Bitcoin transaction fees

[anonkun]

There's a thing that's been nagging me for a while is that when you send bitcoins from your wallet, it requires a transaction fee. However, on the wiki, it says something on the lines of transaction fees helping the transaction get verified quicker. If I don't care how long a transaction takes, why can't I make the fee 0? Why does the wallet force a transaction fee?

[zubelutte]

There's a thing that's been nagging me for a while is that when you send bitcoins from your wallet, it requires a transaction fee. However, on the wiki, it says something on the lines of transaction fees helping the transaction get verified quicker. If I don't care how long a transaction takes, why can't I make the fee 0? Why does the wallet force a transaction fee?

Read wiki about high priority transactions, in some cases the transaction can be free (but can take days to confirm)

[DannyHamilton]

Why does the wallet force a transaction fee?

Because you have chosen to use a wallet that enforces certain minimum fees in some situations.  If you prefer not to be forced to pay fees, then find (or pay someone to create) a different wallet program.  Be aware however, that in some circumstances your transaction will not get very far at all and may NEVER get confirmed if you don't include a reasonable fee.