Sui’s support for cross-chain protocols like Wormhole Connect enables the secure and efficient transfer of tokens and NFTs between Sui and other leading blockchains. By embracing interoperability, Sui ensures users maintain true ownership and control of their digital assets across multiple ecosystems.
Understanding Cross-Chain Asset Transfers
Blockchains are designed to support the secure holding of digital assets. However, native assets on one chain often cannot be natively recognized or used on another. Cross-chain protocols address this fragmentation by enabling assets to move fluidly between different networks.
Sui leverages the open-source Wormhole protocol to facilitate these transfers. Through integrations like Wormhole Connect, builders can embed cross-chain functionality directly into their applications. Users can also perform asset transfers via the Wormhole Portal Bridge interface. Additionally, services such as Celer’s cBridge provide further options for moving assets into and out of the Sui network.
Supported assets include not only SUI tokens and NFTs but also major stablecoins like USDC and wrapped versions of popular tokens such as WBTC, WETH, and WSOL.
How Cross-Chain Token Transfers Work
When a token native to one blockchain moves to a non-native chain, it must be "wrapped" in a smart contract for the destination chain to recognize and manage it. This wrapped token—like WBTC for Bitcoin or WETH for Ethereum—functions as a representation of the original asset, with its value pegged 1:1.
The transfer process involves several steps, including locking the original asset, minting the wrapped version on the target chain, and updating ownership records. These operations require gas fees, which vary depending on the source and destination chains.
Sui simplifies this with features like Wormhole Connect’s automatic relaying, which handles gas payments on the source chain so users don’t need to hold native gas tokens on the target chain. This means a user only pays to initiate the transfer—not to receive the assets.
Transferring NFTs Across Blockchains
NFTs can also be bridged between chains. However, because Sui NFTs often include complex, event-driven programming and unique object ownership structures, their functionality or display might differ on other chains. It’s important to understand how metadata and properties are preserved during cross-chain NFT transfers.
The Importance of True Asset Ownership
As users explore Sui’s high-performance ecosystem and engage with its dApps, they may acquire various digital assets. Cross-chain protocols ensure these assets remain movable and usable beyond a single network environment.
Sui’s design philosophy emphasizes that users should never be locked into one chain. Instead, they should be free to transfer and utilize their assets wherever they choose—a principle central to the promise of Web3 and digital ownership.
👉 Explore advanced cross-chain strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wrapped token?
A wrapped token is a representation of a native asset on a non-native blockchain. It’s created using a smart contract that locks the original asset and mints a corresponding token on the destination chain, ensuring value parity and interoperability.
How are gas fees handled in cross-chain transfers?
Depending on the protocol, users may pay gas only on the source chain. Some services, like Wormhole Connect on Sui, offer automatic relaying to cover destination chain fees, so users don’t need to hold multiple gas tokens.
Can any NFT be transferred across chains?
While many NFTs can be bridged, complex NFTs with dynamic features or chain-specific logic may not function identically on all blockchains. Always verify compatibility and metadata preservation before transferring.
Why is cross-chain interoperability important?
It prevents ecosystem lock-in, gives users freedom to move assets, encourages liquidity sharing, and supports a more connected and efficient blockchain landscape.
Is bridging assets secure?
Reputable protocols use audited smart contracts and decentralized guardian networks to secure transfers. However, users should always use official bridges and verify transactions.
What tokens can I transfer to Sui?
Major tokens like ETH, BTC, USDC, and others are supported via wrapped versions (e.g., WETH, WBTC). Always check the latest supported assets list on the bridge interface.