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When Are Ethereum Gas Fees Lowest?

When Are Ethereum Gas Fees Lowest?

Introduction

Anyone who's used Ethereum knows the pain of high gas fees. Whether you're swapping tokens, minting NFTs, or sending ETH to another wallet, transaction costs can sometimes feel steep. With the right timing and approach, you can significantly reduce these fees and keep more ETH in your wallet.

Understanding Ethereum Gas Fees

Ethereum gas fees vary depending on network activity. Each transaction requires gas to cover the cost of processing transactions and compensates validators for maintaining and securing the blockchain.

Gas fees are measured in gwei, which is a minuscule fraction of ETH (0.000000001 ETH to be exact). Although the amounts may seem small, they can quickly add up during periods of heavy network activity.

The introduction of EIP-1559 brought a new fee structure. Now, each transaction includes a base fee (burned, or permanently removed from circulation) and a priority fee (rewarding validators). This new system makes fees more predictable, though they can still vary widely throughout the day.

Best Times to Make Ethereum Transactions

Through analysis of network patterns, we can pinpoint the times when gas fees are lowest. Here’s what you need to know:

Weekday Windows

On weekdays, gas fees generally hit their lowest between midnight and 4 AM EST. This aligns with reduced activity in North America, Europe, and Asia—resulting in less congestion on the network.

Weekend Windows

For the lowest Ethereum gas fees, weekends are typically the best time. Gas fees often drop significantly between 2 AM and 3 AM EST on Saturdays and Sundays. During this window, fees can fall to nearly half of their usual rates,

Daily Breakdown

Here are the optimal times for each day of the week:

  • Sunday: 2 AM - 3 AM EST

  • Monday: 1 AM - 2 AM EST

  • Tuesday: 6 AM - 8 AM EST

  • Wednesday: 11 PM - 7 AM EST

  • Thursday: 1 AM - 3 AM EST

  • Friday: 10 PM - 8 AM EST

  • Saturday: 2 AM - 3 AM EST

Why Do Gas Fees Fluctuate?

Gas fees vary widely due to several factors:

  • Network Congestion: High demand from crypto activities such as buying NFTs and DeFi trading can cause fees to spike.

  • Whale Activity: Large holders moving significant funds can temporarily increase fees.

  • Regional Patterns: Fees tend to peak during North American and European business hours (8 AM to 1 PM EST), particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when many users are active.

Tools to Monitor Gas Prices

Monitoring gas prices in real-time is key to saving money. Here are some essential tools:

  • Etherscan: Provides real-time gas prices and transaction data.

  • Gas Station Network (GSN): Offers detailed analytics and fee predictions.

  • MetaMask: Displays gas estimates directly in your wallet.

These tools help you make informed decisions and set alerts for low-fee periods.

Strategies to Reduce Gas Fees

Timing

Plan non-urgent transactions during off-peak hours. For example, scheduling transactions for early weekend mornings can cut your costs by 30-50%.

Layer 2 Solutions

Layer 2 networks like Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism process transactions off the main chain, offering massive fee reductions - often 90% or more.  Many popular DeFi platforms now operate on these networks, making them a practical option for frequent users.

Transaction Bundling

If you have multiple transactions, bundling them can save 40-50% compared to processing each one separately. This is particularly useful for complex DeFi or NFT operations.

Gas Optimization

  • Set appropriate gas limits to avoid overpaying

  • Consider using gas tokens during low-fee periods

  • Monitor network congestion before making transactions

Looking Ahead

Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake marked a significant milestone, but further upgrades aim to enhance scalability and reduce costs. Innovations like sharding and more advanced Layer 2 solutions promise a more efficient and affordable network.

Conclusion

To navigate Ethereum’s gas fee landscape effectively, follow these steps:

  1. Install a gas tracking tool.

  2. Plan non-urgent transactions for early weekend mornings.

  3. Explore Layer 2 networks for frequent activities.

  4. Set up alerts for low-fee periods.

While timing your transactions can save money, there are times when paying higher fees is worth it for urgent or time-sensitive needs. The key is understanding your priorities and leveraging the tools and strategies available.

By staying informed and planning ahead, you can reduce gas fees and get the most out of your Ethereum transactions.

