A bridge is the technology that lets tokens or data move between different blockchains.
Each chain keeps its own ledger and rules, so assets cannot transfer directly. A bridge solves this by locking or burning tokens on the source chain and issuing or releasing them on the destination chain. This keeps supply balanced while enabling movement across ecosystems like Ethereum, Cardano, BNB, Solana, Base, and the World Mobile Chain.
Why bridges matter
Bridges connect separate ecosystems and make tokens more useful across networks. With bridges, you can:
- Use the same token across multiple chains
- Access applications, services, or DeFi protocols that may only exist on another network
- Take advantage of lower fees or faster speeds available on different chains
- Connect liquidity across ecosystems, which can reduce price volatility and open up more trading opportunities
Without bridges, blockchains remain isolated, limiting both the flexibility of tokens and the options available to users and developers.
How bridges work
A bridge does not move tokens directly. It locks or burns them on the source chain and creates an equivalent on the destination chain. When you send them back, the process reverses to keep total supply consistent.
- Lock or burn: deposit tokens into a bridge contract on the source chain.
- Mint or release: the bridge issues the same amount on the destination chain, or unlocks tokens already held there.
- Verification: validators or smart contracts confirm the transfer to prevent duplication or loss.
- Return: when bridging back, tokens on the second chain are burned or locked, and the originals are released.
Risks to be aware of
Always use official bridges, verify URLs carefully, and avoid unverified services. Bridges have been targets for attacks in the past, with bugs in smart contracts, compromised validators, or fake websites causing major losses. For more tips, see How to Keep Your WMTx Secure.
Bridges in World Mobile
WMTx began as a Cardano-native token and has since expanded to multiple chains. This multi-chain design makes it easier to use WMTx across ecosystems and ensures it can follow World Mobile wherever the network grows.
Today, the main bridging routes are:
- Cardano → Base: Step-by-Step Guide
- Base → World Mobile Chain: Step-by-Step Guide
- Cross-chain bridges via Chainlink Transporter: between Arbitrum, Solana, Ethereum, and Base