Simple Guide on Bridging Your Assets to The Open Network (TON) 

Moving assets between blockchains can be challenging. High fees, complex steps, and security questions can overwhelm you. But with the right guidance, you can confidently bridge your assets to TON and take advantage of everything this groundbreaking platform offers.

In this guide, we’ll show you, step by step, how to bridge to the TON Network. You’ll learn how easy it can be to make the most of this powerful network using simple instructions and real-life examples. Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

• The Open Network (TON) is a decentralized blockchain developed by Telegram’s creators, designed for high-speed transactions and scalability.
• Bridging assets to TON can be more cost-effective than Ethereum, especially during peak times.
• Transactions on TON are processed in seconds, which is ideal for quick trades and DeFi activities.
• Cryptocurrency can be easily managed within the Telegram app, enhancing user experience.
• Use a wallet for Ethereum assets (like MetaMask) and a TON wallet (like Tonkeeper).
• Average bridging costs range from $15-$30, primarily based on Ethereum’s gas fees.

What Is the TON Network?

The Open Network (TON), which was originally developed by Telegram’s creators, is a decentralized blockchain designed for high-speed transactions and large-scale applications. 

It’s built to support millions of transactions per second, making it one of the most scalable blockchains today. With its native cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON), users can access decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and other blockchain services directly through the Telegram app.

Think of TON as a high-speed highway for digital money. Imagine sending money to a friend as quickly as you’d send a message on Telegram—TON makes this possible.

Why Bridge to the TON Network?

In 2024, the TON Network saw a jump in new users who wanted cheaper and faster transactions. According to DefiLlama, TON’s DeFi apps reached over $677 million in total value locked (TVL), as people moved assets over from Ethereum to avoid high fees.

Bridging to TON unlocks new opportunities:

• Lower Fees: Avoid Ethereum’s high gas fees—TON offers cheaper transactions.
• Fast Transactions: Transactions complete in seconds, perfect for quick trades.
• Telegram Integration: Manage your crypto directly in the Telegram app, making it easy to get started.

Alexey Pertsev, a blockchain developer with experience in cross-chain integrations, notes that TON’s integration with Telegram offers a seamless user experience that other blockchains can’t match. It’s a game-changer for those who want to move assets quickly and with minimal friction.

This insight highlights why users, especially those familiar with Telegram, find TON appealing.

How to Bridge to the TON Network

Now that you understand why TON is worth bridging to, let’s look at how to make the switch. Let’s get into the process of moving your assets to TON using the official TON Bridge, a secure and trusted method for bridging. 

 Source: Youtube

Step 1: Prepare Your Wallets

First, make sure you have two things: an Ethereum wallet like MetaMask, and a TON wallet like Tonkeeper to hold your assets on TON. 

Tip: If you’re using MetaMask, have a little extra ETH in your balance to cover gas fees—this can save you from last-minute delays.

Step 2: Visit the TON Bridge Website

Go to bridge.ton.org and connect your MetaMask wallet. Make sure you have some Ethereum (ETH) to cover the transaction fees.

Step 3: Select the Token and Amount

Choose the token you want to bridge, such as USDT or DAI, and specify the amount. Enter your TON wallet address as the destination.

Pro Tip: Start with a small amount for your first transaction to get comfortable with the process and ensure everything works smoothly.

Step 4: Approve the Transaction

Click “Approve” to authorize the bridge to use your selected token. Confirm the transaction in MetaMask. You’ll see a notification when the transaction is approved.

Step 5: Pay the Fees and Transfer

After approval, you’ll be prompted to pay a 1 TON fee along with Ethereum gas fees. Confirm the transfer, and wait for it to be processed. Depending on the Ethereum network’s congestion, this might take a few minutes.

Step 6: Receive Your Assets on TON

Once the transaction is confirmed, your assets will appear in your TON wallet. Congratulations—you’re now ready to explore the TON ecosystem.

In 2024, as DeFi activity surged on the TON Network, many users sought ways to minimize the cost of bridging assets from Ethereum to TON. According to a blog by Exponential DeFi and user discussions on Reddit’s CryptoCurrency community, users managed to cut their gas fees by nearly 30% by timing their transactions during off-peak hours like weekends or late nights. Hord Liquid Staking

These examples show how real users save money while taking advantage of TON’s faster, cheaper transactions—making the TON Bridge a more attractive option for those tired of high fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Bridge to TON?

The cost of transferring assets to the TON Network depends mainly on Ethereum’s gas fees. On average, users pay around $15-$30 per transaction during low-congestion periods​

For more accurate estimates, you can check current gas prices on platforms like ETH Gas Station.

Reducing Your Costs

• Bridge During Off-Peak Hours: According to Hord’s gas fee analysis, users can save up to 50% on gas fees by timing transactions for weekends or late-night hours.
• Watch for Updates: The TON Foundation is continually improving the bridge, and future support for Layer 2 solutions could further reduce costs​
  Hord Liquid Staking.

David Hoffman, a prominent voice in the Ethereum community, shared on a podcast episode that, Timing your transactions is key. Sending transactions during off-peak times can save users significant amounts on gas fees, sometimes up to 50%—making a big difference, especially for larger transfers.

Conclusion

Bridging your assets to The Open Network (TON) is simpler than it sounds and opens the door to a range of opportunities, from going through DeFi applications to managing your crypto directly within Telegram. With lower fees and faster transactions, TON offers a smoother experience compared to many other blockchains.

Ready to save on fees and discover TON’s fast DeFi options? Head to bridge.ton.org to get started, and join the growing community of TON users

By following this guide, you’ve taken the first step into the future of decentralized finance. Enjoy the ride, and welcome to the TON Network!

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