About Arch

Arch is building a next-gen wealth management platform for individuals holding alternative assets. Our flagship product is the crypto-backed loan, which allows you to securely and affordably borrow against your crypto. We also offer access to bank-grade custody, trading and staking services, powered by BitGo.

ChainFi, Inc (dba "Arch Lending" and referred to as "Arch" on this website) is not a bank. 


Loan Services. Crypto backed loans (“Loans”) are offered to U.S. borrowers by ChainFi, Inc. NMLS #2637200. NMLS Consumer Access.


Loan Availability. Loan availability may vary based on jurisdiction. Loans are current not available to U.S. residents of AL, CA, DE, HI, MN, MS, MT, NV, ND, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, or WA or to U.S. businesses in CA, DC, HI, MT, NV, NM, ND, RI, SD, or VT. We encourage you to contact us to determine if our loans are available in your state.


Loan Agreement. Loans are issued pursuant to a loan agreement between Arch and you. This legally binding document outlines your rights, obligations, interest rates, repayment schedules, potential fees, default consequences, and any other terms and conditions related to your loan. Your loan agreement may contain state-specific provisions. By signing the loan agreement, you acknowledge your acceptance of these terms, so please ensure you understand every aspect before proceeding. 


Interest Rates. Annual interest rates are subject to change and may vary based on loan type, the principal amount requested, and the borrower's jurisdiction of residence. 


Supported Assets. For the latest list of supported assets, refer to our Help Center.


No Financial, Investment or Tax Advice Provided. The information on this website, articles, guides, tools, or communications, is for general informational purposes only. It is not, and should not be construed as, financial, investment, tax, or other professional advice. Arch is not a financial advisor, investment advisor, broker, tax advisor, or accounting firm. We do not provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique financial situation or goals. You should consult a qualified professional before making any financial, investment or tax decisions. Any examples, hypothetical scenarios, calculator results, or general discussions of financial or tax concepts are for illustration only and don't guarantee specific outcomes or apply to your personal circumstances. By using this website, you acknowledge you are solely responsible for your financial decisions and will seek independent professional advice as needed.


No Guarantee of Offers, Loans, or Returns. Your use or access to this website or platform does not guarantee the availability of any current and/or future offer, promotion, terms, loan, or return. All offers, promotions, terms, and loans are subject to availability and the sole discretion of Arch. We reserve the right to modify or withdraw any offering at any time without prior notice.


State-Specific Disclosures. Additional state-specific disclaimers may apply depending on your location. We encourage you to review all relevant disclaimers and terms carefully before proceeding.

*State of Idaho Disclaimer. In Idaho, ChainFi, Inc is doing business as Arch Lending and does not conduct activity under the name Arch.

ChainFi, Inc (dba "Arch Lending"), 595 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10012


For general questions, visit our Help Center or use the Intercom chat widget in the bottom right corner of any screen on this website. 


For customer service or complaints, email us at support@archlending.com, or call us toll-free: +1 855-272-4670 between Monday-Friday from 9am-7pm ET and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-5pm ET.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved

ChainFi, Inc (dba "Arch Lending" and referred to as "Arch" on this website) is not a bank. 


Loan Services. Crypto backed loans (“Loans”) are offered to U.S. borrowers by ChainFi, Inc. NMLS #2637200. NMLS Consumer Access.


Loan Availability. Loan availability may vary based on jurisdiction. Loans are currently not available to U.S. residents of AL, CA, DE, HI, MN, MS, MT, NV, ND, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, or WA or to U.S. businesses in CA, DC, HI, MT, NV, NM, ND, RI, SD, or VT. We encourage you to contact us to determine if our loans are available in your state.


Loan Agreement. Loans are issued pursuant to a loan agreement between Arch and you. This legally binding document outlines your rights, obligations, interest rates, repayment schedules, potential fees, default consequences, and any other terms and conditions related to your loan. Your loan agreement may contain state-specific provisions. By signing the loan agreement, you acknowledge your acceptance of these terms, so please ensure you understand every aspect before proceeding. 


Interest Rates. Annual interest rates are subject to change and may vary based on loan type, the principal amount requested, and the borrower's jurisdiction of residence. 


Supported Assets. For the latest list of supported assets, refer to our Help Center.


