What Is a Bridge?

A bridge is a protocol used to move assets from one blockchain to another. For example, moving USDC from Ethereum to Solana, or sending ETH from BNB Chain to Arbitrum.

Different blockchains can't communicate with each other directly. A bridge creates a connection between them to make this possible.

How Does a Bridge Work?

The basic mechanic: a token on one chain is locked or burned, and an equivalent token is minted on the other chain. The bridge protocol mediates between these two steps.

Example: Ethereum to Arbitrum

1. ETH on Ethereum is sent to the bridge smart contract
2. That ETH is locked on Ethereum
3. An equivalent amount of ETH is released on Arbitrum
4. To return, the reverse process runs

Bridge vs Swap: What's the Difference?

Swap: Exchange between different tokens on the same chain (ETH to USDC, both on Ethereum).

Bridge: Move the same or different tokens between different chains (ETH on Ethereum to ETH on Arbitrum).

Some operations combine both: swapping ETH on Ethereum directly for USDC on Solana, for example. In KriptoK, this happens automatically when you select different chains on each side of the Swap screen.

Bridge Risks

• Smart contract vulnerabilities: Some of the largest crypto hacks in history have targeted bridge protocols
• Completion time: Some bridges take minutes, others hours
• Fees: Bridges typically require gas fees plus a protocol fee

Cross-Chain Swaps in KriptoK

KriptoK lets you swap assets across all 11 supported chains. On the Swap screen, simply select different chains on each side - KriptoK handles the bridging automatically under the hood. You don't need to use a separate bridge protocol or leave the app.

Want to learn more about the chains KriptoK supports? See which chains KriptoK supports.