Bridging assets to Polygon has become a go-to strategy for crypto users looking to reduce transaction costs and access high-performance decentralized applications. As one of the leading Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, Polygon offers faster transactions and lower fees—making it a favorite among DeFi enthusiasts, NFT traders, and Web3 developers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven reliable ways to bridge to Polygon, compare their features, and help you choose the best option based on security, supported chains, fees, and ease of use.
Why Bridge to Polygon?
Before diving into the bridges, it's important to understand why users move assets to Polygon. The blockchain is designed as a scaling solution for Ethereum, addressing its main limitations: high gas fees and slow transaction speeds.
With over $950 million in total value locked (TVL) and tens of thousands of dApps in its ecosystem, Polygon supports everything from decentralized exchanges (DEXs) to NFT marketplaces and gaming platforms. To interact with these services, you need MATIC—the native token—for gas fees.
👉 Discover how easy it is to start your cross-chain journey today.
How to Bridge to Polygon – Quick Guide
Bridging tokens to Polygon is a simple process that takes just a few minutes:
- Choose a bridge and connect your wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet).
- Select the source network (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Binance Smart Chain, etc.).
- Pick the token and amount you want to transfer.
- Review and confirm the transaction in your wallet.
Once completed, your funds will appear on Polygon, ready for use in DeFi protocols or NFT purchases.
Understanding Bridge Fees
Transaction fees vary significantly depending on the network you're bridging from:
- Ethereum Mainnet: Expect fees between $5 and $30, sometimes higher during peak congestion.
- Layer 2 networks (like Arbitrum or Optimism): Often cost less than $1.
- Polygon gas fees: Extremely low—averaging around 141 Gwei, equivalent to fractions of a cent per transaction.
To bridge affordably, consider starting from a low-fee chain instead of Ethereum directly. This can save you substantial costs over time.
Top Polygon Bridges Compared
Here are the most trusted and efficient bridges to transfer assets to Polygon:
1. Native Polygon Bridge
The official Polygon Portal Bridge allows secure transfers between Ethereum and Polygon, including support for ERC-20 tokens like ETH, USDT, and USDC.
While developed by the Polygon team, it only supports Ethereum as a source chain—meaning higher gas fees compared to alternatives. During testing, Ethereum gas reached over $60, making it less ideal for small transfers.
How to Use the Native Bridge
- Visit Polygon Portal and connect your wallet.
- Enter the token and amount to send.
- Choose destination: Polygon PoS or Polygon zkEVM.
- Click "Bridge" and confirm in your wallet.
💡 Pro Tip: Always keep some MATIC in your wallet to cover gas fees when interacting with Polygon.
2. Rango Exchange – Best for Multi-Chain Users
Rango Exchange stands out by supporting over 60 blockchains, including Arbitrum, Optimism, Solana, zkSync, and Binance Chain. It aggregates routes across multiple bridges and DEXs to find the lowest fees and best exchange rates.
This makes Rango ideal if you're not starting from Ethereum but want to reach Polygon efficiently.
Key Features:
- Real-time rate comparisons
- Direct token swaps during bridging
- Support for USDC → MATIC conversions
How to Bridge via Rango
- Go to Rango Exchange and connect your wallet.
- Select source chain, token, and amount.
- Set “Polygon” as the destination and choose MATIC or another token.
- Review quotes, refresh for better routes if needed, then click “Swap.”
- Approve the transaction in your wallet.
⚠️ If a multi-hop route fails, ensure each intermediate chain has enough native tokens for gas.
👉 Explore seamless cross-chain transfers with advanced routing options.
3. RhinoFi – Fast & Secure Alternative
RhinoFi is a fast Layer 2 bridge supporting over 20 major chains, backed by industry leaders like StarkWare, Consensys (MetaMask), and Ledger.
With more than $2.3 billion in total volume and 48 million transactions, RhinoFi offers reliability and speed—most transfers complete within 60 seconds.
How to Use RhinoFi
- Open RhinoFi Bridge and connect your wallet.
- Choose the source network and token.
- Select “Polygon” as the receiving network.
- Confirm and approve the transaction.
RhinoFi also offers DeFi tools like swaps, liquid staking, and airdrop tracking—making it more than just a bridge.
4. Across Protocol
Across Protocol supports six major chains and offers a 20% discount on bridging fees when using their native ACX token for rebates. It uses optimistic relay technology to enable fast withdrawals with strong security guarantees.
Ideal for Ethereum users seeking cheaper exits to Polygon without sacrificing safety.
5. Orbiter Finance
Orbiter Finance specializes in EVM-to-EVM transfers across 15+ networks. It’s known for near-instant settlements and minimal slippage, especially for stablecoin transfers.
Best suited for technical users familiar with EVM chains who prioritize speed and precision.
6. LayerSwap
LayerSwap connects centralized exchanges (like Binance and KuCoin) directly to Polygon, allowing users to withdraw funds without paying Ethereum gas fees.
Perfect for beginners moving funds from CEXs into Web3 ecosystems.
7. Synapse Protocol
Synapse Protocol is a cross-chain liquidity protocol supporting over 15 networks. It powers several other bridges and offers low slippage and consistent liquidity.
Its robust infrastructure makes it a solid choice for larger transfers.
What Is Polygon?
Polygon is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution designed to enhance blockchain performance by increasing transaction speed and reducing costs. It enables developers to build scalable dApps while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum’s security model.
Key facts:
- Native token: MATIC
- Use cases: Gas fees, staking, governance
- Over 400 million unique addresses
- Hosts thousands of dApps across DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and identity systems
By leveraging Polygon, users gain access to a vibrant ecosystem without the high costs associated with Ethereum mainnet.
How to Choose the Best Polygon Bridge
When selecting a bridge, consider these four key factors:
🔐 Security
Look for bridges with:
- Multiple third-party audits
- Long-standing operational history
- Active development teams
Avoid new or unaudited protocols with limited track records.
🌐 Supported Chains & Tokens
More supported chains mean greater flexibility. Rango leads here with 60+ networks, while others like Across focus on quality over quantity.
💸 Fees & Liquidity
Compare gas costs and routing efficiency. Some bridges offer rebates or dynamic pricing models that reduce expenses.
🖥️ User Experience
A clean interface, clear instructions, and fast confirmation times improve reliability—especially for first-time users.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you bridge out of Polygon?
You can reverse the process using the same bridge you used to deposit. Most platforms allow two-way transfers between networks seamlessly.
How do I bridge to the Polygon testnet?
Visit the Polygon Portal, click "Bridge," then select "Testnet" from the dropdown menu. You can request test MATIC from faucets for development purposes.
Are Polygon bridges safe?
Most established bridges are secure and audited. However, always verify contract addresses, avoid phishing sites, and start with small test transfers before moving large amounts.
Do I need MATIC for gas on Polygon?
Yes. Even if you’re bridging other tokens like USDC or ETH, you’ll need a small amount of MATIC in your wallet to pay for transaction fees on the Polygon network.
Can I bridge NFTs to Polygon?
Yes—some bridges like Rarible’s NFT Bridge or specialized tools support NFT transfers between chains.
Which bridge has the lowest fees?
Bridges starting from Layer 2 networks (e.g., Arbitrum or Optimism) generally offer the lowest costs—often under $1. Using Rango or LayerSwap can help identify optimal low-fee routes.
👉 Start exploring low-cost cross-chain transfers now—fast, secure, and simple.