Bitcoin Fees: Simple & Low
Bitcoin network fees are usually small and are not based on how much money you send. Fees relate to network conditions and the size of your transaction, not the dollar value. Larger costs typically happen when moving between crypto and fiat (bank money).
How Bitcoin Fees Work
Fees are a small incentive paid to miners to include your transaction in a block. They depend on the data size of your transaction and current network congestion—not the amount of BTC you send.
Not % of Amount
Sending $20 or $20,000 can cost about the same on-chain if the transaction size is similar.
Size Matters
More inputs/outputs = larger data size. Consolidated coins and simple sends mean smaller fees.
Network Traffic
Busy mempool? Fees rise. Quiet times? Fees drop. You can choose speed vs. cost.
You Pick Speed
Most wallets let you pick “fast,” “normal,” or “economy.” Slower options cost less.
Ways to Save on Fees
Use modern addresses, send at off-peak times, and keep transactions simple to minimize fees.
Use Modern Addresses
Send to bech32 (bc1…) / SegWit addresses when possible—more efficient, typically cheaper.
Choose Economy Speed
If it’s not urgent, pick a lower fee tier in your wallet and wait a bit longer for confirmation.
Consolidate Smartly
Combine small inputs during low-fee periods so future sends are smaller (and cheaper).
Consider Lightning
For tiny or frequent payments, Lightning can be very low-cost and near-instant (where supported).
Most wallets show a live fee estimate before you send—review it first.
*Fees vary by network conditions and the specifics of your transaction.Where Higher Costs Usually Happen
The bigger fees most people notice are from fiat on/off-ramps (moving money between bank accounts and crypto), not from the Bitcoin network itself.
Exchange Fees & Spreads
Buying/selling BTC for dollars can include a fee or price spread set by the provider.
Deposit/Withdrawal
Banks and platforms may charge for depositing USD, withdrawing USD, or sending BTC out.
Method & Region
Costs vary by country, payment method, limits, and verification level.
Quick Summary
On-chain Bitcoin fees are generally low and not percentage-based. You typically pay more when converting to/from fiat. Choose economy speeds and modern addresses to keep costs minimal.
On-Chain
Small, variable fee based on data size + congestion (not amount).
On/Off-Ramp
Provider fees/spreads apply when buying/selling or moving to bank accounts.
For first purchases, check both the quoted price and any listed fee before confirming.