Crypto exchange rates without the vague promises
A live estimate belongs to one amount, direction, pair of networks and moment. Rate type determines how market movement is handled while the deposit reaches execution.
Reviewed September 1, 2026 · Swapario product reference
Floating
Market-linked outcome
The final amount can move before execution.
Fixed
Conditional protection
Applies within stated time and payment rules.
Expired
Request a new quote
Do not assume old conditions remain available.
01
The route defines what the rate actually compares
BTC to ETH is incomplete until the networks and amount are known. Native Bitcoin to Ethereum-mainnet ETH is different from a tokenized BTC route or an ETH payout on Base. The provider also needs executable liquidity for that direction at that moment.
- Asset representation and network are part of the price.
- Larger amounts can use different liquidity than small amounts.
- Direction matters: the inverse quote is a separate execution.
02
Floating rates accept movement until conversion
A floating estimate follows market and liquidity conditions. The source blockchain can take time to confirm, and the executable price can move before the provider converts the deposit. The final payout may be higher or lower than the initial estimate.
- Use floating when exact output is not essential.
- Watch slower source-chain confirmation risk.
- Compare the actual payout rather than the first estimate afterward.
03
Fixed rates protect only a compliant deposit
A fixed quote aims to hold a stated outcome for a limited window. It normally assumes the correct asset, network, amount and timely deposit. Underpayment, overpayment or a late transaction can require recalculation or review.
- Be ready to send before requesting the fixed quote.
- Copy the exact amount and route conditions.
- Do not split the payment unless instructions allow it.
04
Quote expiry is a boundary, not a hidden countdown trick
Markets and route liquidity change, so an executable promise cannot remain open indefinitely. If the quote expires before broadcast, create a fresh order. If a deposit was already sent, keep the existing order and follow its tracker instead of paying another address.
- Before deposit: request a fresh quote.
- After broadcast: keep the original order reference.
- When uncertain: provide the transaction hash for official review.
WORKING CHECKLIST
A rate is useful only when its conditions are comparable
- Same amount and direction.
- Same source and payout networks.
- Same quote time and rate type.
- Same definition of final amount received.
FAQ
Questions about this reference
Can a floating payout be higher than the estimate?
Yes. Market and execution conditions can move in either direction before conversion.
Does fixed mean permanent?
No. Fixed protection applies only within the quote window and stated payment conditions.
Why is a chart price different from the quote?
A chart can show a reference market price without executable route liquidity, network selection or payout costs.
Should I fund an expired order?
If funds were not sent, request a new quote. If they were already broadcast, use the existing tracker and do not create a duplicate payment.
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