Quick take: The Polygon PoS Bridge finalizes withdrawals in approximately 2-3 hours, while the Plasma Bridge uses a 7-day fraud-proof window for enhanced security.
Table of Contents
- Why Bridge from Ethereum to Polygon?
- PoS vs Plasma: Which Bridge Should You Use?
- Step-by-Step: Bridging ETH & ERC-20s (PoS)
- Bridging NFTs (ERC-721 & ERC-1155)
- Programmatic NFT Bridging with
matic-js - Fees & Gas-Saving Tips
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Why Bridge from Ethereum to Polygon?
- Lower fees: Polygon transactions cost less than $0.01 compared to Ethereum’s higher gas fees.
- Faster UX: Deposits settle in minutes; PoS withdrawals clear in about 2-3 hours.
- Ecosystem access: Trade NFTs gas-free, explore DeFi platforms like Aave, and engage with GameFi projects.
- Security inheritance: Assets remain securely locked via Ethereum smart contracts.
👉 Learn more about Polygon’s advantages
PoS vs Plasma: Which Bridge Should You Use?
| Feature | PoS Bridge | Plasma Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| Security model | Polygon validator set | Ethereum Plasma fraud proofs |
| Deposit time | ≈ 10-30 minutes | ≈ 10-30 minutes |
| Withdrawal time | ≈ 2-3 hours | 7 days |
| Token support | Most ERC-20, 721, 1155 | ETH, MATIC, select ERC-20 |
| Best for | Everyday transfers, NFTs | High-value transactions |
Step-by-Step: Bridging ETH & ERC-20s (PoS)
- Open the Polygon Portal and connect your MetaMask wallet.
- Select Deposit, choose your token, and enter the amount.
- Click Transfer → Continue and approve the transaction in MetaMask (pay ETH gas).
- Wait approximately 10-30 minutes for the checkpoint—assets will appear under “Polygon”.
- To withdraw, use Withdraw, initiate the exit, and return in about 3 hours to claim on Ethereum.
Gas-saving tip: Bridge during off-peak hours when the base fee is below 20 gwei.
Bridging NFTs (ERC-721 & ERC-1155)
The PoS Bridge locks your NFT on Ethereum and mints an identical copy on Polygon.
Wallet Method
- Select ERC-721 or ERC-1155 in the asset list.
- Approve the collection and confirm the transfer.
- Your NFT will appear on OpenSea’s Polygon tab once the checkpoint finalizes.
👉 Explore NFT bridging in detail
Programmatic NFT Bridging with matic-js
Automate transfers in your dApp with this code snippet:
// Initialize ERC-721 helpers
const erc721token = posClient.erc721(,);
// Child token on Polygon
const childERC721 = posClient.erc721();
// Parent token on Ethereum (root)
const parentERC721 = posClient.erc721(, true);Fees & Gas-Saving Tips
- Bridge fee: None—only network gas costs apply.
- ETH-side gas: The primary expense; bridge during low-traffic periods.
- Polygon gas: Minimal—keep 0.1 MATIC (or POL) for exits.
- Batch NFTs: Use
depositMany/withdrawStartManyto optimize gas usage.
FAQs
How long does a withdrawal take?
PoS Bridge: 45 minutes–3 hours. Plasma Bridge: up to 7 days.
Can I bridge stablecoins?
Yes—USDC, DAI, and USDT are whitelisted in the Polygon Portal.
Is the Polygon zkEVM Bridge faster?
ZK-based exits can finalize in as little as 15 minutes, but NFT support is still evolving.
What if I send an unsupported token?
The transaction will be rejected. Always verify token addresses before bridging.
Final Thoughts
Bridging between Ethereum and Polygon unlocks cost-efficient, speedy, and versatile Web3 experiences while leveraging Ethereum’s security. Use the PoS Bridge for daily transactions, switch to Plasma for high-value moves, and employ matic-js for advanced control.
Updated June 30, 2025.