Which Crypto Network Is The Cheapest

Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

Crypto with the lowest network fees:

Ripple (XRP): transaction speed is from 3 to 5 sec. Fee is around $0.0002 per transaction.
Stellar (XLM): transaction speed is from 2 to 5 sec. Transaction fee is from $0.00001 per transaction.
Monero (XMR): transaction speed is around 2 min. Average transaction fee is from $0.03 to $0.05 per transaction.
Dash (DASH): transactions can be confirmed in under 2 sec using InstantSend.
Average transaction fee is around $0.2 to $0.3 per transaction.
Nano (XNO): near-instantaneous transactions. Average transaction fee: zero fees per transaction.

In cryptocurrency trading and investing, transfer costs are a key factor that both experienced and beginner traders need to consider. Why is that? Because these fees can quickly add up and cut into your profits if not managed carefully.

Crypto transaction fees, though small individually, can significantly reduce your earnings over time. This piece focuses on helping you understand how to choose networks with lower fees, so you can keep more of your hard-earned money. By the end, you'll know how to manage your transactions smarter and avoid unnecessary costs.

Which crypto has the lowest network fees?

For digital currencies, network fees differ from one blockchain to another. These fees depend on factors like how busy the network is, how complex the transaction is, and how the blockchain operates.

To find out which cryptocurrency has the lowest fees, it's important to understand the different types of fees involved. Here's a quick overview:

Network transaction fees. These are fees paid to miners or validators for processing transactions. They can fluctuate based on the network's current demand and supply of processing power
Wallet fees. Some wallets charge their own fees for facilitating transactions in addition to the network fees
Exchange fees. Trading platforms may also impose fees for converting between different currencies or withdrawing funds to an external wallet

With these considerations in mind, let's dive into some of the cryptocurrencies known for their lower transaction costs:

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple offers a unique blend of speed, efficiency, and scalability that stands out in the crypto space. It facilitates real-time cross-border payments at a fraction of the cost and time traditional banking systems require. For businesses and individuals alike, this translates into significant savings and improved liquidity management.

The minimum transaction fee on the Ripple network is 0.00001 XRP (10 drops). The transaction fee is burned (destroyed), reducing the total supply of XRP. The fee can increase during times of high network congestion to prevent spam, but it typically remains very low.

Exceptionally fast transaction processing times.
Low transaction fees compared to traditional banking systems.
Wide adoption among financial institutions for cross-border transfers.

Centralization concerns due to the significant control Ripple Labs holds over the network.
Regulatory scrutiny in some jurisdictions.

Ripple achieves its low-cost structure through a consensus protocol that does not rely on the traditional proof-of-work (PoW) mechanism, which can be resource-intensive and costly. Instead, its consensus mechanism allows for quicker and more energy-efficient transactions.

Stellar (XLM)

Stellar network is designed to connect financial institutions and drastically reduce the cost and time required for cross-border transfers. This opens up a realm of possibilities for users, from accessing faster remittances to engaging in microtransactions without the burden of hefty fees. Stellar's focus on financial inclusion makes it particularly beneficial in regions where access to banking services is limited.

The base fee for transactions on the Stellar network is 0.00001 XLM (100 strops).

Similar to XRP, Stellar uses a minimal fee to prevent network spam and prioritize legitimate transactions. The fee can fluctuate slightly based on network activity.

Stellar also has a concept of "minimum reserve" where a small amount of XLM is locked in an account to prevent the creation of millions of dummy accounts. This reserve can be recovered when closing the account.

Enables quick and low-cost international payments.
Supports direct exchanges between different currencies.

Relatively lower visibility and adoption compared to other leading cryptos.
No clear use case for the token itself.

Stellar achieves its low-cost benefits through its unique consensus protocol, which allows for transactions to be settled in a matter of seconds at a minimal cost. This efficiency is why it's an attractive platform for developing financial apps and services.

