What Is Bridging? (And Why It Matters for XRPL + XRP Holders)
If you're new to onchain exploration, bridging is one of the first tools you'll want to learn. It unlocks the full potential of XRP - letting you move beyond just holding and start using it across the growing world of apps built on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).
This article breaks down how bridging works, why it’s exciting for XRP holders, and how you can get started with just a few clicks.
Still holding XRP on a centralized exchange? Here's what you're missing
Like many XRP holders, you’re probably keeping your tokens on a centralized exchange (CEX). That’s a common starting point - but it’s only the beginning. Exchanges are built for buying and selling, not for participating in the ecosystem itself.
To actually use your XRP - and truly own it - you’ll need to move it into a wallet you control. As the saying goes: not your keys, not your crypto. Once you’re onchain, thats where the real activity happens: exploring apps, trying new tools, and unlocking the full potential of the ecosystem:
- Earning yield in DeFi
- Exploring NFT marketplaces
- Using decentralized trading tools
- Participating in other onchain opportunities
Bridging is how you get there. It’s your first step toward using XRP for more than just holding.
What is bridging?
Bridging is how you move assets across blockchains. Different chains (like XRPL and Ethereum) are like different operating systems - they speak different technical languages, and they can't talk to each other natively. A bridge makes that connection possible.
Bridging with Squid opens up a world of possibilities for your XRP - from DeFi to NFTs and everything in between.
Want a deeper dive on bridging and how it works? Check out our overview: What is bridging? →
What is Squid?
Squid is the easiest way to move tokens between chains, including XRPL, the XRPL EVM, and over 80 others. Most people use Squid through our app, but it’s also available as a developer integration.
Under the hood, Squid is powered by Axelar - a decentralized cross-chain messaging network integrated into hundreds of blockchain apps. Since launching in 2022, Squid has routed over $4 billion in cross-chain volume.
Instead of jumping through multiple apps and interfaces, you just tell Squid what tokens you want to send and where they should go. Squid then finds the best route and takes care of everything behind the scenes - fast, reliable, and beginner-friendly. Squid is officially integrated with Ripple and trusted to power the bridge that connects XRP to the rest of crypto.
Learn by doing: your first cross-chain bridge
The best way to understand Squid? Try it for yourself! The following overview walks you through a simple example: bridging XRP from XRPL to the XRPL EVM sidechain (and back). It’s a quick, low-risk way to try bridging and start using XRP with more onchain apps.
Here’s a quick overview of the two networks:
- The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is a decentralized layer 1 blockchain renowned for its decade-long reliability and stability in tokenizing and exchanging crypto-native and real-world assets.
- XRPL EVM is the new sidechain developed by Peersyst that brings smart contracts and DeFi capabilities to the XRPL.
They’re connected by a bridge. That means you can move XRP between them and explore what each one offers without leaving the Ripple ecosystem.
You’ll need two wallets to bridge and use your XRP onchain:
- A wallet for XRPL (like Xaman or Crossmark) Read our XRPL Wallet Setup Guide →
- A wallet for XRPL EVM EVM (like MetaMask) Read our EVM Wallet Setup Guide →
Setting up these wallets is simple - we’ve got guides to walk you through it. With self-custody, you’ll always stay in control of your XRP.
When you’re ready, follow our bridging guide to try it for yourself.
Why bridge between XRPL and XRPL EVM?
The XRPL EVM sidechain brings new possibilities - like smart contracts, staking, DeFi, and NFTs - while staying connected to the XRPL’s core functionality, security, speed and reliability. It’s a powerful way to do more with your XRP, without leaving the XRPL ecosystem.
Bridging connects the two environments seamlessly. Whether you're exploring XRPL or tapping into tools on the EVM sidechain, you're using your XRP across a unified, growing network, without compromising on speed or security.
How bridging works
- You connect XRPL + EVM wallets to Squid's app
- You choose what to bridge (e.g. 1 XRP on XRPL → 1 XRP on XRPL EVM)
- You sign and submit the transaction from your XRPL wallet
- Squid and Axelar handle the cross-chain transfer:
- Your XRP is locked on XRPL
- The bridge mints an equivalent amount of eXRP on XRPL EVM
- You receive the eXRP in your EVM wallet - ready to use in DeFi apps or bridge back
- When you bridge back, your XRP on XRPL EVM is burned and the original XRP is unlocked on XRPL.
Squid handles the entire process automatically. The bridge is secured by Axelar, a trusted infrastructure provider used by hundreds of apps across the crypto ecosystem.
And it doesn’t stop there - Squid also connects XRPL to other major chains like Solana, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. Squid supports any token on supported networks, and combines protocols like Axelar and others to find the best route for your assets - making cross-chain movement fast, safe, and efficient.
Bridging costs and speed: What to expect
When bridging, you’ll pay gas fees - small network fees to process your transaction and relay it across chains. This includes signing on XRPL and relaying messages via Axelar.
Thanks to XRPL’s efficiency, bridging from XRPL to the XRPL EVM usually costs less than 1 XRP and takes around 3 minutes.
We’re constantly working to make bridging faster and smoother. And the best part? Squid handles all the complexity behind the scenes.
Let’s get you onchain
Ready to get started? Here's what to do next:
Squid is here to make your onchain journey with XRP simple, secure, and exciting - every step of the way. See you on XRPL!