Cross-chain swaps explained

The problem it solves

Blockchains do not talk to each other. Bitcoin cannot natively send to an Ethereum address, and Solana cannot read an XRP balance. Moving value between them needs something that holds liquidity on both sides.

A cross-chain swap handles that for you. You send the asset you have on its own chain, and you receive the asset you want on its own chain.

How a deposit-address swap works

The flow has the same shape on every pair:

• Pick the asset you send and the asset you want, and an amount.
• Provide the address that should receive the result, and a refund address.
• You get a quote and a one-time deposit address on the sending chain.
• Send the exact amount to that address, on the right network.
• The provider detects the deposit, performs the swap, and pays the output to your address.

Swap versus bridge

A bridge moves the same asset between chains, usually as a wrapped or representative token. A a swap converts one asset into a different one. Many users who search for a bridge actually want a swap, because they want the other chain's native asset.

Bridges can add steps and, for wrapped tokens, extra trust in the bridge. A swap that pays out the native asset avoids holding a wrapped token.

What to check before you send

• The network. USDT on one network is not the same as USDT on another.
• The exact amount in the quote. A different amount can change or fail the swap.
• The memo or destination tag, when a chain requires one.
• The quote expiry. A deposit address is tied to a quote and should not be reused.
• Provider minimum and maximum amounts.

How Sense Swap fits

Sense Swap compares independent swap providers, shows the quote and limits, and gives you a one-time deposit address. You do not connect a wallet, and we do not hold your funds.