Monero (XMR)

Monero stands out in the crypto world for its uncompromising approach to privacy and security. Its appeal lies in the ability to conduct transactions anonymously and untraceably, offering users a level of privacy that is hard to find in the transparent nature of other blockchain technologies.

Monero uses a dynamic fee structure. As of recent averages, the fee typically ranges from 0.0001 to 0.02 XMR. Fees are calculated based on the size of the transaction in bytes and the current network load.

High-level privacy and security features.
Dynamic scalability that can adjust to network demand.

The emphasis on privacy can lead to higher regulatory scrutiny.
Potentially higher transaction fees during peak times due to dynamic block sizes.

Monero's commitment to privacy does not come at the expense of cost. Its adaptive block size and dynamic fee structure help to keep transaction costs competitive, especially for users prioritizing anonymity.

Dash (DASH)

Dash offers a blend of speed, privacy, and usability that appeals to users looking for fast and confidential transactions. With features like InstantSend, transactions can be confirmed in seconds, a significant advantage over networks where confirmations can take longer.

Network fees are typically very low, often around 0.0001 DASH per transaction. The exact fee can vary based on transaction size and network conditions.

InstantSend feature for faster transactions has an additional fee, usually around 0.0001 to 0.0004 DASH per transaction.

PrivateSend option for enhanced privacy has varying fees based on the number of mixing rounds. Typically, the fee is about 0.001 DASH per mixing round.

Option for instant transactions with InstantSend.
Enhanced privacy features with PrivateSend.

Increased competition from other cryptocurrencies offering similar benefits.
The need for specialized nodes for certain features can lead to centralization concerns.

Dash maintains low transaction fees through a unique self-funding model that allocates a portion of block rewards to development and marketing. This ensures the network continues to evolve and remain competitive, offering users a cost-effective solution for their transaction needs.

Nano (XNO)

Nano enables instant, fee-free transactions thanks to its innovative block-lattice technology. In this system, each user account has its own blockchain, allowing the network to process transactions in parallel, eliminating the need for miners and their associated fees.

No fees make Nano ideal for micropayments.
Instant transaction confirmations (0.14 seconds on average).
Eco-friendly: no mining reduces energy costs.

Limited adoption compared to more established cryptocurrencies.
Potential security risks due to limited liquidity on exchanges.

Nano's block-lattice technology allows users to send and receive funds almost instantly, regardless of the transaction size. This architecture eliminates network congestion and reduces energy costs, making Nano an environmentally sustainable and efficient cryptocurrency for everyday payments.

Why use cryptocurrency networks

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple is aimed at financial institutions, enabling fast and low-cost cross-border payments.

Use case: A bank looking to send a large amount of money to another country can use Ripple to instantly transfer it with minimal fees, avoiding the delays and high costs associated with traditional systems.

Stellar (XLM)

Stellar is designed to facilitate cross-border transactions and tokenize assets, enabling fast and low-cost transfers.

Use case: A small company can use Stellar to pay employees in different countries, reducing costs and speeding up the process compared to traditional bank transfers.

Monero (XMR)

Monero focuses on providing privacy and anonymity for transactions, which appeals to users who value privacy.

Use case: An individual looking to donate to a charity without revealing their identity can use Monero to ensure the transaction is completely anonymous.

Dash (DASH)

Dash offers fast, low-cost transactions, with a focus on everyday use and retail payments.

Use case: A store can accept Dash as payment for goods, providing instant confirmations and low fees, improving the customer experience and reducing transaction costs.

Nano (NANO/XNO)

Nano offers instant transactions with no fees, making it suitable for micropayments and everyday transactions.

Use case: A user can pay for a cup of coffee using Nano without the additional cost or confirmation wait, making the payment process fast and convenient.

