> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skale.space/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Gas Fees

> Zero gas fees, compute credits, and gasless transactions — how SKALE eliminates gas costs for users

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.

## The Models

### 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
```

<Note>
  Developers and users can acquire sFUEL at [https://sfuelstation.com](https://sfuelstation.com)
</Note>

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.

### 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](https://base-sepolia-faucet.skale.space) instead — no purchase needed.

See the [Buy CREDITS](/developers/integrate-skale/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
```

### 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

## Which Model to Use

| Model                    | Who Pays                | User Needs Tokens? | Best For                 |
| ------------------------ | ----------------------- | ------------------ | ------------------------ |
| Zero Gas Fees (sFUEL)    | sChain Owner            | sFUEL (valueless)  | SKALE on Ethereum chains |
| Compute Credits (CREDIT) | Developers and/or users | CREDIT tokens      | SKALE Base Mainnet       |
| Gas Chain                | Users                   | Gas token          | DeFi, financial apps     |

## Related Topics

* [Credit Chain](/chain-types/credit-chain) — How credit chains work
* [Buy CREDITS](/developers/integrate-skale/buy-credits) — How to purchase credits
* [Go Live on SKALE Base](/get-started/quick-start/go-live) — Deploy your application
* [Pricing and Payments](/developers/run-a-skale-chain/pricing-and-payments) — Subscription costs