At first glance, moving tokens may seem like a straightforward process. However, transferring digital assets between different blockchains is often more complex than it appears.
To understand how cross-chain transfers work, it is important to recognize that modern blockchains do not form a single unified ecosystem. Each blockchain operates as an independent network with its own rules, infrastructure, and native assets.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, and others are separate blockchain networks that are not directly connected. As a result, tokens issued on a specific blockchain can only function within that network. For example, USDC issued on Ethereum cannot be used directly on the Solana network. It must first be transferred to that network.
If tokens created on one blockchain are sent to another network that does not support them, the assets are effectively sent to a non-existent address and may be permanently lost, with no possibility of recovery.
How to Determine Which Network Your Tokens Are On
The simplest way to identify the network of a token is to check the application where it is stored. Most wallets and services clearly indicate the active blockchain network next to the asset balance or in the settings section.
If the tokens are held on a cryptocurrency exchange, the network can usually be identified in the withdrawal section. Before completing a transaction, exchanges typically require users to select a blockchain network and display which networks are available for that specific token.
Each token also follows a specific standard that indicates the blockchain it belongs to. The most common standards include:
- ERC-20 on Ethereum
- TRC-20 on TRON
- BEP-20 on BNB Chain
- SPL on Solana
Why Transfer Tokens Between Blockchains?
The need to move tokens between blockchains arises when the characteristics of one network do not match the user’s current objective. A cross-chain transfer allows an asset to be adapted to specific conditions of use.
The main reasons for transferring tokens between networks include:
- Lower transaction fees. Transaction costs can vary significantly across blockchains. If future operations involve frequent transfers or interactions with smart contracts, moving tokens to a network with lower fees can reduce overall expenses.
- Access to specific services and protocols. Many DeFi applications and payment solutions support only selected blockchains. If a required service operates on a particular network, tokens must be transferred there in order to use it.
- Platform or counterparty requirements. Exchanges, payment providers, and other market participants may accept assets only on certain networks. In such cases, transferring tokens becomes a technical requirement to complete a transaction.
- Liquidity and strategy management. Different networks offer different trading pairs, liquidity pools, and yield opportunities. Moving tokens between blockchains allows users to reallocate capital based on market conditions or investment strategy.
Ultimately, transferring tokens between blockchains is a way to adapt an asset to a specific task. Understanding the reasons behind such transfers helps users choose the appropriate infrastructure and method more deliberately.
Main Ways to Transfer Tokens Between Blockchains
Since different blockchains are not directly connected to one another, special mechanisms, known as cross-chain solutions, are used to transfer tokens between them. In practice, there are several main approaches to such transfers. They differ in how they operate, their level of complexity, and the degree of user involvement required.
Transfers via Centralized Platforms
The most common way to move assets between blockchains is by using centralized crypto platforms. Major centralized exchanges (CEXs) and payment services support deposits and withdrawals across multiple blockchains, allowing users to choose a different network when needed.
The process typically works as follows:
- The user sends cryptocurrency to an exchange or service using one blockchain network.
- The asset is credited to the user’s balance within the platform, while the platform itself manages the network on which it was received.
- When withdrawing funds, the user selects the desired blockchain network and receives the cryptocurrency on that network.
From the user’s perspective, the process resembles a standard withdrawal. There is no need to understand which technical mechanisms are involved, whether tokens are locked or minted, or what confirmations are required.
This approach is implemented by platforms such as Binance, OKX, Bybit, and Coinbase, where the same asset can be withdrawn across different blockchain networks.
Transfers via Blockchain Bridges
Blockchain bridges operate based on the principle of wrapped tokens. First, tokens are locked on the original network, meaning they can no longer be used or spent there. Then, an equivalent amount of tokens is created on another blockchain and sent to the user’s address. As a result, the total supply remains unchanged, but the assets become available on a different network. When a user wants to move the tokens back, the process works in reverse. The equivalent tokens on the second network are burned, and the original tokens are unlocked on the initial blockchain.
From the user’s perspective, using a blockchain bridge looks like a standard transfer. The user selects the network, chooses the token, and confirms the transaction. However, several practical limitations should be considered. Among them:
- Bridges almost always require transaction fees on two networks — on the source network for sending the tokens and on the destination network for receiving them or performing further actions.
- The transfer may take longer than a regular transaction within a single blockchain. In some cases, it takes minutes; in others, it may be delayed due to network congestion or additional confirmation requirements.
- Bridges also have support limitations. Not every bridge works with all networks or tokens, and some services may impose transfer limits or temporarily disable certain routes.
Finally, a bridge represents an additional layer of blockchain infrastructure. For this reason, it is important to use well-established solutions and carefully verify the selected network and token before confirming the transaction.
Among the most widely used cross-chain bridges are:
- Wormhole — one of the largest cross-chain protocols, supporting Ethereum, Solana, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, and several other networks.
- Multichain (formerly Anyswap) — a cross-chain liquidity protocol that enables transfers across dozens of networks and is widely used for moving stablecoins and DeFi assets between Ethereum, Fantom, BNB Chain, and others.
- Stargate — a solution built on LayerZero infrastructure, designed to transfer native liquidity without issuing synthetic tokens. It supports Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, BNB Chain, and other networks.
- Polygon PoS Bridge — the official bridge between Ethereum and the Polygon network, used for transferring ERC-20 and ERC-721 assets.
- Avalanche Bridge (AB) — a solution for moving assets between Ethereum and Avalanche’s C-Chain, optimized for lower fees and faster confirmations.
- Arbitrum Bridge — the native bridge for transferring assets between Ethereum and the Arbitrum Layer 2 network.
- Optimism Gateway — the official cross-chain bridge between Ethereum and the Optimism Layer 2 solution.
Transfers via Cross-Chain Aggregators
In some cases, cross-chain transfers are carried out through wallet interfaces and aggregator platforms that combine multiple technologies into a single process. For the user, such a transaction may appear as a simple transfer or swap, although at the technical level it involves interaction with bridges and smart contracts.
Some wallets and services allow users to select both the source and destination networks within a single interface, after which all necessary steps are executed automatically. This functionality is available in:
- MetaMask Bridges — an interface within the MetaMask wallet that aggregates offers from various cross-chain bridges to transfer assets between Ethereum and Layer 2 networks.
- LI.FI — a cross-chain aggregator integrated into wallets and dApps. It combines routes across dozens of bridges and DEXs, automatically building the optimal path based on price, slippage, and fees.
- Rango Exchange — a cross-chain swap aggregator supporting multiple EVM networks, enabling inter-network swaps within a single transaction flow.
- Socket — an infrastructure protocol for cross-chain routing that simplifies transfers and removes the need to manually select a specific bridge.
- 1inch Cross-Chain Swap — a cross-chain protocol within the 1inch aggregator that combines DEX aggregation and bridges to optimize pricing and execution speed.
Unlike standalone blockchain bridges, these solutions function as aggregation layers. The user interacts with a single interface, while the system routes the transaction through one or several underlying protocols. This reduces operational complexity but introduces a dependency on the infrastructure of the selected aggregator.
Cross-chain transfers are not simply a “regular send,” but a technical operation that requires choosing the appropriate infrastructure. Users must consider the source and destination networks, the token standard, transaction fees, and supported transfer routes. A deliberate choice of transfer method helps prevent loss of funds and reduce costs when working across different blockchain ecosystems.
