
- Verify the amount before confirming the transaction.
- Only send funds to trusted recipients and be careful of scams.
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.
Where can I learn more about crypto currencies, technologies, and Web3 projects?
Learn more about crypto technologies, currencies, and Web3 projects!
- What is World Chain?
- What is Optimism?
- What is USDC?
- What is Ethereum?
- What is Bitcoin?
- What is an Airdrop?
Translations may differ slightly from the original English content. For the most accurate information, please refer to the article's English version if any discrepancies occur.