As DeFi ecosystems continue to evolve in 2025, cross-chain transactions are becoming essential for users looking to access lower gas fees, faster execution, and diverse dApps. One of the most reliable tools for transferring assets between Ethereum and the Polygon network is the Polygon Bridge.
Whether you're looking to participate in DeFi protocols on Polygon, mint NFTs, or reduce transaction costs, using the Polygon Bridge is a necessary first step. This guide will walk you through how to use the Polygon Bridge safely and efficiently, even if you're new to cross-chain transfers.
Before using the Polygon Bridge, make sure you have the following:
A Web3 wallet like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or Coinbase Wallet
Some ETH in your wallet for Ethereum gas fees
A supported ERC-20 token to bridge (e.g., USDC, DAI, MATIC)
Access to the official bridge: Polygon Bridge
Basic familiarity with switching blockchain networks in your wallet
Go to Polygon Bridge
⚠️ Always double-check the URL to avoid phishing websites.
Click “Connect Wallet” in the top-right corner
Select your preferred wallet (e.g., MetaMask)
Authorize the connection when prompted
Ensure your wallet is set to the Ethereum Mainnet
Choose the ERC-20 token you want to bridge (e.g., USDC)
Enter the amount to transfer
The bridge will automatically detect if the token is supported
You will see estimated fees and transfer time (usually 7–10 minutes on PoS Bridge)
If this is your first time bridging this token:
Click “Approve”
Confirm the approval in your wallet
Wait for the transaction to complete before continuing
After approval, click “Transfer”
Carefully review the summary, including network fees and estimated arrival time
Confirm the transaction in your wallet
Wait for the deposit confirmation (depends on Ethereum congestion, usually under 15 minutes)
Once your assets are bridged:
Switch your wallet to the Polygon network
If Polygon isn’t added to MetaMask yet, the bridge interface may prompt you to add it automatically
After switching, you’ll see your bridged assets in your wallet under the Polygon network
You can now use those tokens in Polygon-native dApps (e.g., Aave, Quickswap, OpenSea).
To withdraw funds:
Switch to the Polygon network in your wallet
Access the “Withdraw” tab on the bridge
Select the token and amount
Confirm the withdrawal
Note: Withdrawals from Polygon to Ethereum via the PoS Bridge take around 45 minutes to 3 hours due to checkpoint finality. Plasma bridge can take longer (up to 7 days).
Use small test amounts when bridging for the first time
Keep some MATIC in your Polygon wallet for gas after bridging
Monitor transaction status via Etherscan and Polygonscan
Do not refresh or close your browser during active transactions
Bookmark Polygon Bridge to avoid fake interfaces
Is Polygon Bridge free to use?
The bridge itself doesn’t charge a fee, but you will pay Ethereum gas fees for deposits and Polygon gas fees for withdrawals.
What tokens can I bridge?
Most major ERC-20 tokens like ETH, USDC, DAI, and MATIC are supported. The bridge interface shows which tokens are available.
What happens if I send the wrong token?
Only bridge supported ERC-20 tokens. Bridging unsupported or incorrect tokens may result in permanent loss.
Can I use mobile wallets?
Yes. Mobile wallets that support WalletConnect (e.g., Trust Wallet) can be used to access Polygon Bridge.
The Polygon Bridge is a secure and efficient way to move your assets from Ethereum to Polygon. It opens the door to faster transactions, lower fees, and broader access to dApps on one of the most popular Layer 2 networks in 2025.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently navigate the bridging process and start using Polygon’s powerful DeFi, NFT, and gaming ecosystems in minutes.
