Smart-contract execution
The swap is powered by on-chain infrastructure and DeFi liquidity rather than a standard centralized execution flow.
WARNING:
Decentralized
Decentralized Crypto Exchange
Swap through smart contracts and DeFi liquidity without giving n.exchange control of your funds. Same-chain swaps typically complete in seconds and cross-chain swaps within a minute.
On-chain
Smart-contract execution model
DeFi
Liquidity routed through DeFi infrastructure
Fixed
Rate lock where the route supports it
What a decentralized crypto exchange is
A decentralized exchange flow uses smart-contract infrastructure and DeFi liquidity instead of n.exchange taking control of the funds during execution.
You use the same straightforward exchange interface, but the execution path is on-chain. Route availability, rate type, and order terms are still determined by the current widget and backend data.
Why choose decentralized execution
No n.exchange custody during the swap
n.exchange does not take control of the deposited funds during the DeFi execution path.
Fast on-chain routes
Same-chain exchanges typically complete within seconds, while cross-chain exchanges typically complete within a minute.
Simpler access to DeFi liquidity
Use one exchange interface instead of manually choosing DEXs, bridges, routes, and contract interactions.
Fixed-rate DeFi where available
Lock your DeFi swap rate for a short quote window instead of leaving the final payout entirely exposed to market movement.
Who it is for
- Users who prefer on-chain, smart-contract execution.
- Users who do not want n.exchange to control their funds during the exchange.
- Users moving assets across chains quickly.
- Users performing same-chain swaps through aggregated DeFi liquidity.
- Users who want DeFi execution with a simpler interface.
- Users who need a fixed payout amount for a DeFi exchange where the option is available.
How it works
Select a DeFi-capable route
Choose the asset pair in the widget. Current availability is determined by the widget and backend.
Confirm the order terms
Review the rate type, payout details, network, and any route-specific requirements before continuing.
Execute on-chain
The exchange uses smart-contract infrastructure and DeFi liquidity to complete the swap when the order conditions are met.
Floating and fixed DeFi rates
With a floating DeFi rate, the final payout depends on the market rate available during on-chain execution, so it can be slightly higher or lower than the initial estimate.
With a fixed-rate DeFi swap, you can lock the payout amount for a short quote window where that option is available. When the deposit is sent within that window and all order conditions are met, n.exchange takes the market-movement risk during execution.
Fixed-rate DeFi swaps are rarely available elsewhere, but availability depends on the selected route. The widget remains the source of truth for whether floating or fixed execution is currently available.
If a decentralized exchange cannot be completed, refund behavior can depend on the route and provider. Follow the order screen details for the specific transaction rather than assuming one universal return path.
Compare exchange types
Decentralized execution is useful when you want on-chain routing and DeFi liquidity. Centralized and private flows remain better fits for different priorities.
Centralized Exchange
Main value: Simple, familiar exchange flow
Execution model: n.exchange receives, exchanges and pays out the funds
Best suited for: Users prioritizing simplicity and standard floating or fixed-rate execution
Decentralized Exchange
Main value: Smart-contract execution without n.exchange controlling the funds
Execution model: DeFi liquidity and on-chain execution
Best suited for: Users prioritizing speed, on-chain execution and DeFi liquidity
Private Exchange
Main value: Reduced public link between deposit and payout
Execution model: Centralized flow with an additional liquidity-provider layer
Best suited for: Users prioritizing additional on-chain financial privacy
FAQ
It is an exchange flow powered by smart contracts and DeFi liquidity, using on-chain execution instead of a standard centralized execution path.
No. In the DeFi execution path, n.exchange does not take custody or control of the deposited funds during the swap.
Refund or return behavior can depend on the specific DeFi route and provider. The order flow should be treated as the source of truth for your transaction.
Same-chain swaps typically complete within seconds, and cross-chain swaps typically complete within a minute. These are typical expectations, not guaranteed completion times.
Fixed-rate DeFi is available only where the current route supports it. If available, the widget will show the option and the quote window.
A same-chain swap exchanges assets on one blockchain network. A cross-chain swap moves value between different networks and can involve additional route logic.
Check current DeFi swap availability
Use the widget to see whether the pair you need supports decentralized execution and whether floating or fixed rates are available right now.
Start an exchange