MetaMask to expand support to Bitcoin and Solana networks, eventually remove gas fees

The Bitcoin network will be integrated sometime in the third quarter, while Solana will become the first non-Ethereum Virtual Machine chain that MetaMask supports in May

Crypto self-custodial wallet MetaMask is set to expand support to the Bitcoin and Solana networks and eventually remove gas fees as part of a roadmap of updates for the year.

The Bitcoin network will be integrated sometime in the third quarter, while Solana will become the first non-Ethereum Virtual Machine chain that MetaMask supports in May, MetaMask’s Dan Finlay said in a Feb. 27 post.

Gas-included swaps — allowing users to swap two tokens and by paying with the token they’re swapping — will soon be upgraded to allow users to pay in any token they hold.

MetaMask added that it eventually hopes to eliminate gas for users completely.

MetaMask is also rolling out a new home screen that will show all of its assets across many chains rather than having to navigate through each one.

Preview of MetaMask’s soon-to-be home screen. Source: MetaMask

“Users don’t want to think about another game mechanic every time they make an action,” MetaMask explained in why it is looking to offer a more simple, easy-to-use wallet.

Expanding on MetaMask’s transition to smart transactions, the wallet provider will also implement ERC-5792, known as batched transactions, where users can perform common sequences of transactions like “Approve & Swap” in one click, saving them time and fees.

MetaMask will also move from Externally Owned Accounts to smart-contract-based accounts. This will allow new, powerful uses of user assets while simultaneously improving security.

The firm will also add a feature where multiple Secret Recovery Phrases can be managed from one wallet.

MetaMask’s new developments received praise from X user fair.eth, who noted that MetaMask has likely bled considerable market share from competitor wallets Phantom and Rabby lately.

Both crypto wallets support Solana, where many of the top-performing tokens from the 2024 memecoin craze were traded.

MetaMask unveils its own crypto card, new logo

The company also launched MetaMask Card, aimed at bringing crypto into the “real world.”

“Leveraging Mastercard’s payment network, MetaMask Card connects your self-custody wallet with millions of vendors around the world,” the company explained.

MetaMask Cards, already eligible in certain countries, will also showcase the company’s new logo.

Newly launched MetaMask Card in select countries. Source: MetaMask