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Frustration with crypto swap routes: what's going on?

Confusion in Crypto: Users Frustrated Over Swap Routes | High Fees Spark Backlash

By

Amina Noor

Feb 19, 2026, 02:45 PM

Edited By

Miyuki Tanaka

2 minutes reading time

A person sitting at a computer, looking frustrated while trying to swap cryptocurrencies on a platform, surrounded by graphs and digital currency icons.

A growing discontent among crypto enthusiasts is surfacing as many people struggle with swap transactions. Users report increased gas costs and chaotic experiences when trying to trade tokens across decentralized exchanges.

Recent Frustrations in Crypto Trading

Users took to forums to express their irritation during swaps. An individual shared a 40-minute ordeal attempting to swap $90's worth of crypto between Uniswap and 1inch, only to face an alarming spike in gas feesโ€”reported as high as $18.

"Why does it feel like banking from 2010?" they remarked, highlighting a frustrating experience typical for many in the 2026 crypto landscape.

Many echoed similar sentiments. One user described a failed transfer from Arbitrum, suffering from randomly inflating fees mid-swap. "Look, I can wait if they be like that," they added, emphasizing a growing trend among users who are willing to step back from crypto trades until conditions improve.

Common Themes Among Users

  1. Rising Gas Fees

Gas prices have become a significant concern. Many report unexpected spikes during transactions, leading to increased costs and frustration.

  1. Swapping Complexity

Crypto trades across platforms can feel overwhelming. Individuals compare it to math homework, suggesting that finding the optimal route isnโ€™t easy to crack.

  1. Liquidity Issues

Several comments hinted at liquidity affecting swap success rates, claiming certain token pairs are difficult to trade successfully.

User Responses and Experiences

Quotes reveal a mix of resignation and humor among people navigating these challenges:

  • "The only grade Iโ€™m getting is R for Rekkt by gas fees."

  • "Some pairs are cursed everywhere."

As frustrations build, people wonder if this chaotic environment will deter new investors from entering the market. โ€œIs the swap chaos here to stay?โ€

User Sentiment Analysis

Overall, responses range from mildly humorous to outright exasperation, reflecting a community grappling with persistent issues.

Important Insights:

  • ๐Ÿšฉ Gas fees spiking can lead to costly transactions.

  • ๐Ÿค” Complexity of current trading routes deters new users.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Certain token liquidity impacts swap feasibility.

As the crypto world evolves, the push for smoother experiences and lower fees continues, revealing the ongoing uncertainty within this dynamic field.

Market Trends on the Horizon

Looking ahead, thereโ€™s a strong chance that the crypto community will push for more user-friendly platforms. Many believe that if gas fees continue to soar, we may see a significant drop in trading activity. Experts estimate around a 20% decrease in transaction volumes if costs do not stabilize. Additionally, some platforms may implement changes to simplify swap processes, which could entice hesitant investors back into the fold. However, the pressing question remains: will these adjustments come swiftly enough to retain the interest of new participants?

A Historic Parallel Worth Noting

A unique parallel can be drawn to the early days of e-commerce in the late 1990s. Just as online buyers faced outrageous shipping costs and clunky payment processes that drove many away, today's crypto traders are battling high gas fees and complex swap routes. Back then, the eventual rise of more efficient logistics and simpler checkout mechanisms changed the landscape and turned e-commerce into a household staple. This transformation could very well happen in crypto too, provided the industry prioritizes enhancing user experiences.