Additional strategies for reducing fees

Optimizing cryptocurrency transaction fees can save you a lot of money. Let's look at some effective approaches:

Transaction timing. Network fees often increase during periods of high network congestion. Scheduling transactions for less busy periods can help reduce costs. For example, on the Bitcoin network, fees can vary significantly depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Manual fee setting. Some cryptocurrency wallets allow users to set their own fee. By choosing the optimal (not minimum) fee, you can achieve transaction confirmation in a reasonable time at a lower cost. However, too low a fee can lead to delays in transaction processing.
Choosing the right network. Some blockchains offer low or zero fees, making them attractive for frequent and small transfers. For example, Nano (XNO) provides instant transactions with no fees, while Stellar (XLM) offers low fees and fast processing speeds.
Transfers within the same platform. Many cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms offer free or reduced fees for transfers between users within their ecosystem. For example, some exchanges allow internal transfers without fees, which is convenient for frequent transactions between users of the same platform.

Best crypto exchanges
	Coins Supported	Min. Deposit, $	Spot Taker fee, %	Spot Maker Fee, %	Futures Taker Fee, %	Futures Maker Fee, %	Regulation and safety	Open an account
OKX	329	10	0,1	0,08	0,05	0,02	7.50	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Kraken	278	10	0,4	0,25	0,05	0,02	9.75	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Crypto.com	250	1	0,5	0,25	0,05	0	9.50	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
CoinMetro	72	1	0,2	0,1		0	9.75	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
Ledger Wallet	1817		0	0	0	0	0.75	Open an account Your capital is at risk.

Save on crypto transfers by choosing scalable networks with low-traffic fees

Choosing the cheapest crypto network isn’t just about low fees — it’s about how fees are managed. Pick networks that lower fees when traffic is high or have steady fees that don’t change much. Some use special scaling methods that cut fees by processing transactions outside the main blockchain, helping you save money.

Another smart tip is to check if the network gives rewards for holding tokens. Some blockchains offer fee discounts if you’re an active trader or staker. Also, send crypto when the network isn’t busy, like during weekends or off-peak hours, to cut your costs with smarter timing.

Conclusion

The future of fees in cryptocurrency networks is associated with the development of Layer-2 solutions, such as the Lightning Network for Bitcoin and zk-Rollups for Ethereum, which significantly reduce transaction costs while maintaining the security of the main network. New technologies can improve scalability and make cryptocurrency transfers even more accessible to users.

The choice of network depends on your goals: for privacy, the Monero (XMR) network is optimal, for instant transactions without fees - Nano (XNO), and for scalability and fast international transfers, Ripple (XRP) and Stellar (XLM) are suitable. The development of blockchain infrastructure opens up new opportunities for cost-effective and efficient transactions adapted to the specific needs of users. A careful study of the characteristics of each network will minimize costs and choose the most suitable solution.

FAQs

Does it cost money to transfer crypto?

Yes, transferring crypto typically incurs fees, which vary depending on the blockchain network, the transaction's complexity, and current network congestion.

Why are there fees for transferring crypto?

Fees for transferring crypto are charged to compensate for the computing energy required to validate and record transactions on the blockchain, ensuring security and the integrity of the network.

Why is sending crypto so expensive?

Sending crypto can be expensive due to factors like high network congestion, which increases demand for transaction processing, and the inherent cost of the energy and computational resources needed to maintain blockchain security.

How do I avoid fees when transferring crypto?

To avoid fees when transferring crypto, consider using cryptocurrencies with low or no transaction fees, transferring between wallets on the same platform, choosing off-peak times to transact, and utilizing platforms that offer free or low-cost transactions.

Team that worked on the article

Maxim Nechiporenko has been a contributor to Traders Union since 2023. He started his professional career in the media in 2006. He has expertise in finance and investment, and his field of interest covers all aspects of geoeconomics. Maxim provides up-to-date information on trading, cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments. He regularly updates his knowledge to keep abreast of the latest innovations and trends in the market.

Learn about our editorial policies

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital cryptocurrency that was created in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform and cryptocurrency that was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014. It was designed as a versatile platform for creating decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

Leverage

Forex leverage is a tool enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively small amount of capital, amplifying potential profits and losses based on the chosen leverage ratio.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that relies on cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology.

Crypto trading

Crypto trading involves the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, with the aim of making a profit from price fluctuations.