Across Review 2026: Fast Intent-Based Cross-Chain Bridge

Across is a cross-chain bridge and swap protocol that lets users move tokens between Ethereum, Layer 2 rollups and other networks. It has been listed on DefiLlama since January 2022 under the Cross Chain Bridge category, and it has its own token, ACX.

The homepage describes Across as the bridge that just works. It claims over $40B moved, 5 million users, an average transfer time of 1.2 seconds, and no user funds lost. These numbers come from the project and were not independently verified here.

Across also sells to developers. A single API lets apps add bridging, and the homepage highlights Uniswap's in-app integration and names MetaMask, Coinbase and PancakeSwap on its partner strip. DefiLlama shows about $16.3M in TVL, down 5.1% over seven days.

Across uses an intent-based model. A user deposits tokens on the origin chain and says what they want to receive on the destination chain. Relayers, who hold their own funds, compete to deliver the tokens on the destination chain almost immediately.

The relayer is repaid afterwards. DefiLlama's description says the system combines an optimistic oracle, bonded relayers and single-sided liquidity pools. In an optimistic oracle, claims are accepted unless someone disputes them in time, and the bonds put up by relayers are meant to discourage false claims. The liquidity pools hold the capital that reimburses relayers.

The user does not wait for the slow path of a canonical bridge, which can take much longer on some rollups. The cost is that safety depends on the contracts, the verification process and relayers behaving as designed.

Across does not publish a fee table on its homepage. It says it is built to minimise costs, with no aggregator markup and no hidden fees, and that what you see is what you pay.

In practice, bridge costs usually combine a relayer fee, the destination-chain gas the relayer covers, and any swap pricing. The quote in the app is where you would see the total for your route and amount before signing. Origin-chain gas for your own transaction is separate.

Across says transfers are verified onchain, with no multisigs and no custodial risk, and that no user funds have been lost. DefiLlama lists two audits, but the project does not say who performed them or when. Treat the 'no funds lost' line as a claim from the project, not an independent finding.

Bridge risk is real in general. Users depend on smart contracts, the optimistic verification process, relayer behaviour and liquidity pools. Across is built by Risk Labs according to the footer; the project does not cover its regulatory status or any incidents. Use a small test transfer first, bookmark the official site, and avoid signing unexpected approvals.

Across is for DeFi users who bridge often between Ethereum and Layer 2s, for people who want to bridge and swap in one step, and for app developers who want an API instead of building their own bridging. It is less suited to people who will not accept any smart-contract or relayer risk.