Choosing a chain when you have a choice

When an asset exists on several chains, the choice is usually worth more than shopping around for a slightly better rate.

What to weigh

• Where it is going. This decides it. A destination that only accepts one network leaves you no choice.
• The fee. Moving a stablecoin on a cheap chain against an expensive one can differ by a large multiple.
• Speed. If you are waiting on the other side, a chain that confirms in seconds is worth something.
• Where you want to end up. Landing an asset on a chain with nothing else on it means paying to bridge later.

A simple default

For stablecoins moving between services, the cheap fast chains are usually right. For anything that needs to interact with the widest set of other services afterwards, Ethereum remains the common denominator despite the cost.

Swap Heaven lists each network separately, so the choice is explicit rather than hidden behind a ticker.