User Guide: Swaps
MetaMask Swaps is a feature that allows you to swap one cryptocurrency token for another. It's super convenient and straightforward, reducing the number of steps and third-party smart contracts needed in order to obtain tokens that interest you.
Bridging (transferring assets between networks) can now be done easily through MetaMask Swaps on Extension and Mobile. Just click the 'Swap' button and select the network and token you want to exchange.
You can use MetaMask Swaps either on MetaMask Extension, MetaMask Mobile, or MetaMask Portfolio across various networks:
- Ethereum mainnet
- Solana
- BNB Smart Chain
- Avalanche C-Chain
- Polygon
- Optimism
- Arbitrum
- zkSync Era
- Linea
- Base
- Sei
When you use MetaMask Swaps, remember that MetaMask is acting as an information aggregator: we pull together quotes so you can find the most advantageous one.
From there, you can decide whether or not to proceed with the transaction with the platform or liquidity provider at hand. MetaMask does not provide the liquidity, execute the trade, or give you any advice whatsoever as to what tokens you should swap.
How to swap
It doesn't matter whether you're on MetaMask Extension, Mobile, or Portfolio, getting the tokens you want is only a few clicks—or taps—away.
- On the main MetaMask screen, click the 'Swap' button.
- Select the token you want to exchange (and from what network, if swapping across chains) (Example: ETH on Ethereum)
- Select the token you want to receive (and to what network, if swapping across chains) (Example: SOL on Solana)
- Enter the amount you want to exchange.
- Review quote and confirm transaction.
Our support articles are for MetaMask Swaps only. In other words, MetaMask provides support for the swaps that happen through the use of the MetaMask Swaps button. If you are performing swaps directly on a different platform or another DEX, MetaMask may provide some general orientation or guidance, but it should not be considered definitive; reach out to the support team or community for the exchange or platform where you are swapping for assistance.
Behind the scenes
Swaps is searching across decentralized token exchanges and token swapping protocols to find you the most advantageous exchange rate.
At the same time, it's running test transactions, checking to make sure that if you do end up submitting a transaction, that it's likely to go through — and if not, those options are filtered out. MetaMask is saving users here from the pain of a failed transaction: with Ethereum mainnet gas fees and the complexity of token smart contracts, a failed transaction adds a significant financial injury to the insult of an incomprehensible error code. Swap's failure rate is very low, and improvements are in the works to make it almost nonexistent.
Gas fees
Within MetaMask Swaps, you’ll see a value—network fee—which is the transaction fee. Depending on network activity, the gas fee can fluctuate.
To learn more about gas fees, please visit this guide.
What if I don't have enough gas?
Don’t have enough gas to cover your swap? Don't worry – MetaMask now offers a convenient gas station, allowing you to fill up on gas and swap your tokens in one transaction.
The swap must be on Ethereum Mainnet or BNB Smart Chain, and not a cross-chain swap or bridge
You do not have enough ETH in your wallet to cover gas
The value of your swap is greater than the cost of gas
You have Smart Transactions enabled
You use version 12.6.0 or higher of the MetaMask Extension, or version 7.43 or higher of MetaMask Mobile
If your swap meets these prerequisites, we will automatically include gas costs in the quote you receive. For example, let’s say you want to swap 400 USDC into DAI, but you don’t have enough ETH to cover gas. If the max gas fee is estimated to be $9.41, that amount is subtracted from the amount of DAI you would receive.
Using MetaMask Gas Station allows you to proceed with your swap without having to manually purchase & transfer more ETH or BNB to your wallet, because MetaMask handles this in the transaction. The ‘max fee’ associated with your swap will be priced into the quote, and if the actual gas fee is lower than this estimated amount, any unused ETH or BNB will be added to your wallet following completion of your transaction.
If you're ready to go, click the Swap button!
As with all blockchain transactions, it's not instantaneous, but you should see your tokens in your account soon. If they're uncommon tokens, or for whatever reason they're not showing up in your account, follow our instructions here to add them.
Questions
How are fees calculated?
The fee structure is broken down into:
- Quote rate: the exchange rate for the tokens
- Network fee: gas to execute the swap
- MetaMask fee: 0.875%
What aggregators and bridges do you use?
We source bridging options through aggregators (Li.fi and Socket) and providers (Hop, Celer cBridge, Polygon PoS Bridge, Squid (Axelar), Across, Stargate, Relay, Mayan, and CCTP).
I haven't received my tokens in the time I should have. What should I do?
The time we quote is an estimate, and delays can happen for several reasons, such as a change in network conditions. In most cases, the transfer is just delayed and will still go through automatically. If you've already waited over three hours and your transfer is still in progress, please contact MetaMask Support by clicking the 'Contact Support' button on the home page of this site.
Other resources
Why are some tokens missing from MetaMask Swaps?
How do I see the price at time of purchase for tokens bought through MetaMask Swaps
Why did my MetaMask swap fail?
Why is the MetaMask Swap button unavailable / greyed out?
I did a swap, but received fewer tokens or less fiat value than I expected. Why?