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SwapKit is a powerful suite of tools for building blockchain applications.

Performing Swaps

SwapKit provides a unified interface for swapping tokens across different chains and protocols. This guide covers how to get quotes and execute swaps using both the granular and all-in-one approaches.

Before starting, make sure you understand Core Concepts like AssetValue and Chain types. For detailed API methods, see the API Reference.

Two Approaches for Using SwapKit

Section titled “Two Approaches for Using SwapKit”

You can use SwapKit in two ways:

  1. Granular approach - Import only what you need from individual packages (recommended for frontend):

    import { SwapKit, ThorchainPlugin, evmWallet } from "@swapkit/sdk";

  2. All-in-one approach - Import everything from the SDK (better for backend/Node.js):

    import { createSwapKit } from "@swapkit/sdk";

Basic Swap Flow

Section titled “Basic Swap Flow”

The typical flow for performing a swap consists of these steps:

  1. Initialize SwapKit and connect wallets
  2. Get a quote for the swap
  3. Approve tokens (if needed)
  4. Execute the swap transaction

Setting Up SwapKit for Swaps

Section titled “Setting Up SwapKit for Swaps”
Section titled “Granular Approach (Frontend Recommended)”
// @noErrorValidation
import { Chain, SwapKit, evmWallet, keystoreWallet, ThorchainPlugin, EVMPlugin } from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit with necessary plugins and wallets
const swapKit = SwapKit({
  config: {
    apiKeys: {
      swapKit: "your-swapkit-api-key",
      blockchair: "your-blockchair-api-key",
      walletConnectProjectId: "your-walletconnect-project-id",
    },
  },
  plugins: { ...ThorchainPlugin, ...EVMPlugin },
  wallets: { ...evmWallet, ...keystoreWallet },
});


// Connect necessary wallets
async function connectWallets() {
  // Connect EVM wallet for Ethereum
  await swapKit.connectEVMWallet([Chain.Ethereum]);


  // If doing cross-chain swaps, connect other chains as needed
  // For example, to swap from ETH to BTC:
  await swapKit.connectKeystore([Chain.Bitcoin], "your secret phrase here");


  const connectedWallets = Object.keys(swapKit.getAllWallets());
}

All-in-one Approach (Backend)

Section titled “All-in-one Approach (Backend)”
// @noErrorValidation
import { Chain, createSwapKit } from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit with all plugins and wallets included
const swapKit = createSwapKit({
  config: {
    apiKeys: {
      swapKit: "your-swapkit-api-key",
      blockchair: "your-blockchair-api-key",
      walletConnectProjectId: "your-walletconnect-project-id",
    },
  },
});


// Connect necessary wallets
async function connectWallets() {
  // Connect wallets for the chains involved in the swap
  await swapKit.connectKeystore(
    [Chain.Ethereum, Chain.Bitcoin],
    "your secret phrase here"
  );
}

Getting a Swap Quote

Section titled “Getting a Swap Quote”

Before executing a swap, you need to get a quote to see available routes, prices, and fees. See getSwapQuote in the API Reference for all available parameters:

// @noErrorValidation
import { SwapKitApi } from "@swapkit/helpers/api";


// Basic swap quote
async function getSwapQuote() {
  // Define the assets to swap
  const sellAsset = "ETH.ETH"; // Ethereum on Ethereum chain
  const buyAsset = "ETH.USDC-0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48"; // USDC on Ethereum
  const sellAmount = "0.1"; // 0.1 ETH


  try {
    // Get quotes from all available providers
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset,
      buyAsset,
      sellAmount,
      sourceAddress: "0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc454e4438f44e",
      slippage: 1,
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success) {
      throw new Error(`Failed to get quote: ${quoteResponse.error}`);
    }


    // Routes sorted by best rate
    const routes = quoteResponse.data.routes;


    // Found ${routes.length} routes for swapping ${sellAmount} ${sellAsset} to ${buyAsset}`
    // Best rate: 1 ETH = ${Number(routes[0].buyAmount) / Number(sellAmount)} USDC`


    return routes;
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}


// Get quotes from a specific provider
async function getProviderQuote() {
  const { ProviderName } = await import("@swapkit/sdk");
  const { SwapKitApi } = await import("@swapkit/helpers/api");


  // For example, get quotes only from Uniswap V3
  const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
    sellAsset: "ETH.ETH",
    buyAsset: "ETH.USDC-0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48",
    sellAmount: "0.1",
    providers: [ProviderName.UNISWAP_V3], // Specify provider(s)
    sourceAddress: "0x742d35Cc6634C0532925a3b844Bc454e4438f44e",
  });


  return quoteResponse.data?.routes || [];
}

Executing a Swap

Section titled “Executing a Swap”

Once you have a quote, you can execute the swap:

