#CryptoFees101

**Crypto transaction fees (like "gas" on Ethereum or "network fees" elsewhere) are payments required to process actions on a blockchain.** They serve two main purposes:

1. **Incentivize Validators:** Miners or validators earn these fees for securing the network and processing your transaction.

2. **Prevent Spam:** Fees deter users from flooding the network with meaningless transactions.

**Key things to know:**

* **Variable Cost:** Fees fluctuate based on network congestion (demand) and transaction complexity/size. Busier networks = higher fees.

* **Not Avoidable:** Sending crypto always incurs a fee paid in the network's native token (e.g., ETH for Ethereum).

* **Set by User:** Wallets often let you choose speed (priority) vs. cost.

* **Destination Matters:** Fees are paid to the network, *not* the recipient. Always check estimated fees before confirming!

Understanding fees is crucial for efficient crypto use.