Why Network Fees Differ When You Swap Crypto

Network fees come from blockchain activity

A network fee pays for processing a blockchain transaction. It goes to network participants who include or validate transactions. It is separate from a swap service’s charges and can vary with network conditions and the transaction.

The same asset can use different networks, each with its own transactions and fees. For example, USDT is available on multiple networks. Check the network shown for both the deposit and payout before proceeding.

What affects the fee

Network fees depend on the chain and transaction details. Common factors include:

• Network demand: When transactions compete for processing, fees on some networks can rise.
• Transaction type: More complex transactions may require more processing than simple transfers.
• The asset’s network: A token transfer uses the network it is issued on, whose fee rules determine which asset pays the fee.

The fee asset may differ from the token being sent. A token transfer may require the network’s native coin to pay the fee. Make sure your wallet has the required fee asset available.

Compare the full cost, not just the network fee

When reviewing a quote, consider the amount you send, the quoted output, any service charges shown, and the network fees involved in depositing and receiving funds. The breakdown depends on the swap and networks selected. Review the order details and the service’s fee information to see what is included in the quote.

ShadowSwap generates a one-time deposit address it controls for each order, holds the deposit while processing the swap, then sends the output to the wallet address you provide. The swap takes the deposit network confirmations plus a manual payout sent by an admin. There is no fixed or guaranteed duration. ShadowSwap never asks for private keys.

For details about the service’s charges, see ShadowSwap fees. To compare available pairs and rates, visit exchange pairs and live rates.

Check before sending

Before placing an order, confirm the asset, network, deposit address, and receiving address in the order details. Check whether your wallet has enough of the relevant native coin to pay any wallet-side network fee. Sending on the wrong network or to an incorrect address can make funds difficult or impossible to recover.

Review the costs and order details, then swap crypto with ShadowSwap.