Across vs. Matcha
Rift Research
Last updated
TLDR: Across is an intent-based interoperability protocol. Matcha is a DEX aggregator UI powered by 0x. Consider Across when you are moving canonical USDC or ETH between major chains and care about speed. Consider Matcha when you want 0x-powered swap aggregation through a trading interface. Confirm the live winner on rates.gg.
What each protocol is
Across. Across is an intents protocol for bridging and cross-chain swaps. Relayers front destination liquidity. Across advertises approximately two-second fills on supported mainnet routes; actual timing depends on the route. Its intent settlement and refund mechanisms are separate from that initial fill. Official docs: Across Docs. App: across.to.
Matcha. Matcha is the 0x-powered DEX aggregator interface. It routes across on-chain liquidity sources. Matcha Auto includes network costs in the quote rather than requiring a separate gas payment. Cross-chain swaps are a separate fee tier from same-chain swaps. Official docs: 0x Docs. App: matcha.xyz.
Short version
| Dimension | Across | Matcha |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Intent-based interoperability protocol | DEX aggregator UI powered by 0x |
| Fee | Market-quoted relayer spread and LP fee; no separate flat protocol toll | 0.25% on most same-chain pairs, 0% stable-to-stable; cross-chain 0.04% stables / 0.40% other pairs (Matcha help center) |
| Coverage | Supported mainnet networks, with availability determined by the exact token pair and route | EVM networks plus Solana and HyperEVM, per Matcha support docs |
| Settlement | Canonical assets delivered by bonded relayers | On-chain via 0x settlement; Auto mode is gasless for the user |
| Trust model | Relayer-funded fills and the settlement and dispute mechanisms of the deployed Across contracts | 0x protocol plus connected liquidity sources |
| Good fit for | Canonical USDC and ETH transfers between supported chains | 0x-powered swap aggregation through a trading interface |
| Docs | Across Docs | 0x Docs |
Where each fits
Across may fit when:
- You are moving USDC or ETH between major supported chains
- Fast destination fills matter; confirm the estimate for your route
- You want a dedicated intent rail rather than a meta-aggregator
Matcha may fit when:
- The trade is same-chain (or inside Matcha’s listed networks)
- You want a simple 0x-powered swap interface
- Gasless Auto execution is useful
Key differences
Across and Matcha should be compared on the job you need to complete: the input asset, destination asset and chain, trade size, execution method and custody assumptions. They may overlap on some routes and complement each other on others. A broader chain list or faster advertised fill does not establish a better net rate. Compare executable quotes in the same window, including gas and every underlying step.
When to use which
- Use Across when you are moving canonical USDC or ETH between major chains and care about speed.
- Use Matcha when you want 0x-powered swap aggregation through a trading interface.
- If both can quote the same route, take the better net output after fees, time and settlement type. Check that print on rates.gg.
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Across or Matcha?
Neither has a universal price advantage. Across: Market-quoted relayer spread and LP fee; no separate flat protocol toll. Matcha: 0.25% on most same-chain pairs, 0% stable-to-stable; cross-chain 0.04% stables / 0.40% other pairs (Matcha help center). Compare executable quotes for the same size, destination and time window, including gas, underlying venue costs and any extra transfer. Expected output and minimum received are different figures; compare like with like.
Is Across a substitute for Matcha?
Only on overlapping pairs and chains. When both can quote the same route, take the better net output after fees and time. When only one supports the asset or chain, that one is the only option.
Where are the official Across and Matcha docs?
Across: Across Docs. Matcha: 0x Docs. Live rate comparison: rates.gg.
Official sources
- Across docs: Across Docs
- Across app: across.to
- Across — Introduction: docs.across.to/introduction
- Across — Features and fill times: docs.across.to/introduction/features
- Across — API reference: docs.across.to/api-reference
- Matcha docs: 0x Docs
- Matcha app: matcha.xyz
- Matcha — About Matcha: matcha.xyz/about-matcha-dex-aggregator
- Matcha — Fees: help.matcha.xyz/articles/1222339831-are-there-any-fees-to-make-a-trade
- Matcha — Supported networks: help.matcha.xyz/articles/2894768009-what-blockchain-networks-does-matcha-support
Get the Best of Both With Rift
Rift is a strong alternative to choosing a single provider. Its rate comparison includes Across and Matcha alongside additional venues, while the Rift API routes orders across its supported execution integrations. You can compare both approaches and get one execution flow for the available route.
Rift adds no router fee and uses secure hardware enclaves to enforce noncustodial execution. Underlying venue fees, spreads and network costs still apply, and availability depends on the asset, chain and order size. The live quote shows the route and expected output.