Gone are the days when Ethereum was the only blockchain in focus.
With the rise of EVM-compatible networks, projects now deploy on alternative chains to leverage lower fees and faster transactions. While bridging tokens between chains has become common, did you know you can swap and bridge simultaneously? This is the power of cross-chain swaps—a seamless way to exchange tokens across different networks in a single transaction.
How Cross-Chain Swaps Work
Cross-chain swaps allow you to:
- Sell a token on Network A (e.g., Ethereum)
- Receive a different token on Network B (e.g., Polygon)—all in one step.
Traditional vs. Cross-Chain Swaps
| Method | Steps Required | Gas Costs | Time Efficiency |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------|-----------------|
| Traditional | Swap → Bridge → Swap | High | Slow |
| Cross-Chain Swap | Single transaction | Low | Fast |
Use Cases
- Gas Token Conversion: Need MATIC on Polygon but only hold ETH? Swap directly.
- Stablecoin Arbitrage: Move USDC from Arbitrum to Optimism without intermediate steps.
Behind the Scenes: Tech Stack
Cross-chain swaps rely on:
- DEX Aggregators (e.g., Matcha, 1inch)
- Bridges (e.g., Socket, LayerZero)
- Smart Contracts to coordinate transactions atomically.
👉 Explore Cross-Chain Swaps with Zerion
Popular Protocols
- Socket: Powers Zerion and Matcha, aggregating 15+ bridges for optimal routes.
- Zerion Wallet: Mobile-friendly swaps with a 0.5% fee (waived for Premium users).
- Matcha: Offers limit orders and MEV protection for advanced traders.
Step-by-Step Guide
Using Zerion
- Select tokens/networks (e.g., ETH → MATIC).
- Confirm the transaction.
- Wait for the destination chain’s transfer (usually <1 hour).
Using Matcha
- Standard Mode: Free but slower.
- Auto Mode: 0.15% fee for MEV protection and gas optimization.
FAQ
How long do cross-chain swaps take?
Typically minutes to an hour, depending on network congestion.
Are cross-chain swaps safe?
Yes! They use non-custodial smart contracts—you control your assets throughout.
Which tokens support cross-chain swaps?
Most major stablecoins (USDC, DAI) and native tokens (ETH, MATIC) are eligible.
👉 Start Swapping Across Chains Today
Key Takeaways
- Save time and gas by combining swaps/bridges.
- No intermediary steps—just one transaction.
- Use aggregators like Zerion for the best rates.
Cross-chain swaps are revolutionizing DeFi liquidity. Ready to try them?
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