Moving your existing assets to the Aptos blockchain is a great way to enjoy the benefits of the fast-growing network. The Aptos Layer 1 blockchain network offers enhanced security, high speed, cheap transaction fees, and several other packages. The safest way to bridge to Aptos is via the official AptosBridge; however, other secure options are available. This article provides a step-by-step guide showing you how to bridge to the Aptos network within a few minutes.
Can I Bridge to Aptos?
Yes, you can use reputable cross-chain bridges to transfer tokens to the Aptos blockchain whenever you need to. Typically, bridges that transfer tokens to Aptos are designed to fit the blockchain’s Move-based technology. This ensures secure bridging of tokens like ETH, SOL, and USDT, among others, to Aptos, often at a reasonable cost.
After bridging, you’ll need a wallet like Aptos Connect, Petra, or Ponten to store and manage your tokens. These are some of the best Aptos wallets, offering access to popular Aptos-native apps such as Aries Markets for decentralized lending and Hyperion, a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on Aptos.
Additionally, ensure that the wallet you’re bridging from has enough funds to cover the fees needed for bridging assets to Aptos. However, we recommend using the official Aptos bridge for low-cost transfers and optimal security, although several reputable alternatives exist.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
1. Wallet
The first step in bridging to Aptos is setting up your Web3 wallets. Ensure the tokens you want to bridge are stored in a secure wallet (e.g., Metamask for bridging from Ethereum). Also, set up your preferred Aptos wallet to receive, store, and manage tokens when they’re bridged. There are lots of Aptos wallets available to choose from, but ensure your choice features high security, speed, and Aptos compatibility.
2. Gas Fee
Bridging assets to Aptos is not free of charge. You’ll need to pay gas fees and, in some cases, extra bridging fees depending on the amount of tokens and network you’re bridging from. Fees vary between bridges, and it is also affected by network congestion. Some bridges also deposit a small amount of APT to your wallet if it’s empty, to cover Aptos-side registration and gas (e.g., cBridge’s free 0.15 APT for new users). Keep extra tokens to cover gas fees before attempting to bridge to Aptos.
3. Add Support to Wallet (if Needed)
If it’s your first time receiving a token on Aptos or using a non-native wallet, you may need to “register” it within your Aptos wallet to see or claim it. Aptos is non-EVM compatible, so EVM wallets like Metamask cannot store Aptos assets. For a better experience, use Aptos-compatible wallets, such as Petra, Aptos Connect, and many others.
How to Bridge to Aptos
Once your wallet is set up with sufficient funds for gas and transaction fees, you’re ready to bridge. Now, you need to find a reputable cross-chain bridge that supports transfers between the assets you want to bridge and Aptos. Although several bridges are available, ensure you use a secure one to avoid losing your funds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bridge to Aptos using some of the best bridges:
1. Using AptosBridge
AptosBridge is the official Aptos bridging solution, popular for its speed, security, and reliability. The platform is the most efficient, handling over $5 billion in transfers from Ethereum, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and Polygon. With AptosBridge, you can securely move USDC, USDT, WETH, WBTC, USDD, and OFTs into Aptos. Here’s how to bridge to Aptos using the official AptosBridge:
Step 1: Visit the AptosBridge official website.
Step 2: Connect the EVM wallet containing assets you want to bridge and an Aptos wallet.
Step 3: Select your source network (and token) and choose Aptos as the destination.
Step 4: Confirm the bridge details and authorize the transfer in your wallet.
Step 5: Open your Aptos wallet and refresh (if needed) to view the deposited tokens. Assets typically arrive on Aptos within minutes.
2. Using Portal Bridge
Portal Bridge is a popular cross-chain bridging option that supports several network transfers, including Aptos. One unique feature of the bridge is its support for EVM and non-EVM blockchain networks. The platform is ideal for bridging Solana, Aptos, Sui, Ethereum, Base, etc., at near-zero fees. Follow the steps below to bridge to Aptos using Portal Bridge:
Step 1: Navigate the Portal Bridge website.
Step 2: Select the source chain and token, then choose Aptos as the destination chain.
Step 3: Choose the token you want to transfer and specify the amount. Portal Bridge supports several tokens, including ETH, USDC, USDT, DAI, WBTC & more.
Step 4: Connect the EVM/non-EVM wallet containing the assets you want to bridge, and an Aptos wallet (e.g., Pontem, Aptos Connect).
Step 5: Enter the destination Aptos wallet address, review the details, and confirm the transaction.
3. Using RocketX Exchange
RocketX is a multifunctional platform for crypto trading, swaps, and bridging. The cross-chain bridge facilitates transfers between various networks, including Arbitrum, Ethereum, Aptos, Solana, and others. RocketX’s bridging fees are also relatively low, making it an ideal option for cutting costs while facilitating bridge transfers to Aptos.
Step 1: Visit RocketX Exchange on your preferred browser.
Step 2: Select your source network, such as Ethereum or other supported EVM/non-EVM chains.
Step 3: Link your cryptocurrency wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Rabby) to RocketX and ensure it has sufficient funds.
Step 4: Enter the amount of crypto you want to transfer, then insert your Aptos wallet address in the space provided.
Step 5: Click on cross-chain swap and confirm the transaction in your wallet.
Aptos Bridging Fees
Fees attached to transfers into the Aptos network include bridging and/or network fees, depending on the policy of the bridge you choose. The official AptosBridge and Portal charge no bridging fees. However, users must pay the gas (network) fee to complete the transaction. On average, network and gas fees are usually below $1, depending on the size of transferred tokens and network congestion at the time of transfer.
Bottom Line
Bridging assets to Aptos has become straightforward and affordable, thanks to reputable cross-chain bridges like AptosBridge, Portal, and RocketX. These bridges support fast, cross-chain transfers with minimal fees, while others feature helpful tools like automatic APT airdrops for new users. Follow the steps shown in this post to bridge to Aptos within minutes. Also, ensure you have the right wallets, one to pay gas and another to receive new tokens on your Aptos wallet.
FAQs
1. Are there fees to move tokens back from Aptos to other chains using AptosBridge?
Yes, AptosBridge charges an outbound StarGateDAO fee of 0.07% (7bps) when bridging from Aptos to EVM networks.
2. Which token offers the best liquidity for bridging to Aptos?
USDC provides the deepest liquidity when bridging onto Aptos, mainly due to Aptos Labs’ direct partnership with Circle. Users can bridge USDC transactions of over $1 million with virtually zero slippage.
3. What if I don’t have APT in my wallet on Aptos?
If applicable, you must fund your wallet with APT tokens to cover bridging fees. Also, bridges like cBridge and PancakeSwap may include a small APT deposit to help with token registration and gas.
4. How long does it take to bridge to Aptos?
Cross-chain transfers to Aptos take just a few minutes, often below 5 minutes. Token arrival, however, depends on finality times and network congestion.
5. Can I Bridge Bitcoin (BTC) directly to Aptos?
Yes, you can bridge Bitcoin onto Aptos using wrapped Bitcoin tokens such as WBTC or BTC.b. These tokens allow Bitcoin holders to participate seamlessly in Aptos’ DeFi ecosystem.
