What are NEAR Intents?
NEAR Intents is a multichain transaction protocol where users specify desired outcomes and market makers compete for best execution. An intent is what you want, not how to get it. Instead of manually bridging, wrapping, swapping, and bridging again… Just say: “I have 1 ETH on Ethereum, I want USDC on Arbitrum.” Market makers compete to fulfill your intent, and smart contracts guarantee atomic execution.How it works
You create an intent
Specify your desired outcome: the tokens you have, the tokens you want, and where you want them delivered.
Market makers compete
Multiple market makers bid to fulfill your intent (quote request), competing on price, speed, and execution quality.
Smart contracts verify
Approved quotes are submitted to a smart contract ensuring atomic execution; your swap either completes fully or you’re automatically refunded.
Key benefits
Simplest cross-chain experience
The easiest way to transact across multiple chains and protocols. One simple request replaces dozens of complex steps.
Use any account on any chain
No need for accounts on multiple networks. Use your existing wallet on any supported chain—no NEAR account required.
Competitive pricing
Market makers compete for your business, ensuring you get optimal rates without manual price comparison.
Automatic refunds
If execution fails for any reason, your funds are automatically returned to your designated refund address.
Non-custodial security
You maintain control of your assets throughout. Smart contracts enforce atomic execution guarantees.
Choose your integration path
Token Swaps
Integrate cross-chain token swaps into your app, wallet, or exchange.
Market Makers
Provide liquidity and earn fees by competing to fulfill cross-chain swap intents.
Verifier Contract
Low-level interaction with the Verifier smart contract for custom integrations.Recently renamed: NEAR Intents was previously known as “Defuse”. While documentation is being updated, you may see references to both names.
Learn more
How does NEAR Intents ensure security?
How does NEAR Intents ensure security?
NEAR Intents uses atomic execution enforced by smart contracts on NEAR Protocol. Transactions either complete fully with all conditions met, or they’re automatically reverted and your funds returned to your refund address. All transactions are verified on-chain before settlement.
What chains and tokens are supported?
What chains and tokens are supported?
NEAR Intents supports major blockchains including Ethereum, NEAR, and others. The list of supported chains and tokens is continuously expanding. Check our Chain Support page for the current list.
What are the fees?
What are the fees?
The 1Click API charges 0.2% (20 basis points) for unauthenticated requests. Authenticated users (with JWT tokens) pay no platform fees—only network gas costs and market maker spreads. Learn more about fees.
How do market makers compete?
How do market makers compete?
When you create an intent, it’s broadcast to multiple market makers who bid to fulfill it. They compete on price, speed, and execution quality. The protocol automatically selects the best execution path while ensuring your terms are met.
Additional Resources
Read the deep dive
Explore the technical architecture and design philosophy behind NEAR Intents in this comprehensive blog post.
Watch NEAR 101: Introduction to Intents
Learn the basics of what NEAR Intents are and how they work in this video overview.