Across Unifies 21 Blockchains: Single-Click Bridge Merges DeFi into Seamless Ecosystem

Across Protocol has launched a groundbreaking cross-chain swap feature that enables users to bridge and swap any token across 21+ blockchains in a single click, eliminating the need for multi-step processes, multiple dApps, and time-consuming transactions. The upgrade, which builds on the existing Across Bridge, streamlines the cross-chain experience by unifying swap and bridge functionality into one seamless transaction flow, supported by integrations with decentralized exchanges like 0x, Li.Fi, and Uniswap. This innovation addresses a longstanding pain point in decentralized finance: the inefficiency of traditional cross-chain operations, which often required users to swap tokens, bridge them, and then swap again-a process that could involve three separate transactions and significant delays.

The new system leverages an "intents architecture," where the complexity of routing and execution is abstracted away from the user. Instead of manually navigating liquidity pools or bridging protocols, users simply select their origin and destination chains, input the amount, and confirm the transaction. Behind the scenes, Across's Swap API optimizes routes, ensuring the fastest and most cost-effective transfers. This approach not only simplifies the user experience but also reduces the risk of errors and security vulnerabilities associated with manual cross-chain juggling.

The upgrade is particularly notable for its speed and efficiency. By automating routing and leveraging intent-based execution, Across has cut transaction failure rates from 18.7% to just 2.3%, according to 2025 industry data. Transaction times now average 8–15 seconds, significantly faster than competitors like LayerZero (15–25 seconds) and IBC (5–10 seconds). These improvements are part of a broader trend toward interoperability in blockchain, driven by standards like IEEE 3221.01-2025 and Ethereum's ERC-7683.

While Across's focus is on convenience for everyday users-referred to as "bridgooors"-it also positions the protocol as a key player in the evolving cross-chain landscape. By 2025, cross-chain transactions had surged 237% year-over-year, with 63% of DeFi protocols now operating across multiple chains. Across's 28-supported-chain footprint places it among mid-tier bridges like Celer cBridge and Stargate Finance, which prioritize both usability and security. However, it trails behind trust-minimized solutions like IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) and Connext, which prioritize decentralization at the expense of simplicity.

The implications for DeFi are profound. As interoperability becomes the default, the boundaries between chains will blur, enabling a unified financial ecosystem where users can access liquidity, yield opportunities, and applications without worrying about chain-specific constraints. Across's single-click model exemplifies this shift, offering a glimpse of a future where cross-chain interactions are as seamless as traditional finance transactions. With the protocol's commitment to speed, security, and user experience, it is well-positioned to shape the next phase of blockchain innovation.