What is a crypto swap?
DefinitionA crypto swap is a direct exchange of one cryptocurrency or token for another, such as TON for USDT, in a single step, without selling to cash first or placing orders on an exchange. You get a quote, confirm it and receive the new asset in your wallet.
How a swap works
When you request a swap, the service finds a rate, from a liquidity pool on a decentralized exchange, from several markets combined, or from a provider’s own quote. You see how much you send, how much you should receive and the fees. If you confirm before the quote expires, the trade executes and the new asset lands in your wallet.
A swap on the same blockchain usually settles in one transaction. Swapping across networks, such as USDT on Tron to USDT on TON, involves a bridge or a cross-chain service and takes longer.
What to check before you confirm
- Quote expiry: a rate is valid only for a short time
- Minimum received: the least you will get; if the price moves past it, a protected swap fails or refunds instead
- Price impact: how much your own trade moves the price; high impact means the market is thin for your size
- Fees: the network fee plus any swap or service fee
- Token contract: make sure the token you receive is the genuine one, not a look-alike
Swap vs trading on an exchange
On a centralized exchange you deposit funds, place a buy or sell order and withdraw afterwards. A swap is simpler: one quote, one confirmation, and the asset arrives in your own wallet. The trade-off is less control over the exact price, which is why minimum received and price impact matter.
In many countries, swapping one crypto asset for another counts as a disposal for tax purposes, just like selling. Keep a record of what you swapped, when, and at what value.
Swaps in Waletifi
Waletifi’s in-app swap moves between TON, USDT, ETH and gold in a tap. It shows a rate from several markets, a live quote countdown, the minimum you’ll receive, price-impact warnings on large swaps and every fee before you confirm, followed by a clear result: success, refund or failure. To move USDT between networks, the cross-network transfer shows fees and timing up front.
