Swapping — primarily cross-chain swaps — is one of the most common ways crypto users exchange their cryptocurrency for another asset. Most users perform swaps on online exchanges because fees are often manageable and it's convenient.
However, like any other type of transaction, malicious attackers often target swaps by leading users to fake phishing websites. This is where Tangem Express comes in. In this article, we'll review the basics of swapping tokens in Tangem Express and explain why this is the most secure and profitable way.
What is Tangem Express?
Tangem Express — our homegrown DEX and CEX aggregator provides a simple and secure interface for swapping assets. Swap transactions are initiated and completed directly in the Tangem app, providing complete transparency.
What is a crypto swap?
Most crypto platforms — wallets and exchanges — offer thousands of coins and tokens, and the average crypto user has a portfolio of at least ten cryptocurrencies. So, what if you had to exchange one asset for another? You can accomplish this in several ways:
- Centralized Exchanges (CEX)
A centralized cryptocurrency exchange is the most popular choice for crypto swaps because CEXs offer many token options and lower commissions. But there are trade-offs as well. For example, to exchange cryptocurrency, you must entrust your funds to the platform's wallet, whose private keys are not under your control.
This means that as long as your cryptocurrency is in this wallet, you do not have ultimate control over it. You lose your assets if the exchange is taken down, censored, or hacked.
- Decentralized Exchange (DEX)
Another option is to use a decentralized exchange or DEX. You can exchange one crypto asset for another from the safety of your crypto wallet, where you control the private keys. However, there is a compromise: DEX protocols are almost always based on a specific underlying blockchain. Users can only swap tokens with the same blockchain foundation; for example, you can't swap BTC for KAS or SOL for SHIB.
So, while decentralized exchanges provide greater security by allowing you to control your private keys on your hardware wallet, their options are limited by the underlying network.
- Blockchain bridges
A blockchain bridge allows you to transfer assets from one blockchain to another, addressing one of the main issues with blockchains: a lack of interoperability.
Bridges create synthetic derivatives that represent an asset from one blockchain on another. If you use a bridge to send one Solana coin to an Ethereum wallet, the wallet will receive a token "wrapped" by the bridge and converted to a token on the target blockchain.
In this scenario, the Ethereum wallet would receive a "bridge" version of Solana that had been converted into an ERC-20 token — the generic token standard for fungible tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.
Unfortunately, current blockchain bridges lack interoperability, have low availability of write transactions, and are vulnerable to risks and exploits.
Tangem Express does not feature any blockchain bridge provider.
Cross-chain swaps explained
Cross-chain swaps are relatively simple: centralized platforms like ChangeNOW and Changelly provide them as a service. Let's say you want to swap SOL for BTC. In this case, the platform offers a "rate" for the exchange, which includes a commission, and sends your cryptocurrency from its platform wallet.
A cryptocurrency swap is a two-part transaction. On the one hand, you have a set amount of cryptocurrency that will leave your wallet and go to the swap provider. On the other hand, the swap provider will send you the desired asset in return. For example, the provider could offer to swap 0.01 BTC for 0.5 ETH.
To accept the offer, you must provide your Ethereum wallet address, where you will receive the ETH. You must also send 0.01 BTC from your BTC wallet to the address specified by the swap platform.
Swapping in Tangem Express
The most secure way to swap your cryptocurrency is using the Tangem Express. Tangem Express provides several swap providers, functioning as an aggregator for these services. Plus, you can be confident that you're using the official service when choosing any swap provider within Tangem Express. This ensures you don't become a victim of phishing websites or unofficial apps.
Protecting your assets from hackers with secure element
As you know, hackers can intercept outgoing and incoming cryptocurrency transactions from software wallets. Hardware wallets like Tangem use a secure element chip to sign offline transactions — making it impossible to reveal your private keys. The chip itself is also completely tamper-resistant.
Verifying signature and transaction ID
The swap provider will receive your transaction and send back their cryptographically signed confirmation and the corresponding crypto. Tangem's secure element verifies the incoming transaction's signature to ensure the provider fulfilled the swap.
The ID of the incoming transaction is also checked to ensure that it matches the one you agreed to. Only that specific transaction can be executed. In short, changing any of those details would result in a different transaction ID, preventing the swap from being completed.
How to swap one token for another in Tangem
Here's how swaps — same-chain and cross-chain swaps — work in Tangem Wallet
- Go to the Tangem app.
- Open the token page, for example, USDT, and tap Swap.
- Enter the asset you want to receive, for example, Solana (SOL). Tangem Express will automatically show you the provider that offers the best rates.
- Tap the provider shown to see all providers available and their rates. If the assets involved in the swap are on the same network, both DEX and CEX providers will appear.
If the transaction is strictly a cross-chain swap, only the CEX provider will be made available.
- Tap Fee to choose the network transaction fees.
You can choose between Market (average fee rate) and Fast (more expensive but offers a better transaction speed).
- Tap Swap and enter your access code or biometric ID.
- Scan your Tangem card to approve the transaction.
- Tap Status to track the transaction on the provider's page.
When the swap is complete, your account will be funded with the swapped token.
Why choose Tangem for cross-chain swaps
- Simple and convenient
Tangem Express does the optimization work between DEXs, CEXs, and Bridges. And you don't even need to leave the Tangem app to enjoy this feature.
- Best rates
Tangem can offer you lower prices by allowing you to pick between various swap providers.
- Full control
No third party is required to secure your tokens while doing so. You remain in complete control of your private keys and assets.
- Many tokens supported
Tangem Express allows you to exchange many tokens across different networks.
FAQ: Tangem Express
Can providers in Tangem Express block the crypto swaps?
Tangem Express is an aggregator that offers a simple, user-friendly interface for swapping tokens without leaving the wallet. Swaps occur on exchanges (CEX & DEX) following their terms of service. Security-wise, swapping via Tangem Express is almost identical to swapping on exchanges. However, crypto swaps in our wallet reduce the chances of errors and other vulnerabilities associated with keeping your assets in hot wallets.
In what cases is KYC needed for CEX providers?
The need for KYC depends on the provider's terms of service. Tangem cannot define the rules for KYC and is not responsible for the actions of exchanges, their rules, security issues, and more. As a user, you can decide whether to trust the provider before using them. In the future, we will add more providers to give users more options.
Which coins can be exchanged through DEX, and which pairs are available?
The DEX provider in Tangem Express is 1INCH Liquidity Protocol. Currently, 17 coins and 17 trading pairs are available on the exchange.
Why are the commissions so high?
Commissions on exchanges cover operational costs and security measures and contribute to the platform's sustainability. High commissions can result from liquidity, transaction speed, and network fees. DEX platforms might have lower fees but could face challenges related to liquidity.
The fee when swapping with DEX includes the commission of the swap provider (1INCH) and the network fee.
In the case of CEX providers, the fee amount includes the service provider's commission and the network fees for sending the token to and from the exchange back to the user's address.