> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.epochprotocol.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.epochprotocol.xyz/appendices/faq.md).

# FAQ

## For investors and partners

### What is Epoch Protocol?

Epoch is cross-chain intent infrastructure. Users sign once to express what they want (swap, bridge, or execute a protocol action), and Epoch handles routing and execution across blockchains.

### How is Epoch different from a bridge or DEX aggregator?

| Product            | What it does                                                    |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Bridge**         | Moves assets between chains                                     |
| **DEX aggregator** | Finds best swap on one chain                                    |
| **Epoch**          | Composes swap + bridge + protocol action into one signed intent |

Epoch is the orchestration layer — not a single bridge or DEX.

### What chains are supported?

See [Supported Chains & Tokens](/supported-chains-and-tokens.md). Public mainnet supports Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, and Optimism with USDC, USDT, WETH, and DAI. For additional chains or tokens, [contact the Epoch team](https://epochprotocol.xyz/#contact) or on [Telegram](http://t.me/AkshitOstwal).

### Is Epoch custodial?

No. Users connect their own wallets and sign transactions. Epoch orchestrates execution but does not take custody of user assets outside of explicitly opted-in Compact resource-lock flows.

### Who uses Epoch today?

[Kismet](https://app.kismet.today) — cross-chain raffle ticket purchases on Base — is a live reference integration.

***

## For integrators

### What wallet do users need?

A standard EOA wallet: MetaMask, Rainbow, Coinbase Wallet, or any WalletConnect-compatible wallet. No smart-wallet deployment is required for the default integration path.

For testnet gasless flows with a local private-key signer, use the SDK directly — see [Gasless Deposits](/integration-guides/gasless-deposits.md).

### What is gasless in Epoch?

On testnet, **gasless mode** is available via `@epoch-protocol/epoch-intents-sdk` (and headless `@epoch-protocol/epoch-flows-sdk`) — not through `@epoch-protocol/epoch-intent-widget`. Local private-key wallets call `convertToSmartAccount({ chainId })` once, then `solveIntent({ gasless: true, allowGaslessSmartAccount: true })`. Injected wallets use wallet-native batching only when already a smart wallet; the SDK does not prompt upgrade. From the user's perspective the entire intent is gasless when enabled. Runnable test: `pnpm example:local-wallet` in `smallocator/sdk`. See [Gasless Deposits](/integration-guides/gasless-deposits.md). Mainnet gasless is not documented until announced.

### Do I need the SDK?

**Yes — use the SDK.** It handles task encoding, quoting, signing, and status polling. All integrations should go through `@epoch-protocol/epoch-intents-sdk`. See [Quickstart](/integration-guides/quickstart.md) and [SDK Integration Guide](/integration-guides/sdk-integration-guide.md).

### How do reverse quotes work?

Set `tokenInAmount: "0"` and provide `minTokenOut` with the exact output the user needs. Epoch computes the required input amount. Required for fixed-price purchases (e.g. raffle tickets).

### How long does execution take?

Cross-chain intents typically complete in **1–10 minutes** depending on path complexity and chain finality. Poll intent status every 3 seconds; do not assume instant completion.

### How do I get testnet access?

Use testnet with `apiBaseUrl: https://testnet-dev.epochprotocol.xyz`. See [Supported Chains & Tokens](/supported-chains-and-tokens.md) for testnet chain IDs and token addresses.

### How do I add my protocol?

1. Define protocol and action names.
2. Document your `extraData` schema and destination contracts.
3. Contact Epoch for partner onboarding.

See [Protocol Interaction Guide](/integration-guides/protocol-interaction.md).

### What happens if a transaction fails?

Check [Error Handling](/integration-guides/error-handling.md). Users can retry with a new quote. Use `retryIntentSolve` only per Epoch guidance.

### Can I show the execution path to users?

Yes. The quote response includes a `path` field. Present it as a human-readable route summary.

### Are resource locks (Compact) required?

Only for certain flows. The quote response includes `resourceLockRequired: true` when applicable. Contact Epoch for Compact partner setup.

***

## Security

### What should I never expose in my app?

* User private keys
* Internal Epoch infrastructure URLs

### What addresses are safe to show users?

Integration-facing contract addresses (raffle factory, protocol contracts) — see [Public Contracts](/appendices/public-contracts.md).