2. Gas Fees:

Make sure you have the native token of the networks involved to cover gas fees. For Polygon, the native token is $POL, which will be required to receive tokens from the other network. Additionally, bridging transactions involve a fee known as the “destination network fee,” which will be deducted in the form of $POL. Ensure you purchase $POL from a centralized exchange, and double-check that the exchange supports Polygon network transfers, such as Binance.

 

3. Add Support to Wallet:

Ensure that the Polygon network is added to your wallet. By default, wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet only come with the Ethereum network pre-configured. You’ll need to manually add the Polygon network to use it.

 

How to Bridge to Polygon?

With the initial setup taken care of, let’s take a look at the different options available to bridge to Polygon. We will cover any official bridges if available, along with a comprehensive bridge that not only caters to EVM-compatible networks but also supports non-EVM-compatible networks. Additionally, we will explore a bridge aggregator in case the cross-chain bridge doesn’t support the network you’re looking to bridge from to Polygon.

 

Using Polygon Native Bridge

To begin with, we will be using the Polygon Bridge. The Polygon Native Bridge enables seamless asset transfers between Ethereum and Polygon networks using a decentralized mechanism. Tokens are locked on Ethereum and minted 1:1 as pegged tokens on Polygon. When bridging back, the pegged tokens are burned, and the Ethereum tokens are unlocked.

Within the bridge interface, users can also opt for third-party bridges like Socket Bridge, which is accessible on the same platform. Socket supports other Layer 2 networks such as Optimism, Arbitrum, and Base, providing broader cross-chain functionality. Additionally, the official Polygon page features links to other reliable bridging protocols, which, while not directly affiliated, reflect trusted and secure options for bridging assets to Polygon and beyond. Here is how you can use the Polygon Native Bridge to bridge to Polygon from Ethereum.

Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to the Polygon Native Bridge webpage.

Step 2: Click on the “Connect Wallet and Bridge” button to connect your Web3 wallet to the Polygon Native Bridge.

     

Step 3: Once the wallet is connected, select the “Ethereum” network in the “Transfer from” field, and then choose the token you wish to bridge from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Enter the amount you wish to bridge or use the quick tools to select a percentage of your balance for bridging.

Step 5: Move to the “Transfer to” field and select the “Polygon POS” network.

Step 6: Review the transaction details, including the estimated time and fees. Once satisfied, click on the “Swap” button to confirm your transaction.

The Polygon Native Bridge is an excellent choice for bridging assets between Ethereum and Polygon, offering reliability and security. It also supports the ongoing migration from MATIC to POL, making it a convenient option if you’re transitioning your tokens. However, if you’re seeking bridging protocols that support a broader range of Layer 2 networks or even non-EVM-compatible chains, explore the other options available for greater flexibility.

 

Using Layerswap

For a more all-round cross-chain bridge that supports Polygon, we will be using Layerswap. The main reason for choosing Layerswap is not just that it supports over 53+ blockchains, but also that it supports non-EVM-compatible chains such as Solana, Tron, and Ton, as well as centralized exchanges. Let’s take a look at the steps involved to bridge to Polygon using Layerswap.

Step 1: Let’s switch tabs on our browser and navigate to Layerswap.

Step 2: Begin by connecting your wallet to Layerswap by clicking on the “Connect Wallet” button.

    

Step 3: With the wallet connected, select the “Source” chain, which is the network from where you wish to bridge to Polygon, and then use the “Asset” dropdown to select a token to bridge.

Step 4: In the “Destination” chain, select Polygon as the network to bridge to.

Step 5: Lastly, enter the amount below to view the details of your transaction.

Step 6: After reviewing the details, click on the “Swap now” button to complete the bridge.

 

Using Rango Exchange

There are times when no bridge supports the network you want to bridge from to Polygon. In such cases, bridge aggregators can be a valuable solution, even if it means paying higher fees. Aggregators like Rango Exchange offer a variety of routes between two chains, providing options with different costs and speeds.

Rango Exchange is a prime example of a bridge aggregator. It provides a broad range of tokens and bridging choices, ensuring the most efficient transfer paths. With connections to over 100 DEXs and bridges, Rango uses smart routing to ensure optimal fees and high security. Now, let’s take a look at how to bridge to Polygon using Rango Exchange.

Step 1: Open your preferred browser and navigate to the Rango Exchange website.

Step 2: Click the “Launch App” button to access the Rango bridge aggregator platform.

Step 3: Select the blockchains and tokens you wish to bridge. For simplicity, we will be choosing stablecoins on both Polygon and the network we are bridging from.

Step 4: After reviewing your settings, click the “Connect Wallet” button to proceed.

Step 5: Once connected, go back to the swap page and enter the amount of assets you wish to bridge to Polygon.

Step 6: Rango Swap will display multiple routes for asset transfer. Choose the most appropriate one and click “Swap” to complete the transfer.

 

Polygon Bridging Fees

The bridging fees to Polygon can vary depending on factors such as the network you’re bridging from, the bridging protocol, and the price of the native token. For instance, when using the Polygon Native Bridge, the estimated cost for transferring 100 USDT from Ethereum to Polygon was $2.11, which rounds up to around 2%. However, when bridging from a Layer 2 network, the cost can be as low as $0.20 per transaction due to the lower gas fees offered by Layer 2 solutions.

 

Bottom Line

Polygon has been rapidly evolving, attracting developers and reshaping its position in the crypto space. For crypto enthusiasts eager to explore dApps built on Polygon, bridging assets to the network is straightforward, easy, and highly accessible, thanks to the various reliable solutions available.

 

FAQs

1. Can I bridge NFTs to the Polygon network?

Yes, you can bridge NFTs to Polygon using specialized NFT bridges like the Polygon NFT Bridge. Ensure that your wallet supports NFTs and that the destination network (Polygon) is added to your wallet.

 

2. Are bridging fees refundable if my transaction fails?

Bridging fees are typically non-refundable because they are consumed as gas fees or by the protocol’s operational costs. Always double-check transaction details before confirming.

 

3. How long does it take to bridge assets to Polygon?

The time depends on the bridge used and network congestion. For instance, the Polygon Native Bridge might take 7–15 minutes, while bridge aggregators like Rango may take longer due to additional routing.

 

4. Do I need $POL tokens in my wallet before bridging to Polygon?

Yes, you’ll need $POL tokens to cover the gas fees on Polygon once your assets are bridged. Make sure to purchase some $POL before initiating the transfer.

 

5. Can I bridge stablecoins like USDT or USDC to Polygon?

Absolutely! Stablecoins can be bridged to Polygon using most cross-chain bridges. Ensure that the token is supported on both the source and destination networks.