2. Gas Fees & Native Tokens

Like any other network, you’ll need to hold the native token to cover gas fees on the ZetaChain network. The native token for ZetaChain is $ZETA, which is required for all on-chain transactions. If you haven’t acquired $ZETA yet, you can purchase it through an exchange that supports the token and allows on-chain transactions for the ZetaChain network. For example, you can buy and transfer $ZETA on Coinbase.

3. Adding ZetaChain to Your Wallet

Web3 wallets don’t natively support ZetaChain, so you’ll need to manually add the network using the required details. Make sure ZetaChain is added to your wallet before starting the bridging process.

Add ZetaChain to MetaMask

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How to Bridge to ZetaChain?

To bridge to ZetaChain, you will need a cross-chain bridge that supports the ZetaChain network. However, since the network is fairly new, not many cross-chain protocols support ZetaChain, which makes bridging to ZetaChain a bit limited. To address this, we have researched not only cross-chain bridge protocols but also bridge aggregators to ensure you are equipped with tools that help you bridge to and from ZetaChain across a wider range of networks.

Using ZetaHub

First on the list is the official bridge solution by ZetaChain, ZetaHub, which supports over 7 networks. ZetaHub is the most secure and reliable cross-chain bridge protocol if you’re looking to bridge to ZetaChain from various top-performing networks like Solana, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Base, BSC, and Polygon. Powered by ZetaChain, ZetaHub offers support for a variety of wallets, including MetaMask, Phantom Wallet, Binance Wallet, and more. For each bridging transaction performed, users can earn XP, which can be used for future perks and app-based rewards. Let’s take a look at how we can bridge to ZetaChain using ZetaHub.

Step 1: First, let’s head over to ZetaHub on our browser.

Step 2: ZetaHub is the place with all ZetaChain-native solutions. To bridge, click on the “Send” tab on the left pane.

Step 3: Now, simply click on the “Connect Wallet” button to connect a ZetaChain-compatible wallet to ZetaHub.

Note: By default, ZetaChain is selected as the network to bridge from. You can click on the double-sided arrow to reverse it.

Step 4: Now, select the network you wish to bridge to in the “To” field.

Step 5: If the selected network is not EVM-compatible, such as Bitcoin or Solana, you will need to connect a network-compatible wallet again by clicking on the “Connect Wallet” button.

Step 6: Now, simply enter the amount you wish to bridge to or from ZetaChain to another network.

Step 7: All the transaction details will be displayed at the bottom of the ZetaHub bridge window. Review them, and then click on the “Send” button to complete the transaction.

Using Layerswap

ZetaHub has limited network support, allowing users to bridge assets to ZetaChain only from a few popular blockchains. The other supported networks include lesser-used Layer 2 rollups. While ZetaHub is reliable, those seeking more flexibility can explore alternatives like Layerswap for bridging to ZetaChain. With support for over 53 blockchains, including both EVM-compatible and non-EVM-compatible chains such as Solana, Tron, Ton, and centralized exchanges, Layerswap simplifies asset transfers across multiple networks. Now, let’s walk through the steps to bridge to ZetaChain using Layerswap.

Step 1: Open a new tab in your browser and navigate to the Layerswap website.

Step 2: To begin, click on the “Connect Wallet” button to link your wallet to Layerswap.

Step 3: Once connected, choose the “Source” chain — the network you’re bridging from — and select the token you want to transfer from the “Asset” dropdown.

Step 4: In the “Destination” section, select ZetaChain as the network to bridge your assets to.

Step 5: Enter the amount you want to bridge and review all the transaction details.

Step 6: After confirming the details, click on the “Swap Now” button to complete the bridging process.

Using Orbiter Finance

The third option is a bridge aggregator; Orbiter Finance, supporting over 70 blockchains, making it easy to bridge to and from ZetaChain. Built on ZK-tech, Orbiter Finance functions as an Ethereum acceleration engine that improves Layer 2 (L2) performance while lowering gas fees. It acts as a secure and decentralized cross-rollup bridge within the Ethereum ecosystem, aiming to enhance interoperability between the Ethereum mainnet and rollups. Here’s how you can use Orbiter Finance to bridge to ZetaChain.

Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to Orbiter Finance.

Step 2: Next, click on “Connect Wallet” to connect your ZetaChain wallet to MetaMask.

Step 3: With the wallet connected, select the network you wish to bridge from in the “From” field, and in the “To” field, select ZetaChain.

Step 4: Then, click on the “Asset” dropdown to select the asset you wish to bridge to ZetaChain.

Step 5: After selecting the asset, enter the desired amount you wish to bridge to ZetaChain.

Step 6: You will now see all the transaction details displayed at the bottom. Click on the “Send” button to confirm the transaction.

ZetaChain Bridging Fees

Bridging fees to ZetaChain vary based on several factors. ZetaChain’s network fees are generally low, though slightly higher than those of Layer 2 solutions, typically costing just a few cents. The total cost also depends on the network you’re bridging from; for example, transferring from EVM-compatible blockchains usually incurs minimal fees.

If you use the official bridge to bridge ZetaChain to and from EVM-compatible blockchains, the fee is 2 $ZETA, which is roughly equivalent to ~$1. Platform-specific charges can further impact the overall cost, with services like bridge aggregators (e.g., Orbiter Finance) adding extra fees on top of the network fees.

Bottom Line

Interoperability has long been a challenge in crypto, with users needing multiple wallets and bridges to move assets across chains. ZetaChain addresses this by enabling seamless cross-chain transfers through its Omnichain architecture. While bridging is still evolving, options like ZetaHub and Layerswap provide reliable solutions. Users should consider network compatibility, gas fees, and bridge availability before transferring assets. As ZetaChain expands, bridging is expected to become even more streamlined.

FAQs

1. What is the Omnichain concept in ZetaChain?

ZetaChain’s Omnichain concept allows developers to create decentralized apps (dApps) that can operate seamlessly across different blockchains, addressing the interoperability challenges in the crypto space.

2. Can I bridge assets from non-EVM-compatible blockchains to ZetaChain?

Yes, bridging from non-EVM-compatible blockchains like Solana or Cosmos is possible, but it requires additional steps, such as using dedicated wallets like Solflare or connecting through specialized bridge protocols.

3. What wallets can I use for bridging to ZetaChain?

For EVM-compatible blockchains, MetaMask works perfectly. However, if you’re bridging from non-EVM-compatible blockchains, you’ll need a wallet like Solflare for Solana or Phantom for Solana-based assets.

4. What are the fees associated with bridging to ZetaChain?

ZetaChain’s network fees are typically low, costing just a few cents for most transactions. However, fees can vary depending on the network you’re bridging from. The official bridge fee for EVM-to-EVM transfers is 2 $ZETA (roughly $1).

5. Is ZetaChain a bridge how is it different from a bridge?

ZetaChain is not a bridge; it is a blockchain and interoperability platform designed with smart contracts and messaging capabilities. While you can create custom bridges using ZetaChain, it already integrates omnichain value transfer by default.