Crypto & tokens
Tokens are digital assets recorded on a shared network. Different tokens have different uses and values. SOL and USDC are two examples.
The beginner's guideA little understanding.
A little understanding.
A lot more confidence.
Start with the basics, follow a swap, and learn what to check before you approve.
First, a few simple ideas.
You only need a handful of concepts to understand what happens during a swap.
Your wallet
An app that shows your tokens and lets you approve actions. The assets are recorded on the network. Your wallet keeps the keys that control them.
The network
A shared system that checks and records transactions. This interface is designed for Solana. A small amount of SOL pays for processing.
Your recovery phrase
Your wallet's secret backup words. Anyone with them can control your wallet. Keep them private and never enter them on a swap website.
So, what is a swap?
It's exchanging one token for another. You choose what to give and what to receive. The result returns to your wallet.
You exchange1 SOLOne swap
You receive≈ 142.38 USDCFrom your wallet, back to your wallet
An illustrative rate before fees. Real prices and the final amount can change.
A connection is not an approval. Connecting usually shares your public address. A request to move tokens is a separate decision. Always read it.
Your first swap, without the guesswork.
Here is the flow. Your wallet stays in control, and the review shows the current quote before you continue.
Connect your wallet
Choose your wallet and check the site address in its connection request. You should not need to share your recovery phrase or private key.
Connecting does not approve a transaction.Choose what to exchange
Select the token you pay, the token you receive, and an amount. Check the network and token address. Matching names do not prove a token is genuine.
Read the review
Look at the expected amount, minimum received, fees, and destination. If any detail is unclear, go back. You do not have to continue.
Approve in your wallet
Read the actual wallet request before signing. After submission, check the status. A confirmed swap is permanent, so do not approve a request you do not understand.
When simulation mode is shown, the app checks the transaction without signing or sending it.
Know what you're paying for.
Fees and price changes are different things. A clear review helps you see both before deciding.
For processing the transaction
Paid in SOL to the Solana network. The amount varies. Even a failed transaction can have a network fee.
For the swap service
An app or trading route may charge a fee. Check the review instead of assuming a swap is free. The swap screen shows the fee budget from your current quote.
What does the price-change limit do?
The market can move while a swap is processed. This setting, often called slippage, limits how much less you accept than the estimate.
If the result falls below your minimum, the swap fails instead of accepting the worse amount. A network fee can still apply.
Example estimate100 USDCPrice-change limit0.5%Minimum received99.50 USDC
| Limit | When to consider it |
|---|---|
| Default | Fixed 0.5% starting limit A starting limit of 0.5%. It stays fixed until you change it. Choose a level, or select Custom to enter your own percentage from 0 to 50. |
| 0.1% | Stablecoin to stablecoin For pairs such as USDC to USDT. A tight limit leaves little room for price changes. |
| 0.5% | SOL to USDC A starting point for a liquid pair, where there are plenty of tokens available to trade. |
| 1% | Two major tokens For liquid pairs such as SOL to wrapped BTC. Allows more movement than a stablecoin pair. |
| 3-5% | Volatile or hard-to-trade tokens Sometimes used for meme tokens or low liquidity. More room to execute also means accepting a worse result. |
A limit, not a fee. At 5%, a quote of 100 USDC has a minimum of 95 USDC. It allows up to 5% less; 5% is not automatically deducted.
Price impact is separate. It is the effect of your trade on the price, already reflected in the quote.
These limits do not guarantee success. A higher limit cannot fix every failure. Check the minimum received before approving.
Pair examples follow Raydium's slippage guide (opens in a new tab). Learn more in Jupiter's slippage documentation (opens in a new tab).
Good habits. More peace of mind.
You stay in control by checking what you connect to and what you approve.
Keep your secret words secret
No swap needs your recovery phrase or private key. If a website asks for them, leave it.
Check the site and the token
Use a trusted bookmark and verify the address. A familiar token name or logo can be copied.
Read what your wallet is asking
Check the amounts, recipients, and permissions. Reject anything unexpected. Connecting and signing are separate actions.
Take your time and start small
Check the result before making another swap. Confirmed transactions generally cannot be reversed.
Clear information helps. It cannot remove every risk.
Token prices can fall. Fake tokens, software bugs, and wallet scams exist. USDC is not a bank deposit and can lose its dollar peg. Only approve what you understand.
Still have a question?
That's a good reason to pause. Start with these common answers.
Does connecting my wallet give access to my funds?
Connecting normally shares your public wallet address so an app can show your balances. Moving tokens is a separate request that you approve in your wallet. Always read each request.
Where do my tokens go after a swap?
In a completed swap, the token you pay leaves your wallet and the token you receive arrives in the same wallet. You do not need to send money to a separate deposit address.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
You can close the review or reject the request in your wallet before submitting. Once a transaction is submitted, cancellation is not guaranteed. A confirmed swap cannot simply be undone.
Why do I need a little SOL for fees?
Solana uses SOL to pay for processing transactions, even when you exchange other tokens. Keep some SOL available. The network can also charge a fee for a transaction that fails.
Is USDC the same as money in a bank?
USDC is a token designed to track the US dollar. It is not a bank deposit, its price can vary, and it carries issuer and other risks. The name of a token alone does not prove it is genuine.
What if a swap fails or seems stuck?
Check its status in your wallet and on a Solana block explorer before trying again. A failed swap should leave the exchanged tokens unchanged, but network fees can still be charged. A pending transaction may still complete, so avoid submitting duplicates.
Try it with a little more confidence.
Choose your tokens, connect your wallet, and review the minimum received and fees before approving.
Start a swap
