> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.aura.markets/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bridging to Aura

> Move USDT from Ethereum or BSC into Aura via the integrated Wormhole bridge.

Aura runs on Alephium with **USDT** as the trading currency. If you're coming
from Ethereum or BNB Chain (BSC), you'll need to bridge your USDT to Alephium
via our integrated bridge. This process is simple, secure, and typically takes
**10–20 minutes**.

## Why bridge?

Aura uses USDT on Alephium for all trading, deposits, and payouts. If your
USDT is currently on Ethereum or BSC, bridging moves it to the Alephium
network where Aura operates. Benefits include:

* **Lower fees** — Alephium transactions cost a fraction of Ethereum gas fees
* **Faster trading** — near-instant transaction settlement
* **Full compatibility** — your bridged USDT works seamlessly across all Aura
  markets

## Supported chains

You can bridge USDT to Aura from:

* **Ethereum (ETH)** — USDT on Ethereum mainnet
* **BNB Chain (BSC)** — USDT (BSC-USD) on BNB Smart Chain

## How bridging works

Aura uses the **Wormhole** bridge protocol, one of the most trusted and
battle-tested cross-chain bridges in crypto. Here's what happens when you
bridge:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Lock">
    Your USDT is locked in a secure Wormhole contract on the source chain
    (ETH or BSC).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Attest">
    A network of 19 independent Wormhole Guardians verifies and signs the
    transaction.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mint">
    Once verified, wrapped USDT is minted on Alephium and sent to your Aura
    wallet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Trade">
    Your USDT is now ready to use on Aura.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step-by-step: depositing via bridge

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect to Aura">
    Sign in with your passkey or Alephium wallet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Deposit">
    Open the deposit modal from the top navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select source chain">
    Choose Ethereum or BSC depending on where your USDT is.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect EVM wallet">
    Connect your MetaMask, WalletConnect, or other EVM wallet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter amount">
    Specify how much USDT you want to bridge.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve & bridge">
    Confirm the transaction in your wallet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for completion">
    The bridge typically takes 10–20 minutes. You'll see status updates:
    **Transferring → Attesting → Completed**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start trading">
    Once complete, your USDT appears in your Aura balance.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Bridge timeline

| Stage       | Description                                       | Duration            |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Transaction | Your deposit transaction is confirmed on ETH/BSC  | \~1–3 minutes       |
| Attestation | Wormhole Guardians verify and sign the transfer   | \~5–15 minutes      |
| Redemption  | USDT is minted on Alephium (automatic on mainnet) | \~1–2 minutes       |
| **Total**   | **End-to-end bridge time**                        | **\~10–20 minutes** |

## Fees

* **Source-chain gas** — you pay the standard gas fee on Ethereum or BSC for
  the initial transaction.
* **Aura fee** — none. Aura does not charge any additional deposit fees.

## Is it safe?

The Wormhole bridge is one of the most secure cross-chain protocols:

* **Guardian network** — 19 independent, reputable validators must sign each
  transfer
* **Battle-tested** — Wormhole has processed billions of dollars in transfers
* **Audited** — multiple security audits by top firms
* **Non-custodial** — your funds move directly from your EVM wallet to your
  Aura wallet

## Withdrawing (Alephium → ETH/BSC)

To withdraw USDT from Aura back to Ethereum or BSC:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Withdraw">
    Open the withdraw modal in the Aura app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select destination chain">
    Choose Ethereum or BSC.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter amount + address">
    Specify the amount and your EVM wallet address.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Confirm the transaction with your Aura wallet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the bridge">
    USDT will arrive in your MetaMask or other EVM wallet in \~10–20 minutes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## For Alephium users

If you're already on Alephium:

* Simply deposit USDT directly — no bridging needed
* Use the **Alephium** option in the deposit modal
* Transactions are near-instant

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Bridge taking longer than expected?">
    * Check your **Dashboard → Transactions** in Aura to see real-time status
      of all your bridge transfers.
    * Ensure you have enough gas on the source chain for the transaction.
    * Bridge times can vary based on network congestion.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Transaction stuck?">
    * First, check your **Dashboard → Transactions** to see the current status.
    * Most issues resolve within 30 minutes.
    * For stuck transactions, contact Aura support on
      [Telegram](https://t.me/AuraMarkets) with your transaction hash.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>