> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://timelessx.gitbook.io/timeless-x/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://timelessx.gitbook.io/timeless-x/smart-wallet/account-abstraction-101/what-is-paymaster.md).

# What is Paymaster?

The ERC-4337 includes a smart contract specifically designed to manage gas payment policies. This feature allows developers to offer their users gas-free experiences through sponsored transactions or by utilizing ERC-20 tokens to cover gas fees.

These policies introduce versatility in two key aspects:\
**(1)** the mode of gas payment, allowing for different currencies to be used\
**(2)** identifying who bears the cost of gas, effectively eliminating the need for users to possess native blockchain tokens for blockchain interactions.

Paymasters, a component of this system, empower developers with several capabilities:

1. <mark style="color:blue;">**Sponsoring Gas Fees**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark> Developers can cover the gas costs for their users, facilitating smoother interactions.
2. <mark style="color:blue;">**Gas Payments in Stablecoins**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark> This option allows gas fees to be paid using stablecoins, providing a more predictable expense.
3. <mark style="color:blue;">**Gas Payments in Other ERC-20 Tokens**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark> Developers can enable users to pay gas fees with a variety of ERC-20 tokens, offering greater flexibility.

<figure><img src="/files/RM8hXAXk4j1j4rmtmyl3" alt=""><figcaption><p>Paymaster</p></figcaption></figure>

> **Sources**: [Ethereum](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-4337), [ERC4337.io](https://www.erc4337.io/), [Alchemy](https://www.alchemy.com/learn/account-abstraction)