> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tokenlayer.network/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Transfer Tokens Across Chains

> Learn how to move your tokens between different blockchain networks

## Overview

Token Layer's omnichain architecture allows you to seamlessly transfer tokens between different blockchain networks. This cross-chain transfer functionality is available directly from your Portfolio page.

## Why Transfer Across Chains?

You might want to transfer tokens to different chains for several reasons:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Lower Fees" icon="coins">
    Move to chains with lower gas costs for trading
  </Card>

  <Card title="Access DEXes" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left">
    Trade on specific DEXes only available on certain chains
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ecosystem Access" icon="layer-group">
    Access DeFi protocols or apps on different chains
  </Card>

  <Card title="Portfolio Optimization" icon="chart-line">
    Consolidate holdings or distribute across networks
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How Cross-Chain Transfers Work

Token Layer handles the technical complexity of cross-chain transfers:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Source Chain">
    Your tokens are currently on a specific chain
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Destination Chain">
    Select which chain you want to move tokens to
  </Step>

  <Step title="Bridge Transfer">
    Token Layer bridges your tokens across chains
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tokens Arrive">
    Tokens appear in your wallet on the destination chain
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The same token can exist on multiple chains simultaneously thanks to Token Layer's omnichain infrastructure.
</Note>

## Transfer Process

### Step 1: Access Portfolio

Navigate to your Portfolio page at [app.tokenlayer.network/portfolio](https://app.tokenlayer.network/portfolio)

Your portfolio displays all your token holdings across all chains.

### Step 2: Select Token

Find the token you want to transfer in your portfolio list.

Each token shows:

* Token name and symbol
* Current chain
* Balance amount
* USD value

### Step 3: Open Actions Menu

Click on the **Actions** button or menu for the token you want to transfer.

The Actions menu provides several options including:

* Transfer Across Chains
* Send to Address

### Step 4: Choose "Transfer Across Chains"

Select the **"Transfer Across Chains"** option from the Actions menu.

This opens the cross-chain transfer interface.

### Step 5: Configure Transfer

In the transfer interface, specify:

**Destination Chain:**

* Select which blockchain network to transfer to
* See available chains (must be supported by Token Layer)
* View estimated gas fees for destination chain

**Transfer Amount:**

* Enter amount of tokens to transfer
* Can transfer partial balance or full amount
* Minimum amounts may apply

**Review Details:**

* Source chain and balance
* Destination chain
* Transfer amount
* Bridge fees
* Estimated time
* Gas costs

### Step 6: Confirm Transfer

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review Transaction">
    Carefully verify all transfer details
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve in Wallet">
    Confirm the transaction in your connected wallet
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pay Gas Fees">
    Transaction will include gas fees on source chain
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Confirmation">
    Bridge transfer may take several minutes
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Step 7: Verify Receipt

Once the transfer completes:

✅ Tokens appear on destination chain in your portfolio
✅ Transaction appears in your history
✅ Balance updates on both chains
✅ You can now trade or use tokens on new chain

See [Supported Networks](/supported-networks) for the complete list.

### Testnet Chains

Practice transfers on testnet:

* Base Sepolia ↔ BNB Testnet
* Solana Devnet ↔ EVM testnets

See [Testnet Guide](/onboarding/testnet) for details.

## Transfer Fees

Token Layer doesn't charge any fees on cross-chain transfer. The only fee the user must pay are onchain execution fees that are handled by LayerZero.

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Test Small Amounts First" icon="flask">
    Try a small transfer before moving large amounts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Check Destination" icon="check-circle">
    Verify you selected the correct destination chain
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitor Gas Prices" icon="gas-pump">
    Transfer when gas prices are lower to save fees
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep Gas Tokens" icon="coins">
    Ensure you have native tokens for gas on both chains
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Before Transferring

✅ Verify destination chain is correct
✅ Check you have enough for gas fees
✅ Confirm minimum transfer amounts
✅ Consider if transfer is necessary
✅ Check destination chain gas prices

### After Transferring

✅ Wait for full confirmation
✅ Verify tokens arrived in portfolio
✅ Check transaction in block explorer
✅ Save transaction hash for records

## Common Use Cases

### 1. Lower Trading Costs

```
Scenario: High Ethereum gas fees
Solution: Transfer tokens to Base or Polygon
Benefit: Trade with minimal fees
```

### 2. Access Specific DEXes

```
Scenario: Want to use PancakeSwap
Solution: Transfer tokens to BNB Chain
Benefit: Access BNB ecosystem
```

### 3. Consolidate Holdings

```
Scenario: Tokens spread across multiple chains
Solution: Transfer all to one preferred chain
Benefit: Easier portfolio management
```

### 4. Optimize for Speed

```
Scenario: Need fast transaction finality
Solution: Transfer to Solana or Base
Benefit: Near-instant trades
```

## Tracking Transfers

### In Portfolio

Your portfolio automatically updates to show:

* Tokens on each chain
* Pending transfers
* Transfer history
* Total balances across all chains

### Transaction History

View complete transfer history:

* Source and destination chains
* Transfer amounts
* Timestamps
* Transaction hashes
* Status (pending, completed, failed)

### Block Explorers

Track transfers on block explorers:

* Source chain: See outbound transaction
* Destination chain: See inbound transaction
* Bridge: Some bridges have dedicated tracking

## Troubleshooting

### Transfer Taking Too Long

If your transfer hasn't arrived after expected time:

1. **Check Transaction Status**: Look up transaction hash on source chain explorer
2. **Verify Confirmation**: Ensure source transaction confirmed
3. **Bridge Status**: Check if bridge is experiencing delays
4. **Network Congestion**: High congestion can slow transfers
5. **Contact Support**: If delayed beyond normal time, use chat support

### Transfer Failed

If a transfer fails:

1. **Check Error Message**: Review any error shown
2. **Verify Balances**: Ensure sufficient tokens and gas
3. **Retry**: Often failures are due to temporary issues
4. **Different Amount**: Try smaller amount if near maximum
5. **Support**: Contact support if issue persists

### Tokens Not Showing

If tokens don't appear on destination:

1. **Wait**: May still be processing
2. **Refresh Portfolio**: Reload the page
3. **Check Chain**: Verify you're viewing correct destination chain
4. **Add Token**: May need to manually add token to wallet
5. **Transaction Hash**: Verify on destination chain explorer

## Security Considerations

<Warning>
  Always verify you're using the official Token Layer platform. Never approve token transfers on suspicious sites.
</Warning>

**Best Practices:**

* Only transfer through official Token Layer interface
* Verify destination chain before confirming
* Keep transaction hashes for records
* Use hardware wallets for large transfers
* Never share private keys or seed phrases

## Practice on Testnet

<Tip>
  Test cross-chain transfers on testnet before using mainnet. Visit [app-testnet.tokenlayer.network](https://app-testnet.tokenlayer.network) to practice.
</Tip>

Transfer test tokens between:

* Base Sepolia ↔ BNB Testnet
* Solana Devnet ↔ Base Sepolia

See [Testnet Guide](/onboarding/testnet) for getting test tokens.

## Related Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Portfolio" icon="wallet" href="/api-reference/portfolio/get-user-portfolio">
    View all your holdings across chains
  </Card>

  <Card title="Supported Networks" icon="layer-group" href="/supported-networks">
    See all available chains
  </Card>

  <Card title="How to Trade" icon="arrow-right-arrow-left" href="/onboarding/trade">
    Trade tokens on any chain
  </Card>

  <Card title="Supported Stablecoins" icon="coins" href="/supported-stablecoins">
    Stablecoins on each network
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Need Help?

Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner for support with cross-chain transfers.