Following valuable feedback from our community and emerging security best practices, we've updated our comprehensive bridge safety checklist for November 2025. This definitive guide ensures you bridge ETH to PulseChain with maximum security, avoiding common pitfalls and protecting your assets at every step. Bookmark this page and check off each item before every bridge transaction—no matter how experienced you are.
🔒 Pre-Bridge Security Verification
Website & Connection Security
- ☐ Verify Official URL: Confirm you're on the legitimate bridge website (check for typos in URL)
- ☐ Check SSL Certificate: Look for padlock icon in browser address bar
- ☐ Bookmark Official Site: Use bookmarked link to avoid phishing sites
- ☐ No Browser Warnings: Ensure no security warnings from browser or MetaMask
- ☐ HTTPS Protocol: URL must start with "https://" not "http://"
Wallet Security
- ☐ Correct Wallet Connected: Verify wallet address shown is yours
- ☐ No Suspicious Apps: Check MetaMask "Connected Sites" for unknown connections
- ☐ Latest Wallet Version: Update MetaMask to latest version
- ☐ Seed Phrase Secure: Never stored digitally, kept offline
- ☐ No Screen Sharing Active: Disable screen recording/sharing software
Environment Security
- ☐ Private Computer: Not using public/shared computer
- ☐ Secure Network: Not on public WiFi (use home network or VPN)
- ☐ Antivirus Active: Security software up-to-date and running
- ☐ Private Session: Nobody can see your screen
- ☐ Browser Extensions Reviewed: Disable suspicious extensions temporarily
💰 Transaction Preparation
Amount & Balance Checks
- ☐ Correct Token Selected: Verify token contract address is official
- ☐ Sufficient Balance: Have enough tokens to bridge
- ☐ Gas Fund Reserve: 2-3x estimated gas fee in ETH available
- ☐ Within Bridge Limits: Amount is above minimum, below maximum
- ☐ Double-Check Amount: Verify amount entered matches intention (check decimals)
Test Transaction (For Large Amounts)
- ☐ $5k+ Threshold: For amounts over $5,000, do test transaction first
- ☐ Small Test Amount: Send $20-$50 test before main amount
- ☐ Test Completed Successfully: Verify test arrived on PulseChain
- ☐ Wait 10 Minutes: Let test fully settle before main bridge
- ☐ Same Settings: Use identical settings as successful test
Network Status Checks
- ☐ Ethereum Network Stable: No major congestion (check Etherscan gas tracker)
- ☐ Gas Prices Reasonable: Not during extreme network spike
- ☐ Bridge Status Operational: No maintenance announcements on official channels
- ☐ PulseChain Network Active: Check PulseScan for recent blocks
- ☐ No Recent Exploits: Check official Twitter/Telegram for security alerts
🔍 During Bridge Transaction
Approval Transaction (ERC-20 Tokens)
- ☐ Approval Request Expected: Understand why approval is needed
- ☐ Correct Token Being Approved: Verify token contract address
- ☐ Bridge Contract Address Verified: Matches official documentation
- ☐ Approval Amount Reasonable: Either exact or unlimited (your choice)
- ☐ Gas Fee Acceptable: Approval cost is worth proceeding
- ☐ Confirm & Wait: Don't rush, let approval fully confirm
Bridge Transaction Execution
- ☐ Review Transaction Summary: All details correct before confirming
- ☐ Destination Address Matches: Should be same as source (same wallet)
- ☐ Amount is Correct: Matches what you entered
- ☐ Fees Transparent: Understand all fees (gas + bridge fee if any)
- ☐ Estimated Time Shown: Know how long transfer will take
- ☐ No Rush Decision: Take time to verify everything
MetaMask Confirmation
- ☐ Review Data Tab: Check "Data" tab in MetaMask (advanced users)
- ☐ Gas Limit Sufficient: Not suspiciously low
- ☐ Gas Price Normal: Matches network conditions
- ☐ Nonce is Sequential: Follows your last transaction number
- ☐ No Warnings Shown: MetaMask shows no red flags
- ☐ Save TX Hash: Copy transaction hash immediately after confirming
📊 Post-Transaction Monitoring
Ethereum Side Verification
- ☐ Open Etherscan: Paste transaction hash into Etherscan.io
- ☐ Transaction Found: TX appears on Etherscan (may take 10-30 seconds)
- ☐ Status Success: Shows green checkmark (not failed/pending)
- ☐ 12+ Confirmations: Wait for adequate confirmations
- ☐ Token Transfer Visible: "Tokens Transferred" section shows your bridge
- ☐ No Error Messages: Transaction executed without revert
PulseChain Side Verification
- ☐ Wait 5-10 Minutes: After Ethereum confirmation
- ☐ Open PulseScan: Go to scan.pulsechain.com
- ☐ Search Your Address: Paste wallet address (not TX hash)