Granular Approach

Section titled “Granular Approach”
// @noErrorValidation
import {
  AssetValue,
  Chain,
  FeeOption,
  ProviderName,
  SwapKitApi,
  SwapKit,
  evmWallet,
  EVMPlugin,
} from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit with necessary plugins and wallets
const swapKit = SwapKit({
  plugins: { ...EVMPlugin },
  wallets: { ...evmWallet },
});


// Connect wallet
await swapKit.connectEVMWallet([Chain.Ethereum]);


// Complete swap flow
async function executeSwap() {
  try {
    // 1. Get quotes
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset: "ETH.ETH",
      buyAsset: "ETH.USDC-0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48",
      sellAmount: "0.1",
      sourceAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.Ethereum),
      slippage: 1,
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success || !quoteResponse.data.routes.length) {
      throw new Error("No swap routes available");
    }


    // 2. Select the best route (first one is usually best rate)
    const selectedRoute = quoteResponse.data.routes[0];


    // 3. Create asset value for approvals
    const assetValue = await AssetValue.from({
      asset: selectedRoute.sellAsset,
      value: selectedRoute.sellAmount,
      asyncTokenLookup: true,
    });


    // 4. Check if we need to approve tokens (for ERC20 tokens)
    if (!assetValue.isGasAsset && selectedRoute.tx) {
      const isApproved = await swapKit.isAssetValueApproved(
        assetValue,
        selectedRoute.tx.from
      );


      if (!isApproved) {
        // "Approval needed, approving tokens..."
        await swapKit.approveAssetValue(assetValue, selectedRoute.tx.from);
        // "Tokens approved!"
      }
    }


    // 5. Execute the swap
    const txHash = await swapKit.swap({
      route: selectedRoute,
      feeOptionKey: FeeOption.Fast,
    }) as string;


    // 6. Get transaction URL
    const txUrl = swapKit.getExplorerTxUrl({ chain: assetValue.chain as Chain, txHash });


    return { txHash, txUrl };
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}

All-in-one Approach

Section titled “All-in-one Approach”
// @noErrorValidation
import {
  AssetValue,
  Chain,
  FeeOption,
  SwapKitApi,
  createSwapKit,
} from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit
const swapKit = createSwapKit();


// Connect wallet
await swapKit.connectKeystore([Chain.Ethereum], "your secret phrase here");


// Execute swap
async function executeSwap() {
  try {
    // 1. Get quotes
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset: "ETH.ETH",
      buyAsset: "ETH.USDC-0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48",
      sellAmount: "0.1",
      sourceAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.Ethereum),
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success || !quoteResponse.data.routes.length) {
      throw new Error("No swap routes available");
    }


    // 2. Select the best route
    const selectedRoute = quoteResponse.data.routes[0];


    // 3. Execute the swap
    const txHash = await swapKit.swap({
      route: selectedRoute,
      feeOptionKey: FeeOption.Fast,
    });


    return txHash;
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}

Cross-Chain Swaps with Chainflip

Section titled “Cross-Chain Swaps with Chainflip”

SwapKit supports cross-chain swaps through Chainflip:

// @noErrorValidation
import {
  Chain,
  FeeOption,
  ProviderName,
  SwapKitApi,
  SwapKit,
  evmWallet,
  ChainflipPlugin,
} from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit with necessary plugins
const swapKit = SwapKit({
  plugins: { ...ChainflipPlugin },
  wallets: { ...evmWallet },
  config: {
    integrations: {
      chainflip: {
        brokerUrl: "https://broker.chainflip.io", // Chainflip broker URL
      },
    },
  },
});


// Connect source chain wallet (Ethereum)
await swapKit.connectEVMWallet([Chain.Ethereum]);


// Perform a cross-chain swap from ETH to BTC
async function crossChainSwap() {
  try {
    // Get cross-chain quotes
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset: "ETH.ETH", // Ethereum
      buyAsset: "BTC.BTC", // Bitcoin
      sellAmount: "0.1", // 0.1 ETH
      providers: [ProviderName.CHAINFLIP], // Use Chainflip for cross-chain
      sourceAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.Ethereum),
      destinationAddress: "bc1qar0srrr7xfkvy5l643lydnw9re59gtzzwf5mdq", // BTC destination
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success || !quoteResponse.data.routes.length) {
      throw new Error("No cross-chain swap routes available");
    }


    // Select the route
    const route = quoteResponse.data.routes[0];


    // Execute the cross-chain swap
    const txHash = await swapKit.swap({
      route,
      feeOptionKey: FeeOption.Fast,
      // Optional: provide maxBoostFeeBps to speed up the swap if needed
    });




    return { txHash };
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}

THORChain Swaps

Section titled “THORChain Swaps”

SwapKit also supports swaps through THORChain:

