Ethereum Proposes Frame Transactions to Simplify Wallet Flows

Ethereum developers have proposed a new transaction format called Frame Transactions (EIP-8141) that would allow users to make transactions without holding ETH. This feature is scheduled for inclusion in the Hegotá update and has been discussed on social media by Vitalik Buterin.

The proposal, which separates the steps of a transaction into programmable frames, would enable wallets to handle transactions for users who do not hold ETH. The sponsor could charge the user in USDC or another ERC-20, or the application could cover the fee as part of its service.

According to the EIP, a token-paid transaction could look like this: approval, payment agreement, and execution. This would allow wallets to present the fee more clearly to users, rather than forcing them to acquire ETH before making a transaction.