When you move crypto between chains, the process of sending digital assets from one blockchain network to another, you’re not just changing wallets—you’re crossing digital borders. It’s like mailing a letter from the U.S. to Japan, but instead of a postal service, you’re using a crypto bridge, a smart contract system that locks your coins on one chain and releases equivalent tokens on another. These bridges are the invisible highways connecting Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and dozens of other networks. But unlike regular banks, there’s no customer support if something goes wrong.
Most people try to cross-chain transfer, the technical term for moving crypto from one blockchain to another because they want to use a cheaper network, access a new DeFi app, or avoid slow transaction times. But here’s the catch: if you send Bitcoin to an Ethereum address, or send ETH using a Solana wallet, your coins are gone—forever. That’s not a glitch. That’s how blockchains work. They don’t talk to each other by default. That’s why blockchain interoperability, the ability for different blockchains to exchange data and value securely matters. It’s not magic. It’s code. And like any code, it can break.
You’ll see tools like Wormhole, LayerZero, and Multichain pop up everywhere. They promise fast, cheap transfers. But not all are created equal. Some have been hacked. Others charge hidden fees. And some only support a handful of tokens. If you’re moving more than a few hundred dollars, check the bridge’s audit history. Look for reports from CertiK or OpenZeppelin. Don’t trust a tool just because it’s popular on Twitter. Also, remember that when you move crypto, you’re not moving the original coin—you’re getting a wrapped version. That wrapped token is only as good as the bridge that created it. If the bridge shuts down, your wrapped ETH on Polygon might become worthless.
There’s also the wallet side. If you’re using MetaMask or Phantom, make sure you’re on the right network before you hit send. Switching networks in your wallet is simple, but it’s easy to forget. One wrong click and your funds are stuck in a limbo state—visible on the blockchain, but unreachable because your wallet doesn’t recognize the chain. Always test with a tiny amount first. Even $1 is enough to confirm the path works.
Why does this matter now? Because more apps are built on chains other than Ethereum. If you’re holding SOL, AVAX, or MATIC, you’ll need to move crypto between chains to join the parties happening on those networks. And if you’re holding Bitcoin but want to use DeFi, you’ll need to wrap it into WBTC. It’s not optional anymore—it’s part of the workflow. The good news? Once you get the hang of it, it’s faster than sending a wire transfer. The bad news? One mistake costs you everything.
Below, you’ll find real guides that walk you through the most common transfers, expose the hidden traps, and show you which bridges still work after the 2022-2023 hacks. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to move your crypto without losing it.
Cross-chain bridges let you move crypto like ETH or USDC between blockchains without exchanges. Learn how they work, which ones are safe, real use cases, and how to avoid losing money on scams or stuck transfers.
