Crypto Swap Checklist: What to Check Before You Send
A crypto-to-crypto swap involves several details worth checking together: what you send, which network it uses, where the output goes, and the conditions attached to the quote. Keep this checklist beside the current instructions from your wallet and swap service.
1. Confirm the asset and network
Check the exact asset and network for each transfer. The sending network must match the network specified for that transfer's receiving address. Separately, check that your final receiving wallet or platform accepts the output asset on the selected output network.
An address's appearance is not enough to identify its network. Some compatible networks use the same address format, and an address may be the same across several networks. MetaMask explains this network distinction (https://support.metamask.io/it/manage-crypto/move-crypto/send/funds-sent-on-wrong-network/).
2. Verify the address and any required memo
Take the receiving details from the current, verified destination instructions. After copying the address, compare the full pasted address with those instructions. Check whether a memo, destination tag or another reference is required.
Receiving platforms can have specific asset, network and reference requirements. Kraken's deposit guide (https://support.kraken.com/articles/360000672643-how-to-deposit-cryptocurrencies-to-your-kraken-account) illustrates why these details need to be checked together. Follow the rules of the actual destination you use.
3. Compare the expected receipt and the costs
For a useful quote comparison, keep the input asset and amount, output asset and network consistent. Check quotes close together in time and record:
- The amount you intend to send
- The amount you are expected to receive
- Each displayed fee and what it covers
- Any sending-wallet or platform charge outside the quote
- Whether a displayed cost is already included in the expected receipt
Costs can be reflected in the exchange rate as well as in separate fees. For example, Coinbase explains its conversion spread and fees (https://help.coinbase.com/en-au/coinbase/trading-and-funding/pricing-and-fees/fees). Other services have their own pricing terms. Check how each quote is calculated, and avoid subtracting an already included fee twice.
4. Read the quote conditions and time limits
If fixed and floating quotes are offered, read their conditions. A fixed quote can depend on timing and amount requirements; a floating quote's final receipt can change with market conditions. Changelly's explanation (https://changelly.com/faq/en-gb/changelly/transactions/) provides a service-specific example.
For your quote, check what any deadline requires: sending, appearing on the network, or reaching a stated confirmation condition. Check what happens if the amount or timing differs. If a condition is unclear, pause before sending.
5. Review the actual send screen
Before confirming in your wallet or sending platform, compare the asset, network, address, amount and any required reference with the current instructions. Review the displayed sending fee and whether your available balance covers the transfer and required charges. MetaMask's sending guide (https://support.metamask.io/manage-crypto/move-crypto/send/how-to-send-tokens-from-your-metamask-wallet) shows the importance of this final review.
Treat an estimated completion time as an estimate. Check the transaction's current status through the relevant service and network rather than assuming that submitting it means every step is complete.
6. Keep wallet secrets private
Never share a recovery phrase or private key with another person, a support chat or a public group. Anyone who obtains them may gain control of the associated wallet. Use the relevant service's verified support channel if you need help. MetaMask's security guidance (https://support.metamask.io/stay-safe/safety-in-web3/basic-safety-and-security-tips-for-metamask/) explains this risk.
Your final check
Before sending, can you confirm the asset and network, destination details, expected receipt, displayed costs and quote conditions? If anything is missing or inconsistent, stop and verify it first.
This checklist is general educational information. It does not recommend a particular asset or transaction, or guarantee that a swap will complete without loss.