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Overview

Token Layer’s omnichain architecture allows you to seamlessly transfer tokens between different blockchain networks. This cross-chain transfer functionality is available directly from your Portfolio page.

Why Transfer Across Chains?

You might want to transfer tokens to different chains for several reasons:

Lower Fees

Move to chains with lower gas costs for trading

Access DEXes

Trade on specific DEXes only available on certain chains

Ecosystem Access

Access DeFi protocols or apps on different chains

Portfolio Optimization

Consolidate holdings or distribute across networks

How Cross-Chain Transfers Work

Token Layer handles the technical complexity of cross-chain transfers:
1

Select Source Chain

Your tokens are currently on a specific chain
2

Choose Destination Chain

Select which chain you want to move tokens to
3

Bridge Transfer

Token Layer bridges your tokens across chains
4

Tokens Arrive

Tokens appear in your wallet on the destination chain
The same token can exist on multiple chains simultaneously thanks to Token Layer’s omnichain infrastructure.

Transfer Process

Step 1: Access Portfolio

Navigate to your Portfolio page at app.tokenlayer.network/portfolio Your portfolio displays all your token holdings across all chains.

Step 2: Select Token

Find the token you want to transfer in your portfolio list. Each token shows:
  • Token name and symbol
  • Current chain
  • Balance amount
  • USD value

Step 3: Open Actions Menu

Click on the Actions button or menu for the token you want to transfer. The Actions menu provides several options including:
  • Transfer Across Chains
  • Send to Address

Step 4: Choose “Transfer Across Chains”

Select the “Transfer Across Chains” option from the Actions menu. This opens the cross-chain transfer interface.

Step 5: Configure Transfer

In the transfer interface, specify: Destination Chain:
  • Select which blockchain network to transfer to
  • See available chains (must be supported by Token Layer)
  • View estimated gas fees for destination chain
Transfer Amount:
  • Enter amount of tokens to transfer
  • Can transfer partial balance or full amount
  • Minimum amounts may apply
Review Details:
  • Source chain and balance
  • Destination chain
  • Transfer amount
  • Bridge fees
  • Estimated time
  • Gas costs

Step 6: Confirm Transfer

1

Review Transaction

Carefully verify all transfer details
2

Approve in Wallet

Confirm the transaction in your connected wallet
3

Pay Gas Fees

Transaction will include gas fees on source chain
4

Wait for Confirmation

Bridge transfer may take several minutes

Step 7: Verify Receipt

Once the transfer completes: ✅ Tokens appear on destination chain in your portfolio ✅ Transaction appears in your history ✅ Balance updates on both chains ✅ You can now trade or use tokens on new chain See Supported Networks for the complete list.

Testnet Chains

Practice transfers on testnet:
  • Base Sepolia ↔ BNB Testnet
  • Solana Devnet ↔ EVM testnets
See Testnet Guide for details.

Transfer Fees

Token Layer doesn’t charge any fees on cross-chain transfer. The only fee the user must pay are onchain execution fees that are handled by LayerZero.

Best Practices

Test Small Amounts First

Try a small transfer before moving large amounts

Check Destination

Verify you selected the correct destination chain

Monitor Gas Prices

Transfer when gas prices are lower to save fees

Keep Gas Tokens

Ensure you have native tokens for gas on both chains

Before Transferring

✅ Verify destination chain is correct ✅ Check you have enough for gas fees ✅ Confirm minimum transfer amounts ✅ Consider if transfer is necessary ✅ Check destination chain gas prices

After Transferring

✅ Wait for full confirmation ✅ Verify tokens arrived in portfolio ✅ Check transaction in block explorer ✅ Save transaction hash for records

Common Use Cases

1. Lower Trading Costs

Scenario: High Ethereum gas fees
Solution: Transfer tokens to Base or Polygon
Benefit: Trade with minimal fees

2. Access Specific DEXes

Scenario: Want to use PancakeSwap
Solution: Transfer tokens to BNB Chain
Benefit: Access BNB ecosystem

3. Consolidate Holdings

Scenario: Tokens spread across multiple chains
Solution: Transfer all to one preferred chain
Benefit: Easier portfolio management

4. Optimize for Speed

Scenario: Need fast transaction finality
Solution: Transfer to Solana or Base
Benefit: Near-instant trades

Tracking Transfers

In Portfolio

Your portfolio automatically updates to show:
  • Tokens on each chain
  • Pending transfers
  • Transfer history
  • Total balances across all chains

Transaction History

View complete transfer history:
  • Source and destination chains
  • Transfer amounts
  • Timestamps
  • Transaction hashes
  • Status (pending, completed, failed)

Block Explorers

Track transfers on block explorers:
  • Source chain: See outbound transaction
  • Destination chain: See inbound transaction
  • Bridge: Some bridges have dedicated tracking

Troubleshooting

Transfer Taking Too Long

If your transfer hasn’t arrived after expected time:
  1. Check Transaction Status: Look up transaction hash on source chain explorer
  2. Verify Confirmation: Ensure source transaction confirmed
  3. Bridge Status: Check if bridge is experiencing delays
  4. Network Congestion: High congestion can slow transfers
  5. Contact Support: If delayed beyond normal time, use chat support

Transfer Failed

If a transfer fails:
  1. Check Error Message: Review any error shown
  2. Verify Balances: Ensure sufficient tokens and gas
  3. Retry: Often failures are due to temporary issues
  4. Different Amount: Try smaller amount if near maximum
  5. Support: Contact support if issue persists

Tokens Not Showing

If tokens don’t appear on destination:
  1. Wait: May still be processing
  2. Refresh Portfolio: Reload the page
  3. Check Chain: Verify you’re viewing correct destination chain
  4. Add Token: May need to manually add token to wallet
  5. Transaction Hash: Verify on destination chain explorer

Security Considerations

Always verify you’re using the official Token Layer platform. Never approve token transfers on suspicious sites.
Best Practices:
  • Only transfer through official Token Layer interface
  • Verify destination chain before confirming
  • Keep transaction hashes for records
  • Use hardware wallets for large transfers
  • Never share private keys or seed phrases

Practice on Testnet

Test cross-chain transfers on testnet before using mainnet. Visit app-testnet.tokenlayer.network to practice.
Transfer test tokens between:
  • Base Sepolia ↔ BNB Testnet
  • Solana Devnet ↔ Base Sepolia
See Testnet Guide for getting test tokens.

Need Help?

Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner for support with cross-chain transfers.