Understanding chain-abstracted swaps
Traditional token swaps require you to:- Be on the correct blockchain network
- Hold native tokens for gas fees
- Manually bridge assets between chains
- Switch networks in your wallet
- Select the tokens you want to swap
- Get a quote with the best available rate
- Execute the swap with one click
Performing a swap
Navigate to the Swap page
Click the Swap tab in the navigation menu. This is the default page when you visit OneBalance.
Select the source token
In the Sell section:
- Click the token selector dropdown to view available tokens
- Each token shows:
- Token icon and symbol (e.g., USDC, ETH)
- Your current balance across all chains
- USD value of your balance
- Select the token you want to swap from
Enter the amount
Type the amount you want to swap in the amount input field.You can also use the quick percentage buttons:
- 25% - Swap a quarter of your balance
- 50% - Swap half of your balance
- 75% - Swap three-quarters of your balance
- MAX - Swap your entire balance
Select the destination token
In the Buy section:
- Click the token selector dropdown
- Choose the token you want to receive
- The dropdown shows all supported tokens, not just ones you hold
Wait for the quote
After entering an amount and selecting both tokens, OneBalance automatically fetches a quote:
- A loading message appears: “Getting quote…”
- The system finds the best rate across all supported chains and DEXs
- Quotes are fetched within 1-2 seconds
Review the quote details
Once the quote loads, you’ll see:
- Destination amount: How much of the target token you’ll receive
- USD value: The dollar value of what you’re receiving
- Quote countdown timer: Shows how long the quote is valid (30 seconds)
- Exchange rate: The conversion rate between tokens
- Price impact: How much your swap affects the market price
- Route information: Which chains and protocols are used
Execute the swap
Click the Swap button to execute the transaction.The button states:
- “Swap” - Ready to execute
- “Getting Quote…” - Fetching price quote
- “Executing Swap…” - Transaction in progress
- “Insufficient Balance” - Not enough tokens
- “Login to Swap” - Authentication required
Monitor transaction status
After clicking Swap, the transaction status component appears showing:
- Status badge: PENDING, COMPLETED, or FAILED
- Progress indicator: Real-time transaction updates
- Chain operations: Which blockchains are processing your swap
- Transaction hashes: Links to view on block explorers
Swaps typically complete in 1-3 minutes depending on blockchain confirmation times. You don’t need to keep the page open - the transaction will complete regardless.
Understanding quotes
Quote expiration
Quotes are valid for 30 seconds. A countdown timer shows the remaining time:- When the timer reaches zero, a new quote is automatically fetched
- You can only execute swaps while the quote is valid
- Expired quotes prevent you from getting unfavorable rates
Price impact
Price impact shows how much your trade affects the token price:- < 1%: Minimal impact, good liquidity
- 1-3%: Moderate impact, acceptable for most trades
- > 3%: High impact, consider reducing trade size
Exchange rate
The quote displays the conversion rate between tokens:- Example: “1 USDC = 0.00031 ETH”
- Helps you understand if you’re getting a fair price
- Compare with other exchanges to verify rates
Advanced features
Switching swap direction
Click the circular arrow button between the Sell and Buy sections to flip the direction:- Source token becomes destination token
- Destination token becomes source token
- Amounts reset to zero
Insufficient balance handling
If you don’t have enough tokens:- The amount field shows your available balance
- The Swap button displays “Insufficient Balance” and is disabled
- The quote is not fetched to save API calls
Canceling a quote
If you want to cancel a quote before executing:- Click the Cancel Quote button below the Swap button
- The quote clears and the form resets
- You can start over with different parameters
Best practices
Troubleshooting
Quote not loading
- Ensure you’ve entered a valid amount
- Check that you have sufficient balance
- Verify you’re logged in
- Try reducing the swap amount
Swap button disabled
- Wait for the quote to load
- Check for sufficient balance
- Ensure the quote hasn’t expired
- Verify both tokens are selected
Transaction failed
If a swap fails:- Check the transaction status for error details
- View the transaction on the block explorer
- Your funds are automatically refunded
- Try again with a smaller amount or different tokens
Quote expired during execution
If the quote expires while you’re reviewing:- A new quote is automatically fetched
- Review the new quote details
- Execute when you’re ready
Understanding transaction fees
OneBalance abstracts gas fees:- You don’t need to hold native tokens for gas
- Fees are included in the quote
- The destination amount reflects all costs
- No hidden fees or surprises
The quote you see is the final amount you’ll receive after all fees and gas costs are deducted.