Tonkeeper Pro, the advanced self-custody wallet for the TON blockchain, has integrated gasless support for USDT-TRC20 tokens. This update, powered by its Tonkeeper Battery service, eliminates the requirement for users to hold TRON's native TRX token to pay for transaction fees when sending USDT on the TRC-20 standard. Users can now preload their Battery with credits using various tokens or a bank card, and the service automatically covers the necessary energy and bandwidth costs on the TRON network.
Concurrently, TRON founder Justin Sun announced the imminent launch of a native "Gas Free" feature on the TRON network itself. Scheduled to roll out within the next week, this protocol-level update will allow users to pay transaction fees directly with USDT, bypassing the need for TRX altogether. Sun encouraged wallet teams and developers to contact JustLend DAO for integration support.
This development addresses a significant pain point, as TRC-20 USDT transfer fees have recently spiked to between $3.20 and $6.50, with some users reporting costs up to $9. The TRON network, once known for sub-dollar fees, has seen costs rise due to network demand. The gasless solutions aim to restore TRON's position as a low-cost stablecoin transfer network.
Tonkeeper's implementation is already live. Since its launch, Tonkeeper Battery has facilitated over 9 million transactions. CEO Oleg Andreev stated the move aligns with their mission to "make crypto payments easy for everyone." The TRON Foundation has been developing its gas-free feature since July 2024, facing delays from an initially planned Q4 2024 launch.
