Overview

Last updated: February 2, 2026

HIFI supports five types of transactions: transfers, onramps, offramps, bridging, and swaps. Each type serves a distinct purpose for moving value between wallets, fiat, and chains.

TypeDirectionDescription

Transfers

Wallet → Wallet

Send stablecoins between HIFI users or external wallets on the same chain

Onramps

Fiat → Stablecoins

Convert fiat (e.g., USD) into stablecoins

Offramps

Stablecoins → Fiat

Convert stablecoins to fiat and send to a bank account

Bridging

Chain A → Chain B

Move stablecoins between blockchains

Swaps

Stablecoin A → Stablecoin B

Exchange one stablecoin for another

When to Use Each Type

TypeWhen to Use

Transfers

Send stablecoins between HIFI send stablecoins from one wallet to another. Supports single payments or batch transfers (up to 50 recipients). Destinations can be another HIFI user or an external wallet address. All movement stays on the same blockchain.

Onramps

User wants to deposit fiat and receive stablecoins. The user sends fiat (e.g. via ACH or bank transfer) to a virtual account or one-time account; once received, HIFI credits their wallet with the equivalent stablecoins. Requires KYC for the relevant rail.

Offramps

User wants to withdraw stablecoins as fiat to their bank account. Requires KYC + linked offramp account.

Bridging

Move stablecoins across different blockchains (e.g., Polygon → Ethereum). No currency conversion. The same stablecoin is moved across networks; no currency conversion. Useful when the destination wallet or product is on a different chain.

Swaps

Exchange one stablecoin for another (e.g., USDC → USDT) on the same or different chains.Supports same-chain and cross-chain pairs. Requires a two-step flow: create swap request, then accept the quote to execute.

Key distinction:

  • On-chain only (no fiat): Transfers, Bridging, Swaps

  • Fiat in: Onramps

  • Fiat out: Offramps

Fiat vs. On-Chain

CategoryTransaction typesKYC / accounts

On-chain

Transfers, Bridging, Swaps

No fiat rails; wallet-only flows

Fiat in

Onramps

KYC + virtual or one-time account

Fiat out

Offramps

KYC + registered offramp account

On-chain transactions (transfers, bridging, swaps) move value between wallets and chains without touching traditional bank accounts. Onramps and offramps connect fiat banking to stablecoins and require user verification and linked accounts.