How to choose a cryptocurrency with a low commission
Network commission (fee, gas) is the "friction" of your transfers. It depends not only on the coin itself, but also on the network architecture, load at the time of sending, type of transaction (native coin vs token) and even how you send (aggregators, butching, L2). Below is a practical technique for choosing a cheap network without surprises.
1) What exactly forms a "cheap translation"
Bandwidth and queue. The higher the TPS/block and the shorter the blocktime, the less competition for space - commissions are lower and more stable.
Finality. Fast finality reduces the risk of "repeated" attempts and accelerations (speed up/RBF), saving gas.
L1/L2 architecture. An L2 rollup can cost an order of magnitude cheaper than an L1 with comparable finality safety.
Asset type. Tokens on EVM networks require a contract → more expensive than the native coin of the network.
Load "here and now." Peak activity (airdrops, meme season) multiplies the price of gas.
2) Criteria for choosing a network/coin for cheap transfers
1. Stability of commissions over time. Not only "average," but also the spread (gas price volatility).
2. Finality and delay. How many seconds/blocks before "reliably delivered."
3. Liquidity and support. Does the network support large exchanges/wallets/cash desks, is there an onramp/offramp.
4. Multi-chain presence of stablecoin. USDC/USDT availability in the selected network reduces conversion costs.
5. Reliable bridges. If you need a cross-chain - the presence of official/audited bridges.
6. UX factors. Do I need to keep a native gas token? Are there "sponsored gas/metatransactions"?
7. Regional restrictions. Availability of onramp/leads and compliance with site rules.
3) When L2 is appropriate and what to take
EVM-L2 (Arbitrum/Optimism/Base/Polygon PoS, etc.): as a rule, the cheapest transfers of stablecoins with good support from wallets and exchanges. Suitable for frequent deposits/withdrawals and micropayments.
Native "fast L1" (for example, Solana, Tron, TON): low protocol-level commission and high bandwidth; it is important to check the support of the selected network by your exchange/casino/wallet.
Bitcoin Lightning (LN): instant and almost free micropayments in BTC - ideal for frequent small deposits/payouts; requires an LN wallet/provider.
4) "Deshevo" is not equal to "safe/convenient": typical traps
Exotic network with low gas, but no onramp. Cheap to send, expensive to start/withdraw.
Token ≠ gas coin. On EVM, you need to have a little native coin of the network to pay for gas (even if you translate USDT/USDC).
Bridges without reputation. Savings on commissions can result in the risk of loss of funds.
Temporary "low gas stocks." After the hype, the doors close - the price returns to normal.
Hidden fees at the provider. The service can show the "network" fee cheaply, but add a spread/fee for "acceleration."
5) Practical templates (by scenario)
Microdeposits and frequent payouts (≤ $50): L2 (Arbitrum/Optimism/Base/Polygon) or fast L1 (Tron, Solana, TON). For BTC - Lightning.
Large transfers (≥ $2-5k): you can consider L1 with the above-known liquidity (Ethereum L1, Solana, Tron) - overpayment for gas pays off with predictability and support.
Cross-chain between exchanges/services: if both there and there the same L2/cheap L1 is supported - translate natively; use only official breeches.
Stablecoin calculations: choose a network where your counterparty already has USDC/USDT and the exchange has direct deposits/conclusions in this network.
6) How to really reduce the commission without changing the network
Send in "quiet hours." The commission is often lower outside prime time.
Use "speed up" only if necessary. On EVM, raise 'maxFee/priority' sensibly, without "∞."
Butching and aggregators. Combine payments into one transaction (if this is your scenario as an operator).
Limit'approve'. There is less chance to pay for extra revoks and reduce the risk of drainers.
Keep native gas. Keep a small supply of native gas coin in every active network - avoid expensive emergency purchases.
7) Checklist for choosing a "cheap" cryptocurrency/network
- The network is supported by my wallets/exchanges/recipient service.
- There are native stablecoins (USDC/USDT) on this particular network.
- The finish point (casino/exchange/provider) accepts deposits in the selected network.
- There is an official bridge (if cross-chain is needed).
- I understand the time of finality and the typical commission in "quiet hours."
- The reserve of native gas is replenished, 'approve' - with a limit.
- For networks with Memo/Tag (XRP/XLM/BEP2/EOS) - the field is considered in the process.
8) Mini-FAQ
Is L2 always cheaper than L1? Almost always - but check the current load and withdrawal fee at your exchange.
Which is cheaper: a native coin or a token? Usually a native coin (without calling a contract) is cheaper. But the convenience and liquidity of stables often outweigh the difference.
Does it make sense to "hunt" for the lowest networks? Only if onramp/offramp and support of counterparties does not suffer. Otherwise, save 20 cents and lose hours on bridges.
Is it possible to "transfer" an asset to a cheap network and bring it to the map there? Yes, if your offramp supports this network. Otherwise, another bridge/conversion will be added.
How to understand if I am overpaying a hidden commission? Compare: (1) "network fee" in the wallet, (2) displayed service/exchange commission, (3) conversion rate/spread.
Choosing a "cheap" cryptocurrency is not a list of coins with minimal gas, but a coincidence of three factors: (1) the network and stablecoin that you and the recipient support, (2) predictable and stable commissions at the hours you need, (3) safe rails (official bridges, good onramp/offramp). Rely on L2 and fast L1 for everyday transfers, keep gas reserves, limit'approve 'and send to quiet times - this way you will reduce costs without unnecessary risks and difficulties.