When managing digital assets, one common hurdle users face is not having enough network fees to complete a token swap. This issue often arises when you hold tokens on a blockchain but lack the native coin required to pay transaction fees. Fortunately, certain wallets offer a swap fee claim service to help users overcome this barrier—allowing them to proceed with swaps even when funds are tight.
This guide dives into how the fee claim feature works, why network fees are necessary, and how you can access support when you're unable to cover costs. Whether you're swapping ERC-20 tokens, BEP-20 assets, or TRC-based coins, understanding this process ensures smoother transactions and better wallet management.
👉 Discover how to start seamless crypto swaps today.
Why Is a Network Fee Required for Token Swaps?
Every blockchain transaction requires a small fee—commonly known as a gas or network fee—to validate and confirm the transfer. In the context of a crypto swap, two transactions occur:
- Outgoing transaction: Sending your tokens to the exchange partner’s address.
- Incoming transaction: Receiving the swapped asset back into your wallet.
The outgoing transaction incurs a network fee paid in the blockchain’s native coin. For example:
- Ethereum-based (ERC-20) tokens require ETH for gas.
- Binance Smart Chain (BSC) tokens need BNB.
- TRON-based (TRC) tokens require TRX.
It's important to note: Atomic Wallet does not charge additional transaction fees. The fee you pay goes entirely to the blockchain network for processing power. You can learn more about the full swap process here.
Can the Fee Be Deducted from My Swap Amount?
On centralized exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, yes—the platform can deduct fees directly from your token balance because they control your funds. However, decentralized wallets operate differently.
Since non-custodial wallets like Atomic Wallet do not have access to your private keys or funds, they cannot automatically deduct fees from your token balance. Therefore, you must hold a small amount of the native coin to cover gas.
There is one exception: mainnet coins (like ATOM or BTC). When swapping these, the network fee is typically deducted from the amount being sent. For example:
- If you send 1 ATOM with a 0.005 ATOM fee, only 0.995 ATOM will be swapped.
But for tokens, this isn’t possible. A USDT (ERC-20) swap requires ETH for gas—even if your entire balance is in USDT. Without ETH, the transaction cannot be initiated.
That’s where the claim service comes in.
Understanding the Swap Fee Claim Service
If you don’t have enough native coins to cover gas fees, you can request a small amount through the wallet’s Claim feature. This allows you to complete your swap without needing to deposit funds from another source.
However, there are key conditions:
- The service is intended as a one-time courtesy, not a recurring benefit.
- Each request is manually reviewed.
- You must actually own swappable tokens.
- Requests from addresses that already have sufficient funds will be denied.
The goal is to assist users who are temporarily short on gas—not those who could otherwise afford it.
👉 Learn how decentralized swaps work without upfront fees.
How to Claim Funds for Your Swap Fee
Follow these simple steps to request network fees:
- Initiate a swap using a token that requires gas (e.g., USDT on Ethereum).
- If your wallet lacks sufficient ETH (or other native coin), you'll see a warning such as:
"You should have 0.00002241 ETH"
This indicates the minimum required for the transaction. - Click or tap the “Claim ETH” button (or “Claim TRX”, “Claim TFUEL”, etc., depending on the chain).
- Your default email app will open with a pre-filled message addressed to support, including your wallet address.
- Send the email—no edits needed.
Once received, the support team reviews your case and dispatches the necessary amount—usually within one hour.
⚠️ Note: Do not submit multiple claims. Abuse of this system may result in permanent ineligibility.
After receiving the claimed funds, proceed with your swap immediately. Remember, this is a helping hand—not a permanent solution.
Supported Assets for Fee Claims
The claim service supports several major blockchains and their native assets:
- ETH: Used for swapping ERC-20 tokens like USDT, UNI, or LINK.
- BSC (BNB): Required for BEP-20 tokens such as CAKE or BUSD.
- TRX: Needed for TRC-20 tokens including BTT and WINK.
- TFUEL: Powers transactions involving THETA ecosystem tokens.
- VTHO: Gas token for VeChain (VET) operations.
- ONT: Necessary for ONG token swaps on the Ontology network.
This list covers some of the most widely used tokens across popular networks, ensuring broad accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Why can’t I claim fees for every blockchain?
The claim service is currently limited to high-demand networks where user activity is significant. Supporting all chains would create unsustainable costs and potential abuse risks. The supported list may expand based on community needs.
❓ How often can I use the claim service?
Only once per wallet address. It's designed as emergency assistance, not regular support. Users are encouraged to maintain small reserves of native coins for future transactions.
❓ What happens if my claim request is denied?
If you already have enough balance to cover the fee or don’t hold any swappable tokens, your request will be declined. In such cases, deposit a small amount of the required asset instead.
❓ Is the claimed amount refundable or recoverable by the wallet?
No. The claimed funds are provided as a goodwill gesture and are non-refundable. They are meant solely to enable a single transaction.
❓ Does claiming affect my wallet security?
Not at all. The process only shares your public address via email. No private keys or sensitive data are exposed.
❓ Can I use this service on mobile and desktop?
Yes. The Claim button appears in both the mobile and desktop versions of the wallet whenever a fee shortage is detected.
Final Tips for Managing Swap Fees
While the claim service offers valuable relief, it's best used sparingly. To avoid dependency:
- Always keep a small reserve of native coins (e.g., 0.01 ETH or 0.1 BNB).
- Use multi-chain wallets that notify you of gas requirements before initiating swaps.
- Plan ahead when moving between ecosystems—bridging or swapping should include gas budgeting.
Crypto freedom means full control—but also full responsibility. Being prepared ensures smooth sailing across blockchains.
👉 Get started with low-fee, cross-chain swaps now.
By understanding how swap fees work and leveraging tools like the claim service responsibly, you can maintain flexibility and efficiency in your digital asset journey. Whether you're new to DeFi or an experienced trader, smart fee management is key to maximizing your crypto experience.