// @noErrorValidation
import {
  Chain,
  FeeOption,
  ProviderName,
  SwapKitApi,
  SwapKit,
  evmWallet,
  keystoreWallet,
  ThorchainPlugin,
} from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit
const swapKit = SwapKit({
  plugins: { ...ThorchainPlugin },
  wallets: { ...evmWallet, ...keystoreWallet },
});


// Setup for THORChain swap
async function setupAndSwap() {
  // Connect source chain wallet (e.g., Ethereum)
  await swapKit.connectEVMWallet([Chain.Ethereum]);


  // Connect THORChain wallet if doing a swap to RUNE
  await swapKit.connectKeystore([Chain.THORChain], "your secret phrase here");


  // Perform a swap through THORChain
  try {
    // Get quotes from THORChain
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset: "ETH.ETH", // Ethereum
      buyAsset: "THOR.RUNE", // RUNE on THORChain
      sellAmount: "0.1", // 0.1 ETH
      providers: [ProviderName.THORCHAIN], // Use THORChain
      sourceAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.Ethereum),
      destinationAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.THORChain),
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success || !quoteResponse.data.routes.length) {
      throw new Error("No THORChain swap routes available");
    }


    // Select the route
    const route = quoteResponse.data.routes[0];


    // Execute the THORChain swap
    const txHash = await swapKit.swap({
      route,
      feeOptionKey: FeeOption.Fast,
    });


    return { txHash };
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}

Fee Estimation

Section titled “Fee Estimation”

Before executing a swap, you can estimate the transaction fees:

// @noErrorValidation
import {
  AssetValue,
  Chain,
  FeeOption,
  SwapKitApi,
  SwapKit,
  evmWallet,
  EVMPlugin,
} from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit
const swapKit = SwapKit({
  plugins: { ...EVMPlugin },
  wallets: { ...evmWallet },
});


// Connect wallet
await swapKit.connectEVMWallet([Chain.Ethereum]);


// Estimate swap fees
async function estimateSwapFees() {
  try {
    // 1. Get quotes
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset: "ETH.ETH",
      buyAsset: "ETH.USDC-0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48",
      sellAmount: "0.1",
      sourceAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.Ethereum),
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success || !quoteResponse.data.routes.length) {
      throw new Error("No swap routes available");
    }


    // 2. Select a route
    const route = quoteResponse.data.routes[0];


    // 3. Create asset value
    const assetValue = await AssetValue.from({
      asset: route.sellAsset,
      value: route.sellAmount,
      asyncTokenLookup: true,
    });


    // 4. Estimate the swap fee
    const estimatedFee = await swapKit.estimateTransactionFee({
      type: "swap",
      feeOptionKey: FeeOption.Fast,
      params: {
        route,
        assetValue,
      },
    });


    return estimatedFee;
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}

Advanced: Swap with Custom Parameters

Section titled “Advanced: Swap with Custom Parameters”

For more advanced use cases, you can customize swap parameters:

// @noErrorValidation
import {
  Chain,
  FeeOption,
  ProviderName,
  SwapKitApi,
  SwapKit,
  evmWallet,
  ThorchainPlugin,
  ChainflipPlugin,
} from "@swapkit/sdk";


// Initialize SwapKit
const swapKit = SwapKit({
  plugins: { ...ThorchainPlugin, ...ChainflipPlugin },
  wallets: { ...evmWallet },
});


// Connect wallets
await swapKit.connectEVMWallet([Chain.Ethereum, Chain.BinanceSmartChain]);


// Advanced swap with custom parameters
async function advancedSwap() {
  try {
    // Custom quote parameters
    const quoteResponse = await SwapKitApi.getSwapQuote({
      sellAsset: "ETH.ETH",
      buyAsset: "BNB.BNB",
      sellAmount: "0.5",
      // Specific providers to use
      providers: [
        ProviderName.THORCHAIN,
        ProviderName.CHAINFLIP,
      ],
      // Custom addresses
      sourceAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.Ethereum),
      destinationAddress: swapKit.getAddress(Chain.BinanceSmartChain),
      // Custom slippage tolerance (2.5%)
      slippage: 2.5,
      // Affiliate fee (optional)
      // affiliateBps: 20, // 0.2% fee
      // affiliateAddress: "thor1youraffiliateaddresshere",
    });


    if (!quoteResponse.success || !quoteResponse.data.routes.length) {
      throw new Error("No advanced swap routes available");
    }


    // Get the best route
    const route = quoteResponse.data.routes[0];


    // Execute the swap with custom parameters
    const txHash = await swapKit.swap({
      route,
      feeOptionKey: FeeOption.Fast,
      // Additional Chainflip-specific parameters
      // maxBoostFeeBps: 5, // 0.05% max fee boost
    });




    return { txHash };
  } catch (error) {
    throw error;
  }
}