A bridge lets you use an asset on a different chain. Most work by locking or burning tokens on one side and releasing or minting a representation on the other. Bridges hold large pools and have been frequent targets of exploits, so choose and use them with care.
Pick the route carefully
- Prefer bridges with a long operating history, public audits and a clear record of how they handled past incidents.
- Use the bridge linked from the official site of the chain or project, not a link from a message or ad.
- Understand what you receive. A wrapped or bridged version of a token is a claim on the bridge, not the original asset, and it can trade at a different price.
Before you send
- Check the destination chain and address twice. Sending to the wrong network can lose funds.
- Send a small test amount first, especially on a route you have not used.
- Make sure you will have the native token for gas on the destination chain.
- Compare total cost: fees, gas on both sides, and the price you effectively get.
After you arrive
Do not leave approvals open for the bridge contract. Review allowances after a large transfer, and confirm the balance on a block explorer instead of trusting the app screen alone.