Polygon zkEVM RPC
What is Polygon zkEVM?
Polygon zkEVM is a zero-knowledge rollup (zkRollup) Layer 2 solution for Ethereum, developed by Polygon Labs. It uses SNARK-based validity proofs to batch transactions off-chain and verify them on Ethereum mainnet, ensuring that all transactions are mathematically valid while inheriting Ethereum's security.
Unlike optimistic rollups, Polygon zkEVM does not require challenge periods for withdrawals because validity proofs provide immediate cryptographic certainty. Finality on Polygon zkEVM depends on proof submission intervals — typically minutes rather than days — but is still faster than optimistic rollups. Transaction costs are significantly reduced compared to Ethereum mainnet, with savings coming from transaction batching and calldata compression.
Polygon zkEVM achieves bytecode-level compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This zkEVM architecture (classified as a Type 2 zkEVM) supports nearly all EVM opcodes and precompiles, with only minor differences in edge cases such as gas costs. This ensures that most existing Ethereum smart contracts and applications can be deployed without modification, preserving broad compatibility with Ethereum's execution environment, tooling, and developer ecosystem while providing zero-knowledge security guarantees.
Interacting with Polygon zkEVM
Polygon zkEVM extends the standard Ethereum JSON-RPC interface with additional Layer 2–specific functionality, while maintaining full compatibility with existing Ethereum tooling. Developers can use Polygon zkEVM seamlessly with tools such as MetaMask, Hardhat, Foundry, and Web3 libraries without code changes.
With this API, you can:
- Execute all standard Ethereum JSON-RPC methods (eth_call, eth_sendTransaction, eth_getBalance)
- Use Polygon zkEVM-specific extensions for L2 operations (e.g., querying proof status and bridge interactions)
- Query bridge activity, batch submissions, and proof verification status
- Subscribe to real-time L2 events via WebSocket connections
- Debug API utilities for deeper blockchain inspection
You can connect to the API by:
- Running a local Polygon zkEVM node
- Using a hosted provider such as a QuickNode Polygon zkEVM endpoint, which provides access to Polygon zkEVM Mainnet and Cardona testnet with high reliability, archive data, and enhanced performance
Supported Networks
QuickNode provides access to the following Polygon zkEVM networks:
Complete reference for developers building on Polygon zkEVM with QuickNode:
QuickStart
Get started with Polygon zkEVM quickly. Follow our step-by-step quickstart to set up your endpoint and make your first API request.
Provider Endpoints
Learn how to configure and manage your Polygon zkEVM endpoints for optimal performance and reliability.
API Overview
Explore supported APIs, networks, QuickNode products, and enhanced API features for building powerful applications.
Marketplace
Discover and integrate powerful add-ons and tools from the QuickNode Marketplace to enhance your web3 applications.
Endpoint Security
Secure your endpoints with authentication, whitelisting, and best security practices.
Error Codes
Understand common error codes and troubleshooting steps for Polygon zkEVM API requests.