Swap vs bridge

Swap means exchanging one token for another on the same network (for example ETH → USDC on Base). Bridge means moving value across networks (for example ETH on Arbitrum → ETH on Base). In GaurdWallet both live under Exchange. For a deeper comparison, see swap vs bridge explained and the Swap & Bridge learning hub.

EVM routes are provided by LI.FI. Solana swaps use Jupiter. Quotes are fetched through GaurdWallet’s own proxy so the wallet never embeds aggregator API keys in the client. Your seed and private keys still never leave the device.

Step-by-step

  1. Open the web wallet at gaurdwallet.com/app/ (or the extension popup) and unlock.
  2. Go to Exchange. Choose Swap or Bridge.
  3. Pick the From and To assets, enter an amount, and set slippage (0.5% / 1% / 3% or custom).
  4. Wait for a live quote. Review “you receive”, minimum received, route tool, and estimated fee.
  5. Confirm. If the From asset is an ERC-20, you may first sign an exact-amount approve, then the swap or bridge transaction.
  6. For bridges, a progress card appears on the Dashboard until the destination transfer completes.
Exact approvals by default

GaurdWallet asks routers to spend only the amount you are swapping — not “unlimited”. That shrinks the blast radius if a contract is later compromised, at the cost of approving again next time.

Slippage and price impact

Slippage is how much the final price may move between quote and execution. Higher slippage makes fills more likely in volatile markets; lower slippage may cause the trade to revert. Price impact is how much your trade moves the market — if the UI warns about high impact, consider a smaller size. See also crypto slippage explained and price impact vs slippage.

What is not available yet

Bridges involving Bitcoin, Litecoin or TRON are out of scope for this release. Solana supports same-chain swaps only, not cross-chain bridges from Solana to EVM inside Exchange.

Risks to accept before you sign

  • Aggregator and bridge smart contracts are third-party software. GaurdWallet does not custody funds and has not audited every route.
  • Quotes expire quickly — if the countdown hits zero, wait for a refresh before confirming.
  • Wrong network or wrong token still loses funds. Double-check From/To networks and symbols.
  • Bridge transfers can take minutes. Do not re-send the same bridge while a status card is still pending.

Open Exchange

Ready to try it? Unlock Exchange in the web wallet and start with a small test amount on a network you already use. Prefer a checklist first? Use the bridge security checklist.