No Financial, Investment or Tax Advice Provided. The information on this website, articles, guides, tools, or communications, is for general informational purposes only. It is not, and should not be construed as, financial, investment, tax, or other professional advice. Arch is not a financial advisor, investment advisor, broker, tax advisor, or accounting firm. We do not provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique financial situation or goals. You should consult a qualified professional before making any financial, investment or tax decisions. Any examples, hypothetical scenarios, calculator results, or general discussions of financial or tax concepts are for illustration only and don't guarantee specific outcomes or apply to your personal circumstances. By using this website, you acknowledge you are solely responsible for your financial decisions and will seek independent professional advice as needed.


No Guarantee of Offers, Loans, or Returns. Your use or access to this website or platform does not guarantee the availability of any current and/or future offer, promotion, terms, loan, or return. All offers, promotions, terms, and loans are subject to availability and the sole discretion of Arch. We reserve the right to modify or withdraw any offering at any time without prior notice.


State-Specific Disclosures. Additional state-specific disclaimers may apply depending on your location. We encourage you to review all relevant disclaimers and terms carefully before proceeding.

*State of Idaho Disclaimer. In Idaho, ChainFi, Inc is doing business as Arch Lending and does not conduct activity under the name Arch.

ChainFi, Inc (dba "Arch Lending"), 595 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10012


For general questions, visit our Help Center or use the Intercom chat widget in the bottom right corner of any screen on this website. 


For customer service or complaints, email us at support@archlending.com, or call us toll-free: +1 855-272-4670 between Monday-Friday from 9am-7pm ET and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-5pm ET.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved

ChainFi, Inc (dba "Arch Lending" and referred to as "Arch" on this website) is not a bank. 


Loan Services. Crypto backed loans (“Loans”) are offered to U.S. borrowers by ChainFi, Inc. NMLS #2637200. NMLS Consumer Access.


Loan Availability. Loan availability may vary based on jurisdiction. Loans are currently not available to U.S. residents of AL, CA, DE, HI, MN, MS, MT, NV, ND, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, or WA or to U.S. businesses in CA, DC, HI, MT, NV, NM, ND, RI, SD, or VT. We encourage you to contact us to determine if our loans are available in your state.


Loan Agreement. Loans are issued pursuant to a loan agreement between Arch and you. This legally binding document outlines your rights, obligations, interest rates, repayment schedules, potential fees, default consequences, and any other terms and conditions related to your loan. Your loan agreement may contain state-specific provisions. By signing the loan agreement, you acknowledge your acceptance of these terms, so please ensure you understand every aspect before proceeding. 


Interest Rates. Annual interest rates are subject to change and may vary based on loan type, the principal amount requested, and the borrower's jurisdiction of residence. 


Supported Assets. For the latest list of supported assets, refer to our Help Center.


No Financial, Investment or Tax Advice Provided. The information on this website, articles, guides, tools, or communications, is for general informational purposes only. It is not, and should not be construed as, financial, investment, tax, or other professional advice. Arch is not a financial advisor, investment advisor, broker, tax advisor, or accounting firm. We do not provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique financial situation or goals. You should consult a qualified professional before making any financial, investment or tax decisions. Any examples, hypothetical scenarios, calculator results, or general discussions of financial or tax concepts are for illustration only and don't guarantee specific outcomes or apply to your personal circumstances. By using this website, you acknowledge you are solely responsible for your financial decisions and will seek independent professional advice as needed.


No Guarantee of Offers, Loans, or Returns. Your use or access to this website or platform does not guarantee the availability of any current and/or future offer, promotion, terms, loan, or return. All offers, promotions, terms, and loans are subject to availability and the sole discretion of Arch. We reserve the right to modify or withdraw any offering at any time without prior notice.


State-Specific Disclosures. Additional state-specific disclaimers may apply depending on your location. We encourage you to review all relevant disclaimers and terms carefully before proceeding.

*State of Idaho Disclaimer. In Idaho, ChainFi, Inc is doing business as Arch Lending and does not conduct activity under the name Arch.

ChainFi, Inc (dba "Arch Lending"), 595 Broadway, Floor 4, New York, NY 10012


For general questions, visit our Help Center or use the Intercom chat widget in the bottom right corner of any screen on this website. 


For customer service or complaints, email us at support@archlending.com, or call us toll-free: +1 855-272-4670 between Monday-Friday from 9am-7pm ET and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-5pm ET.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved