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SKALE offers several models for handling gas, all designed to eliminate friction for end users. Which model fits depends on your chain type and deployment.

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The Models

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Zero Gas Fees (sFUEL)

The original model — every SKALE Chain on Ethereum has a native gas token (sFUEL) that has no monetary value. It exists for EVM compatibility so wallets, tools, and SDKs work out of the box. sFUEL is pre-minted in massive surplus and recycled onchain — it never runs out. Who pays: sChain Owner 
User sends tx → consumes sFUEL (valueless) → tx executes
              → sFUEL recycled back to distribution pool
Developers and users can acquire sFUEL at https://sfuelstation.com
Zero gas fee chains can optionally enable gasless transactions via Proof-of-Work, letting users transact without any sFUEL balance. The client computes a magic number that replaces the gas payment — no tokens required.

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Compute Credits (CREDIT)

On SKALE Base Mainnet, compute is paid for using CREDIT tokens. Developers and/or users purchase credits to cover transaction compute. SKALE Base Testnet uses a faucet instead — no purchase needed. See the Buy CREDITS guide for detailed instructions. 
Developer or user buys credits → credits deposited in their account
                               → sending tx deducts compute from credits
                               → no separate gas token needed

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Gas Chains

A gas chain uses a real token (SKL, ETH, USDC, or any ERC-20) as the gas token. Users pay per-transaction in that token, similar to an L2. Available on SKALE Expand deployments. Who pays: Users

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Which Model to Use

ModelWho PaysUser Needs Tokens?Best For
Zero Gas Fees (sFUEL)sChain OwnersFUEL (valueless)SKALE on Ethereum chains
Compute Credits (CREDIT)Developers and/or usersCREDIT tokensSKALE Base Mainnet
Gas ChainUsersGas tokenDeFi, financial apps