A fast bridge fill can deliver tokens before settlement is complete. That difference matters when you compare a quick transfer with a bridge that waits for more checks before releasing funds.
A fast fill delivers tokens before the accounts settle
A relayer is a service that pays out tokens on the destination chain using its own funds. Across says many supported mainnet transfers fill in about two seconds, though the route, amount, and network conditions can affect timing.
How acrossbridge moves funds changes what “done” means: your destination tokens may arrive while the system is still checking and settling the transfer behind the scenes. Across Bridge, also called acrossbridge, uses relayers for this early payout.
For example, say you send USDC from Arbitrum to Base. A relayer can send the quoted amount to your Base address soon after your deposit appears on Arbitrum. The relayer later seeks repayment through Across’s settlement process.
Fast arrival does not mean zero waiting or risk
Settlement checks that deposits and payouts match, then arranges repayment to relayers. Across groups this work into bundles, which are proposed on Ethereum and checked through UMA Optimistic Oracle, a system that lets people challenge a proposal they believe is wrong.
This delay usually does not stop you using tokens already in your wallet. It does mean a quick arrival is different from final settlement. A bridge that waits for chain confirmations before paying out can feel slower, but its timing reflects a different transfer process and trust model.
A less common edge case is a large transfer or unusual token pair that no relayer fills promptly. If the deposit passes its fill deadline, it becomes eligible for a refund. The funds are not instantly back in your wallet; refund processing follows Across’s settlement process.
Compare the quote and the kind of wait you accept
Before sending, compare the quoted amount you will receive, the estimated fill time, and the deadline. Fees vary by route, amount, gas prices, and liquidity, so use the live quote for your exact tokens and chains instead of relying on a general fee estimate.
If you need tokens for an action right after arrival, a relayer fill may suit you. If you can wait and prefer a process that releases funds after its own chain checks, compare that route’s timing and risks too. The useful question is: do you need spendable tokens quickly, or do you prefer to wait for the transfer’s chosen checks?
Questions to check before bridging
Does a fast fill mean the transfer is fully settled?
No. A fill means tokens have reached the destination address. Across still needs to verify deposits and fills and settle repayment to relayers. That later work happens in the background, so the arrival time and settlement time describe different stages of the transfer.
How long does an Across transfer usually take?
Across reports that many supported mainnet routes fill in about two seconds. Treat that as a typical estimate, not a promise. Route, token, amount, relayer availability, and network conditions can affect the actual wait. Check the estimate shown for your specific transfer.
What happens if no relayer fills my transfer?
If no relayer fills the deposit before its deadline, it can become eligible for a refund. The deposit status may show as expired first. Refunds require settlement work, so funds may not return immediately. Check the transaction status before trying to send the same amount again.
Which details should I compare before choosing a bridge?
Check the destination token amount, fee, estimated fill time, and any transfer deadline. Then consider what happens if the route is delayed: whether funds stay pending, become refundable, or require additional steps. Those details help you compare the real wait and cost for your route.
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