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How can hbar be profitable despite low fees?

Hedera's Profitability Debate | Low Fees vs. Volume Growth

By

Fatima Ahmed

Aug 23, 2026, 03:59 PM

Edited By

Liam O'Reilly

2 minutes of reading

Illustration showing HBAR logo with rising graph and coins symbolizing profit despite low fees
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A heated discussion unfolds around Hedera's potential profitability, as skeptics question how the network can thrive with minimal transaction fees. Users argue Hedera’s model hinges on mass adoption rather than high fees to create value for its native asset, HBAR.

Understanding Hedera's Fee Structure

Hedera's transaction fees sit at a fraction of traditional platforms, generally around a few cents per HBAR transfer. This model encourages high volume usage, with many proponents believing that achieving billions of transactions is the key to profitability. As one contributor emphasized, "the investment thesis isn’t about high fees β€” it’s about sustained demand driven by adoption."

The Efficiency Factor

Many highlight Hedera's operational efficiency. For instance, while Visa consumes over 3 million kWh for a billion transactions, Hedera only uses around 3,000 kWh, leading to significantly lower operational costs. Commenters noted that the electricity expense for Hedera would amount to approximately $810, compared to Visa's staggering $800,000 for the same transaction volume.

The Road Ahead for HBAR

Yet, the real concern remains whether Hedera can capture enough meaningful, sustained usage. Some users point out that the platform was built for high-volume applications but currently lacks viable projects to drive significant traffic. As one person put it, "Hedera’s challenge is gaining real projects to ensure long-term growth."

Insights from Community Discussions

Discussions reflect a mix of optimism and caution among community members:

  • πŸ’‘ "High transaction volume creates demand for HBAR due to limited supply."

  • πŸ“‰ "Right now, we need 1,500 transactions per second to break even."

  • πŸ—οΈ "Hedera’s potential hinges on onboarding viable projects for sustained growth."

"If Hedera gets it right with real use cases, we could see significant growth."

Key Developments Ahead

  • Potential Growth: More demand for HBAR as network usage increases.

  • Sustainability Concerns: Current transaction volumes are below expectations, necessitating a shift.

  • Long-Term Outlook: Successful implementation and timing could unlock high reward for early investors.

As the year progresses, all eyes are on Hedera’s drive toward mass adoption to maintain its competitive edge. The community watches keenly, pondering whether Hedera can sustain its ambitious objectives.

Predictions on HBAR's Path Forward

There’s a strong chance Hedera can amplify its transaction volume within the next year, especially if it successfully attracts large-scale applications. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that new partnerships will emerge, enhancing network usage. This surge in volume could create greater demand for HBAR, lifting its value over time. However, community concerns about the current lack of significant projects remain valid; if Hedera can't onboard these ventures, the projected growth may stall. Therefore, the outlook hinges on achieving a delicate balance between adoption and maintaining operational efficiency, which is essential for attracting long-term investors.

A Unique Historical Parallel

Consider the early days of the internet in the 1990s: much like Hedera today, it struggled to find its footing amid skepticism over its profitability model. Companies like Amazon began with a focus on volume over immediate profits, believing that continual adoption would pay dividends in the long run. Just as online shoppers needed to become comfortable with digital transactions, Hedera must still cultivate its user base. This journey from uncertainty to mainstream acceptance serves as a reminder that innovation often requires patience and a vision that extends beyond short-term profits.