EIP-3074 empowers Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) with smart contract-like execution capabilities, unlocking a myriad of innovative use cases.
Enhanced Usability and Security
Key Benefits of EIP-3074
- Batch Operations: EOAs can now execute multiple actions in a single transaction (e.g., approving ERC-20 tokens and swapping on Uniswap simultaneously).
- Gasless Transactions: Users can delegate transactions to relayers, eliminating the need to hold ETH for gas fees.
- Revamped Authorization: Replaces risky "unlimited approve" patterns with atomic, intent-bound approvals for improved security.
How It Works: The Invoker Contract
An Invoker Contract acts as a delegated executor for EOAs. Users sign a message specifying:
- The Invoker’s address.
- Authorized actions (
commit).
Execution Flow:
- Alice signs a message with her EOA private key.
- A relayer submits the signature to the Invoker contract.
- The Invoker verifies the signature and executes actions on behalf of Alice’s EOA (e.g., approving USDC, swapping assets, paying relayer fees).
👉 Discover how Invoker contracts prevent replay attacks
Note: Invokers must implement custom nonce mechanisms to prevent signature reuse.
Use Cases Enabled by EIP-3074
1. Batch Transactions
- Merge multiple operations (e.g., token approvals + swaps) into one transaction, reducing gas costs and signature prompts.
- Requires DApp support (e.g., via EIP-5792 for batch calls).
2. Session Keys
- Grant temporary, conditional permissions to third parties (e.g., Telegram bots) for specific actions (e.g., "Swap ≤1 ETH/day on Uniswap").
3. Native ETH Permits
- Authorize ETH transfers via signatures (similar to ERC-20
permit), enabling gasless ETH approvals.
4. Limit Orders
- Execute trades atomically when conditions are met—no pre-approvals needed.
5. Social Recovery
- Recover assets (not account control) via pre-signed EIP-3074 messages + guardian signatures if private keys are lost.
EIP-3074 vs. Traditional Authorization Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Approve | Simple to implement. | High risk (unlimited, indefinite access). |
| Permit (EIP-2612) | No upfront TX; time-bound. | Still prone to phishing (opaque intent). |
| EIP-3074 | Atomic ops; clear intent; gasless.| Requires Invoker contract integration. |
Why EIP-3074 Wins:
- Users approve only for specific actions (e.g., "Swap 100 USDC for ETH"), visible upfront.
- No ETH needed for gas fees when using relayers.
👉 Learn how EIP-3074 combats phishing
Challenges and Considerations
EOA Nonce Management
- Current EIP-3074 includes EOA nonce in signatures. If the EOA sends a regular TX (changing nonce), pending EIP-3074 authorizations expire.
- Solution: Wallet apps must queue EIP-3074 signatures like transactions or await protocol updates to decouple nonces.
Adoption Barriers
- DApps must redesign flows to leverage Invoker contracts.
- Wallets need UI upgrades to display intent simulations (e.g., "This approval will swap X tokens for Y").
FAQs
Q1: Can EIP-3074 replace MetaTransactions?
A: Yes—it offers similar gasless benefits but with native Ethereum security and clearer intent signaling.
Q2: Is EIP-3074 safe from replay attacks?
A: Only if Invoker contracts enforce nonce checks. Always audit Invoker code.
Q3: Will existing DApps break?
A: No, but they’ll need updates to support batch calls (e.g., EIP-5792) for optimal UX.
Q4: How does this affect hardware wallets?
A: Still secure—signatures occur offline, but wallets must display full action context before signing.
Conclusion
EIP-3074 reshapes Ethereum’s UX by:
- Enabling complex EOA workflows (batch calls, session keys).
- Making approvals safer and more transparent.
- Reducing reliance on ETH for gas.
The future: A shift from opaque approve/permit to intent-driven, atomic authorizations—boosting security without sacrificing convenience.