Off-Chain Transactions: Definition, Advantages, Vs. On-Chain

What Are Off-Chain Transactions (Cryptocurrency)?

Off-chain transactions refer to those transactions occurring on a cryptocurrency network that move the value outside of the blockchain. Due to their zero/low cost, off-chain transactions are gaining popularity, especially among large participants.

Off-chain transactions can be contrasted with on-chain transactions.

Understanding Off-Chain Transactions

Off-chain transactions can be better understood when compared to on-chain transactions. An on-chain transaction, simply called a transaction, occurs and is considered valid when the blockchain is modified to reflect the transaction on the public ledger. It involves the transaction being validated and authenticated by a suitable number of participants, recording the details of the transaction on the suitable block, and broadcasting the necessary information to the whole blockchain network, which makes it irreversible.

This kind of transaction can be reversed only after a majority of the network's hashing power comes to an agreement. Essentially, every step linked to an on-chain transaction occurs on the blockchain, and the blockchain status is modified to reflect the occurrence and validity of the transaction.

In contrast, an off-chain transaction takes the value outside of the blockchain. It can be executed using multiple methods.

1. There can be a transfer agreement between transacting parties.
2. Using a third party such as a guarantor who guarantees to honor the transaction. Present-day payment processors such as PayPal work on these lines.
3. A participant purchases coupons in exchange for the crypto-tokens and gives the code to another party who can then redeem them. Redemption is possible in the same cryptocurrency or in different ones, depending on the coupon service provider.

In the simplest way, two parties can even exchange their private keys involving a fixed amount of crypto coins. This way, the coins never leave the address/wallet, but the currency receives a new owner off-chain.

Off-Chain Transactions Advantages

1. They can be executed instantly. On-chain transactions, on the other hand, can have a long lag time, depending upon the network load and number of transactions waiting in the queue to be confirmed.
2. Off-chain transactions usually don't have a transaction fee, as nothing occurs on the blockchain. Since no miner or participant is required to validate the transaction, there is no fee, making it an attractive option, especially if large amounts are involved. On-chain transactions, meanwhile, may at times come at a high cost, which leads to problems of Bitcoin Dust, a situation where small amounts of bitcoins cannot be transacted due to high transaction fees.
3. Off-chain transactions offer more security and anonymity to the participants because details are not publicly broadcast. In the case of on-chain transactions, it is possible to partially determine a participant’s identity by studying transaction patterns.