Blockchain Bridges Explained (Made Simple)
Crypto assets live on different blockchains — but those networks don’t natively “talk” to each other. That’s why blockchain bridges (crypto bridges) exist.
What is a crypto bridge?
A blockchain bridge is a service or protocol that helps you move tokens from one network to another. For example, if you hold USDT on one chain but need USDT on a different chain (to save on fees, move faster, or match what a receiver supports), a bridge enables that cross-chain transfer.
Under the hood, bridges typically lock assets on the source chain and mint/release an equivalent asset on the destination chain, or route the transfer through liquidity (more like a swap). Either way, your end result is that you receive the asset on the target network.
How does a cross-chain bridge work?
A common flow looks like this:
- You send a token on the source network to the bridge’s contract/address
- The bridge verifies the transaction (smart contracts and/or validators)
- You receive the “same” token on the destination network (usually minus fees)
Example: you have USDT on Ethereum (ERC-20) but need to pay someone who only accepts Tron (TRC-20). A bridge helps you end up with USDT on Tron.
Why people use bridges (real use cases)
- Move USDT to a cheaper or faster network to reduce transfer fees
- Send funds in the network the receiver actually supports
- Access apps that only support certain networks (wallets, exchanges, DeFi protocols)
- Move liquidity between ecosystems for trading or DeFi strategies
Bridge fees and transfer time
Cross-chain transfers can include multiple costs:
- Network fee on the source chain (gas/transaction fee)
- Bridge fee (fixed or percentage)
- Network fee on the destination chain (sometimes paid by the user, sometimes embedded)
- Spread/slippage if the bridge works via liquidity routing
Timing ranges from minutes to hours depending on chain congestion, bridge design, and required confirmations.
Risks: what can go wrong with blockchain bridges
Bridges are powerful, but they demand careful execution. A wrong click can be expensive.
- Phishing and fake bridge websites (a top cause of user losses)
- Wrong source/target network selection
- Smart contract / protocol risk (bridges have been frequent attack targets)
- Delays or stuck transfers due to congestion or bridge settings
- Unexpected fees or a lower-than-expected received amount
Safety checklist before bridging
- Use official links and verify the domain carefully
- Double-check token and both networks (source and destination)
- Make sure you have native gas tokens on relevant chains (some steps may require them)
- Do a small test transfer first, especially with a new bridge
- Save the TxID and track status in explorers on both chains
How it works in OneSix
OneSix currently supports the TRC-20 network — a popular choice for everyday USDT transfers thanks to fast settlement and typically low fees.
More networks are in progress. The goal is to make multi-network use cases and cross-network flows easier, so users spend less time on technical details and more time getting things done.
