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How Swaps.xyz works

Learn how to use Swaps.xyz for same-chain and cross-chain crypto swaps, what fees to expect, and how to track your transactions.

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Overview


Want to swap one token for another — on the same chain or across chains? That’s exactly what Swaps.xyz helps you do. It powers fast, best-rate swaps behind apps and wallets, including MoonPay.

The best part? Swaps are non-custodial, meaning you control your funds at all times, and transactions don’t require your funds to pass through an intermediary. Instead:

  • You connect your wallet inside an app that integrates Swaps (like MoonPay)

  • Swaps builds the route and call data

  • You sign and send the transaction directly from your own wallet

There’s no Swaps.xyz account to create, and no KYC to go through — you stay fully in control.

What is a swap, a bridge, and a cross-chain call?


  • Swap: Convert one token for another on the same chain

  • Bridge: Move a token from one chain to another

  • Cross-chain call: Do a bridge or swap before automatically interacting with a contract on the destination chain (e.g., deposit, repay, mint)

Key benefits


  • Best available rates across multiple supported liquidity sources

  • Same-chain and cross-chain swaps supported

  • Non-custodial — you hold the keys, you control the funds

  • Fast settlement means swaps can complete in seconds

  • Seamless in-app flow with MoonPay’s Convert feature

Supported chains and tokens


Supported chains and tokens are subject to change. For the most up-to-date list, check the Swaps.xyz documentation.

Tracking your transaction


Once you’ve signed, you’ll see a transaction hash and (when applicable) a corresponding scanner link. You can:

  • Track it on block explorers like Etherscan or Solscan

  • For bridges, check cross-chain explorers like Wormholescan, Axelarscan, or LayerZero Scan

  • Keep an eye out — we’re also building a refreshed Swaps cross-chain scanner

Fees and gas


You’ll always pay gas on the chain where your swap starts.Depending on how your route is built, other fees may also apply — such as bridge fees, destination gas, partner fees, or Moonpay fees.

  • Gas: You always pay gas on the source chain

  • Bridge/liquidity provider fee: Baked into the route. The fee goes to the liquidity providers—the ones who supply the tokens or capital that make trading possible on the protocol

  • Destination execution gas: Some bridges may deduct this from the amount you receive

  • Integrator/affiliate fees: May apply depending on the frontend platform/app you‘re using to access Swaps.xyz

  • MoonPay Convert fee: Applies if you’re converting directly in the MoonPay app

Important: You must always hold enough of the chain’s native token (like ETH on Ethereum) to cover gas. Without gas, your swap won’t go through.

Wrapped tokens


Sometimes bridges mint new tokens on the destination chain — often called wrapped tokens (like anyUSDC or hTokens) — if native liquidity is tight or the bridge is designed that way. Many routes will auto-swap back into the canonical token, but if you end up with a wrapped version, you can simply “unwrap” it by performing an additional swap into the canonical token.

Tip: If you don’t see your wrapped token in your wallet, add the contract address manually. You can find it on a blockchain explorer.

FAQs


Is Swaps.xyz custodial?

No. Swaps are non-custodial. You always sign from your wallet — MoonPay never holds your funds.

Do I need to approve tokens?

Yes. For many ERC-20s, you’ll need to grant a token approval so the contract can move your tokens for the swap. You can later revoke approvals through tools like Etherscan Token Approvals or Revoke.cash.

How long do swaps take?

It depends:

  • EVM↔EVM swaps: often just seconds

  • EVM↔Solana: sometimes under ~10 seconds

  • Other alt-L1s: can take minutes, depending on congestion

Your quote always shows the expected timeframe.

Why is my received amount lower than quoted?

The quoted received amount is an estimate only and not guaranteed. The routes build in conservative minimums to facilitate execution, but the final amount can be lower because:

  • Slippage: Price may move while your transaction is being processed

  • Fees: Network and bridge fees are dynamic and are deducted from the total

  • Liquidity Limits: Some tokens may be partially swapped, leaving remaining amounts returned to you unswapped

  • Cross-chain routes: Extra price impact and market movement can occur when bridging between chains.

Are there minimums or maximums?

Yes. Some chains enforce limits. If a quote doesn’t form, try a smaller or larger amount — or pick a different token.

For details, see Swaps.xyz chain support notes:

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