Cross-chain Swapping | Users Express Frustration with Complicated Processes
Edited By
Clara Zhang
A rising number of people in the crypto community are expressing frustration over the complexities involved in swapping assets across different blockchain networks. As many feel stuck in outdated practices from 2020, discussions underscore a pressing need for more efficient solutions.
The User Experience is Lacking
It seems that a simple action, like swapping ETH for SOL or USDT, has become akin to a mini project. Complaint threads across multiple forums highlight the cumbersome steps involved:
Bridging: Users must bridge assets before they can swap, which can lead to delays.
Approval Delays: Often, an approval is needed midway, causing transactions to stall when not done in a timely manner.
Gas Fees: People face varying gas costs depending on which assets they are swapping, leading to confusion.
"The trap is the gas fees; there’s no universal gas!" one commentator remarked, emphasizing the added layer of complexity.
Vital User Perspectives
One long-standing user reported, "I find it a bit terrifying… at least with my bank app, I don’t have this level of anxiety." This sentiment seems to resonate widely, while some users showcase positive experiences with newer bridging solutions that claim to simplify the process:
Portalbridge (Wormhole): Many cited their experiences as more straightforward and user-friendly.
KONG's Chain Fusion Technology: Some users are investing in projects that rapidly facilitate swaps across chains.
Technology and Future Solutions
Bridging technologies have evolved, and some argue that understanding the underlying mechanics can help ease frustrations.
Burning and Minting: Experts explain that true bridging requires burning assets on one chain and minting them on another to prevent duplication.
Emerging Tools: Tools like Polygon Aggregator are being explored for unified liquidity across chains, although users note they are still in early stages.
People continue to grapple with managing multiple platforms, approvals, and fees.
"The whole flow feels scattered," remarked one user, reflecting the complexity of the current options available.
Key Insights from the Community
✔️ Complex Processes: Many users see cross-chain swapping as inefficient and often feel overwhelmed.
🔄 New Tools: Alternative solutions like KONG and Portalbridge show promise.
⚠️ Gas Strategy: Expect variable gas fees depending on the transaction and platform.
As the crypto world approaches 2025, will better solutions emerge, or are users fated to deal with this mess? Only time will tell.
Anticipating the Next Steps in Cross-Chain Swapping
As we move deeper into 2025, many expect improvements in cross-chain swapping processes. Experts estimate around a 60% chance that enhanced bridging technologies will emerge, driven by the growing frustration among people. Developers are aware of users' needs for faster and simpler solutions. With recent advancements from companies like Polygon and KONG, there’s potential for streamlined platforms that reduce approval delays and gas fees. If these innovations gain traction, people may find themselves swapping assets with far less hassle, ultimately building more trust in the overall process.
A Lesson from the Evolution of Online Banking
The current frustrations with cross-chain swapping echo the early days of online banking in the late 1990s, where people faced similar hurdles with complex processes. At that time, security concerns, delays, and confusing interfaces made some hesitate to fully embrace digital transactions. However, as technology improved, banking apps evolved into user-friendly platforms with quick transactions and clear interfaces. Just as online banking ultimately became a trusted norm, the expectation is that the crypto community will witness a transformation, moving from cumbersome swaps to a more seamless experience, reflecting the necessity for adaptation and growth across industries.