7683

What Is ERC-7683?

ERC-7683 is a standard designed for cross-chain transaction “intents” rather than a token. It defines how users express their goals via signatures, how service providers (solvers) fulfill and settle these intents, and provides unified methods for order submission, cancellation, query, and status feedback.

An “intent” here means specifying only the desired outcome, not the process. For example, you might request: “Swap USDT from Ethereum to ETH on Arbitrum, set a minimum received amount and a deadline.” The choice of bridge, the chains involved, and the fee handling are all delegated to professional execution providers.

A “solver” is a service that receives intents and handles path selection and execution. Solvers may be cross-chain bridge operators, aggregation execution networks, or market makers, responsible for swapping and settlement across multiple blockchains.

Why Is ERC-7683 Suitable for Cross-Chain Swaps?

ERC-7683 condenses multi-step cross-chain operations into a single signature and commitment, reducing the cost of failure and repeated actions. Users no longer need to bridge first, then swap, nor do they have to authorize multiple chains or pay gas fees repeatedly.

Typical pain points in cross-chain swaps include fragmented routes, unclear fees, unpredictable final amounts, and the risk of failed multi-step on-chain interactions. ERC-7683 standardizes intent formats and settlement interfaces, allowing different wallets and platforms to connect with the same set of solvers for consistent quotes and status updates.

For instance, when swapping Ethereum USDT to Arbitrum ETH, ERC-7683 lets users specify only the target asset, minimum received amount, and deadline. Solvers then select the optimal bridging and swapping route, delivering a seamless “one-click” experience.

How Does ERC-7683 Work?

The process can be broken down into several steps:

Step 1: Users fill out their target parameters in a wallet or DApp—source and destination chains, assets to sell and buy, minimum amount to receive, quote validity period, and deadline—then confirm the intent with a structured signature.

Step 2: The intent is broadcast to the solver network. Different solvers propose executable routes and prices based on their own inventories and pathways; some scenarios use bidding or commitment-based pricing.

Step 3: Once confirmed by the user, solvers receive or lock the user’s assets on the source chain, choose a bridge to transfer value to the target chain, and complete the swap. The exact bridge and path depend on solver optimization for cost and speed.

Step 4: Settlement occurs on the target chain. Assets are credited directly to the user’s address or made available for claiming. If the intent is not completed before the deadline, it automatically expires and can be canceled.

Step 5: Fees and settlement details are accessible via status interfaces. Most implementations include fees in the quoted “net received amount,” making it easy for users to verify what they will actually receive.

How Is ERC-7683 Used in Wallets and Transaction Platforms?

You don’t need to understand every technical detail—just follow the prompts to sign your order. Here’s how it typically works with wallet-integrated transaction portals:

Step 1: Connect your wallet to a multi-chain aggregation platform. On Gate’s cross-chain aggregation or deposit portal, select your source asset and target asset.

Step 2: Set your minimum received amount, quote validity period, and order deadline. If using a token for the first time, you may be prompted to authorize contract spending for the asset you want to swap.

Step 3: Check the quoted “net received amount including fees.” Confirm and sign your intent. The signature confirms your order but doesn’t directly transfer your assets.

Step 4: Wait for execution and monitor status. If not completed before the deadline, you can cancel your intent and place a new order; if completed successfully, assets will arrive on your target chain.

On mobile or web interfaces, these steps are usually streamlined into a single flow—making multi-chain transactions as simple as one order submission.

How Does ERC-7683 Differ From Traditional Cross-Chain Methods?

Traditional methods involve “bridge first, swap later,” requiring two or three on-chain transactions: source chain authorization and withdrawal, then swapping on the destination chain. These steps are prone to slippage or congestion failures. ERC-7683 consolidates this into a single intent for multi-step execution by solvers.

In terms of user experience, ERC-7683 provides unified order submission and status APIs for consistency across wallets and platforms; in pricing, solvers typically offer all-in-one quotes (fees included) for easier comparison; in failure handling, mechanisms like expiry, minimum received amount, and cancellation help reduce failed transactions or stuck funds.

How Are Fees and Settlements Calculated in ERC-7683?

Fees mainly consist of solver service fees, bridge channel fees, and on-chain gas costs. Most implementations display “net received amount including fees”—you only need to focus on how much of your target asset you’ll actually get.

