Bridging to the XRP Ledger (XRPL)
Your complete XRPL handbook: From understanding the XRP Ledger's key features to bridging crypto assets and staying safe. Includes step-by-step Squid Router tutorial and bridging fundamentals for moving USDC, ETH, and more to XRPL.

What it is, how it works, and why it matters
The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is one of the fastest and most efficient blockchains, but most users hold assets like USDT, USDC, ETH, or BTC on other networks. To bring these tokens into XRPL's low-cost, high-speed environment, we use bridging.
This guide explains what bridging is, how it works on XRPL, the benefits, and what to watch out for.
1. What Is Bridging?
Bridging is a process that lets you move value between different blockchains.
Instead of literally transferring coins across chains, a bridge:
- Locks or escrows your tokens on the source blockchain.
- Issues a wrapped version of that asset on the destination blockchain.
Example:
- Deposit USDC (Ethereum) → Receive USDC (XRPL).
- Later, you can "bridge back" to unlock your original USDC on Ethereum.
2. Why Bridge to XRPL?
- Speed: Transactions settle in 3–5 seconds.
- Low Fees: Fractions of a cent per transaction.
- Built-In DEX: Trade your bridged tokens instantly on XRPL's native decentralized exchange.
- Global Utility: Use assets for payments, remittances, and cross-chain transfers.
- Eco-Friendly: No mining required, bridges leverage XRPL's consensus protocol.
3. How Does It Work in Practice?
Different bridges use slightly different mechanics, but the flow is generally the same:
- User sends tokens to a bridge smart contract or gateway address on the source chain.
- The bridge locks or escrows those tokens.
- The bridge then mints or issues wrapped tokens on XRPL (e.g., USDC.issueraddress).
- You can use those tokens like any other XRPL asset, trade them, send them, or use them in dApps.
- To exit, you bridge back: the XRPL tokens are burned/returned, and the original tokens are unlocked on the source chain.
4. Bridges Connected to XRPL
Some of the services enabling XRPL bridging include:
- Squid Router: Connects XRPL to Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, and others.
- Multichain: supporte XRPL connections.
- Centralized Gateways: Some exchanges act as de-facto bridges by issuing IOUs on XRPL (e.g., USD, EUR).
Each bridge has its own supported assets, fees, and trust model. Always review before moving funds.
5. Risks & Safety Tips
Bridges can be powerful but also carry risks:
- Smart Contract Risks: Bugs or exploits can cause loss of funds.
- Phishing: Fake "bridge" websites try to steal wallet access.
- Liquidity Risks: Some wrapped tokens may lack liquidity on XRPL.
- Trust Models: Some bridges are custodial, meaning you trust a central operator.
How to stay safe:
- Always use official bridge websites.
- Start with small test amounts.
- Set up the correct trust lines in your XRPL wallet to see/use bridged assets.
- Never share your recovery phrase, no bridge will ever ask for it.