EIP-3074 is an Ethereum Improvement Proposal that introduces two new opcodes—AUTH and AUTHCALL—allowing externally owned accounts (EOAs) to delegate control to smart contracts without requiring users to migrate their existing wallets. Approved for inclusion in the upcoming Prague/Electra hard fork scheduled for early 2025, this proposal enables sponsored transactions and batch operations that significantly improve user experience while maintaining EOA compatibility.
How EIP-3074 Enables Account Abstraction Features
The AUTH opcode allows EOAs to authorize smart contracts called "invokers" through ECDSA signatures, while AUTHCALL enables these contracts to execute transactions on behalf of the authorized account. This delegation mechanism provides gas sponsorship capabilities where third parties can cover transaction fees, eliminating the need for users to hold ETH specifically for gas costs.
Unlike ERC-4337, which requires users to deploy new smart contract wallets, EIP-3074 enhances existing EOAs with advanced functionality. This approach allows millions of current Ethereum users to access features like transaction batching, social recovery, and sponsored transactions without abandoning their established accounts and assets.
Key Benefits for User Experience
Gas Sponsorship and Sponsored Transactions
EIP-3074 enables applications to cover users' gas fees, removing a significant barrier for mainstream adoption. This is particularly valuable for stablecoin applications where users can transact without needing to manage ETH for gas payments.
Transaction Batching and Atomic Operations
The proposal allows multiple operations to be executed in a single transaction, eliminating the traditional approve-then-transfer pattern for token swaps. For platforms focused on cross-chain transfers, this enables more efficient multi-step operations within unified user experiences.
Enhanced Security Through Invoker Contracts
While EIP-3074 provides powerful delegation capabilities, it includes safeguards through carefully audited invoker contracts. The authorization process is reversible, and users maintain ultimate control over their private keys throughout the delegation process.
Implementation and Security Considerations
The proposal requires a hard fork due to the introduction of new EVM opcodes, with major rollups and Ethereum clients already preparing implementations. Security considerations include rigorous auditing of invoker contracts and phishing protection registries to verify contract authenticity.
For applications building secure wallet infrastructure, EIP-3074 represents a crucial stepping stone toward full account abstraction while preserving compatibility with existing user workflows and established wallet ecosystems.