Despite being there for some time already, I have not tried using the bridge in the MetaMask Portfolio until two days ago when the need arose and the bridge was what was specifically required for a few core quest tasks for the Linea Wave campaigns on Intract for the reason that Metamask is one of its partner applications.
The bridge supports 9 networks now (Ethereum, Optimism, Polygon, Base, zkSync Era, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, Avalanche, and Linea) with 3 chains added in the last 2 months. Over 40 coins, tokens, and stablecoins are supported for bridging.
I tried using the bridge by sending a small amount of ETH to Linea from Optimism. I liked the fact that the bridge shows the best quote from the available partner bridges (like Hop and Stargate which I have used quite a few times before), the estimated timeline for the funds to arrive or be credited to the chosen network, and the details and/or estimated fees so at least one is informed.
The quote refreshes every 30 seconds and can change drastically depending on the gas fee. I was using the bridge with a little over $30 worth of ETH and the estimated fees ranged from $5 to $10. That includes the gas fees, the bridge fees, and the 0.875% MetaMask fees.
However, while trying to confirm the transaction, I started receiving a "Transaction failure" error. Changing the amount, the receiving and sending networks, and using different wallets didn't help. I spent hours retrying again and again but the same error persisted. It was frustrating to say the least, especially since the quest was time-limited.
Also, the "No bridge options available" error came too often which made me wonder if there was a minimum amount required for the bridge. The Linea quest required to bridge at least $20 worth of ETH and I was sending just about $30+ worth so there shouldn't be any problem.
I slept through the night and tried again yesterday morning until the afternoon and the same errors kept occurring. It made me wonder if the feature is working at all.
I then tried different amounts from $30 down to $22 and voila, it went through around 5 pm. I realized that the bridge may have been out of liquidity or it was too low, lol!
Thankfully, my transaction was verified before the timer went off for the Linea quests. Otherwise, I would have just wasted time, effort, and fees. Although I'm not discounting the experience. At least I was able to try the feature out and it may help me manage my expectations next time.
Personal Thoughts
I wouldn't have thought my first experience with the bridge via the MetaMask Portfolio would be so inconvenient to the point that it was a waste of time trying to figure out what was wrong, lol! I did read the Linea quest guides where the errors were mentioned and it said just keep trying.
Would I use the bridge feature via the MetaMask Portfolio again?
Maybe or not! Depending on circumstances. However, I would rather use the available bridges directly and off the MetaMask portfolio.
I tried the Hop Bridge this morning and my transaction went through and smoothly on the first try so I'm guessing the issue might be on the MetaMask Portfolio setup or something.
Overall, my experience using the bridge on the MetaMask Portfolio wasn't ideal but I may give it a second chance someday.
For infotainment only.
