Can a Miner Choose to Process a Transaction with a Zero Fee?

Yes, a cryptocurrency miner can technically choose to include a transaction with a zero fee in a block they mine. Miners are free to select which valid transactions from the mempool they include.

While most miners prioritize transactions with higher fees for maximum profit, they can override this for specific reasons, such as including their own transaction or one from a partner. This choice is entirely up to the individual miner's policy and discretion.

It is not mandatory to exclude zero-fee transactions.

Why Might a Miner Prioritize a Zero-Fee Transaction over a Low-Fee One?
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Does a High Gas Fee Guarantee a Transaction Will Be Included in the Very Next Block?
How Could Options or Derivatives Contracts Be Designed to Only Be Settled between Holders of Valid DIDs?
What Is the Opportunity Cost of Including a Zero-Fee Transaction in a Full Block?
Can a Zero-Fee Transaction Still Be Confirmed on a Congested Network?
What Is the Primary Incentive for a Miner to Prioritize High-Fee Transactions?

Glossar