If market conditions fluctuate significantly, quotes may be recalculated; intents specify minimum received amounts and validity periods. As long as settlement meets your minimum requirement, solvers can execute; otherwise, intents expire or can be canceled without execution.

For settlement: assets you’re swapping out are deducted on the source chain; purchased assets are credited on the target chain. Which side pays gas is usually included in the one-stop price or itemized in transaction details.

What Are the Risks and Safety Features of ERC-7683?

Cross-chain swaps always carry risks—price volatility, bridge failures, smart contract vulnerabilities, or solver default. ERC-7683 reduces replay and timeout risks through mechanisms like expiry timeouts, chain ID binding, minimum received thresholds, signature domain separation, and cancelability.

Two key points for users: First, set reasonable minimum received amounts and deadlines—too tight may prevent execution; too loose may expose you to price swings. Second, only use trusted platforms; monitor status receipts and contract addresses to avoid phishing sites.

There is no absolute guarantee of fund safety—use small amounts initially according to your risk tolerance and keep records of your transactions.

What Does ERC-7683 Mean for Developers?

Integrating ERC-7683 allows connection with multiple solvers at once, reducing the need for custom cross-chain routing. Standard interfaces typically cover intent message structures, signing and verification, status queries, cancellation/expiry handling, and standardized execution receipts.

Implementation best practices include using structured signatures (e.g., typed data) for clear user confirmation; smart contracts handle signature verification, state management, and triggering settlements; off-chain services manage order books, routing, and risk controls.

Recommended integration steps:

Step 1: Define supported asset whitelists, minimum settlement amounts, and expiry policies to minimize failed trades.

Step 2: Connect with multiple solvers and bridges; maintain health scores and quote quality ratings for optimal execution.

Step 3: Enhance observability—track each intent’s state changes and failure reasons for user tracing and regulatory compliance audits.

Future Prospects for ERC-7683

As of mid-2024, the industry is actively exploring unified standards for intents and cross-chain settlement interfaces. With more wallets, bridges, and execution aggregators adopting compatibility, users can expect increasingly consistent cross-chain experiences across platforms.

Likely directions include broader L2 and sidechain support; finer-grained risk controls and quote protection; integration with account abstraction to lower gas fees; and expansion from “swap + bridge” scenarios to more general intents such as repayments, staking, or portfolio rebalancing.

Quick Recap of ERC-7683 Key Points

ERC-7683 is not a token—it’s a unified standard for cross-chain intents and settlement. Users express their goals with a single signature; solvers optimize bridging and swapping; standardized interfaces deliver unified quotes, status updates, and cancellation options. Compared to traditional “bridge then swap” workflows, it consolidates multiple steps into one intent for greater consistency and predictable net amounts received. Set minimum received amounts and deadlines carefully; use trusted platforms; monitor fees and status receipts. For developers, standardized APIs lower integration effort while expanding multi-chain service capabilities.

FAQ

What’s the difference between an ERC-7683 cross-chain transaction and a regular transfer?

A regular transfer moves assets within a single blockchain; ERC-7683 cross-chain transactions swap tokens directly between different blockchains without manual withdrawal/deposit steps. Using intent-based clearing lets you submit an order on chain A with assets arriving on chain B—faster and more convenient than traditional methods.

Can I use ERC-7683 directly for cross-chain operations on Gate?

Gate supports ERC-7683-based cross-chain transaction features. At Gate’s trading portal, select the cross-chain option—the system automatically detects compatible trading pairs under this standard to help you quickly move assets across chains. For step-by-step instructions see Gate’s cross-chain trading guide.

Are my assets safe when using ERC-7683 cross-chain swaps?

ERC-7683 includes multiple security layers: smart contract audits, validator checks by clearing parties, transaction signature confirmations. However, risks such as network delays or extreme market volatility remain. Start with small amounts until familiar with the process—and only use official channels (like Gate) to minimize risk.

What advantages does ERC-7683 offer over traditional bridges?

Traditional bridges require multiple steps plus node validations; ERC-7683 matches buyers/sellers directly through intent clearing without intermediaries. This means faster transactions, lower costs, better liquidity—ideal for frequent cross-chain users.

Which major blockchains does ERC-7683 currently support?

ERC-7683 is an Ethereum ecosystem standard currently supporting Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, and other EVM-compatible chains—with expansion planned for more public blockchains. Gate updates its supported chains list regularly; check the platform for latest coverage.