Across

Across is a crosschain interoperability protocol designed to simplify and optimize token bridging and crosschain swaps. It introduces a novel approach called "intents," which are user-centric crosschain limit orders combined with executable actions. This abstraction allows developers to embed standard orders in their applications, enabling seamless crosschain experiences without managing complex execution paths. Across focuses on delivering the fastest and lowest-cost bridging solution with strong security guarantees, making it suitable for developers building multichain decentralized applications (dapps) and DeFi platforms.

The protocol operates through a modular three-layer system: a request-for-quote mechanism, a competitive relayer network, and a settlement layer that escrows user funds, verifies transactions, and repays relayers. This design fosters competition among relayers to find optimal execution paths, reducing costs and latency for end users. Across supports a broad and growing list of blockchains, allowing developers to integrate crosschain value transfers and swaps via simple REST APIs or smart contract calls. The Swap API enables 1-click crosschain swaps, abstracting complexity and enabling instant token bridging and swapping in a single transaction.

What sets Across apart is its intent-based architecture, which replaces traditional explicit execution steps with outcome-driven orders. This approach reduces developer overhead and enhances user experience by allowing relayers to compete for the best execution. Across is production-ready and has processed over $22 billion in transactions with more than 15 million fills, maintaining average fill times under one minute and bridging costs below $1 per ETH. Developers can quickly onboard assets into their apps, embed crosschain staking or minting actions, and run their own relayers to participate in the network. Comprehensive documentation, active community support via Discord, and audited contracts facilitate smooth integration and ongoing development.