- ☐ Check Token Balance: Look in "Tokens" dropdown
- ☐ Correct Amount Received: Balance matches bridged amount
- ☐ Incoming TX Visible: See transaction in history
MetaMask Verification
- ☐ Switch to PulseChain Network: Change network in MetaMask
- ☐ Tokens Visible: Check if tokens show automatically
- ☐ Add Token if Needed: Manually import token contract if not showing
- ☐ Balance Correct: Amount in wallet matches expected
- ☐ Take Screenshot: Document successful bridge for records
📝 Record Keeping & Documentation
Transaction Records
- ☐ Save Ethereum TX Hash: Store in secure note/spreadsheet
- ☐ Save PulseChain TX Hash: (if available/findable)
- ☐ Screenshot Both Explorers: Proof of successful bridge
- ☐ Record Timestamp: Date and time of bridge
- ☐ Note Amount & Token: For tax/accounting purposes
- ☐ Document Gas Costs: Total fees paid
⚠️ Red Flags - STOP & Investigate
Immediate Warning Signs
If you encounter ANY of these, STOP the bridge and investigate:
- 🚨 Website URL looks slightly different than usual
- 🚨 MetaMask shows "malicious site" warning
- 🚨 Approval request for unexpected token
- 🚨 Bridge asks for seed phrase or private key
- 🚨 Destination address differs from source
- 🚨 Amount in confirmation doesn't match what you entered
- 🚨 Multiple rapid-fire transaction requests
- 🚨 Approval amount is unlimited without clear reason
- 🚨 Gas fee is absurdly high (10x+ normal)
- 🚨 Bridge contract address not in official docs
- 🚨 Site layout changed dramatically
- 🚨 Pressure to "act fast" or "limited time"
🛡️ Advanced Security Measures
For High-Value Bridges ($10k+)
- ☐ Use Hardware Wallet: Ledger/Trezor for maximum security
- ☐ Exact Allowances: Don't use unlimited approvals
- ☐ Multiple Test Transactions: 2-3 small tests before main amount
- ☐ Verify on Device: Check all details on hardware wallet screen
- ☐ Off-Peak Timing: Bridge during low network congestion
- ☐ Premium Gas: Pay extra for priority processing
Post-Bridge Security Hygiene
- ☐ Revoke Old Approvals: Use Revoke.cash monthly
- ☐ Review Connected Sites: Disconnect unused sites from MetaMask
- ☐ Monitor Wallet Activity: Set up alerts for large transactions
- ☐ Update Security Software: Keep antivirus current
- ☐ Review Extensions: Remove unnecessary browser extensions
📱 Mobile Bridging Checklist
Additional Mobile Considerations
- ☐ Official App Only: Use MetaMask mobile (not clone apps)
- ☐ Secure Connection: Mobile data or trusted WiFi only
- ☐ Screen Lock Active: Phone locked with PIN/biometric
- ☐ No Jailbreak/Root: Phone not compromised
- ☐ Latest OS Version: iOS/Android updated
- ☐ No Screen Recording: Disable before bridging
- ☐ Verify Amounts Carefully: Smaller screen = more care needed
🆘 If Something Goes Wrong
Transaction Failed
- ☐ Check Etherscan error message
- ☐ Verify tokens still in your wallet
- ☐ Review our troubleshooting guide
- ☐ Increase gas and retry if "out of gas"
- ☐ Contact support with TX hash if needed
Transaction Stuck Pending
- ☐ Wait 30 minutes during normal times
- ☐ Wait 2-4 hours during network congestion
- ☐ Speed up in MetaMask if still pending
- ☐ Monitor gas prices on Etherscan Gas Tracker
- ☐ Don't panic—pending ≠ failed
Tokens Not Arrived on PulseChain
- ☐ Verify Ethereum TX is fully confirmed (12+ confirmations)
- ☐ Wait full 15 minutes after confirmation
- ☐ Check PulseScan token balance carefully
- ☐ Manually add token to MetaMask
- ☐ Verify you're looking at correct wallet address
- ☐ Contact support with Ethereum TX hash after 1 hour
📅 November 2025 Updates
What's New in This Version
Based on community feedback, we've added:
- ✅ Mobile bridging section: Specific security checks for mobile users
- ✅ Enhanced approval guidance: Clearer explanation of unlimited vs exact allowances
- ✅ Red flags section: Comprehensive warning signs
- ✅ Hardware wallet integration: Advanced security for high-value bridges
- ✅ Network status checks: Pre-bridge congestion verification
- ✅ Record keeping: Documentation best practices
🎯 Quick Start: Essential Checklist
Minimum Safety Checks (Every Bridge)
At minimum, always verify these 10 critical items:
- ✅ Official bridge URL verified
- ✅ Correct wallet connected
- ✅ Sufficient ETH for gas
- ✅ Amount entered correctly
- ✅ Destination address matches source
- ✅ Bridge contract address verified
- ✅ Transaction reviewed in MetaMask
- ✅ TX hash saved after confirming
- ✅ Etherscan shows success
- ✅ PulseScan shows token arrival
Conclusion
This comprehensive checklist represents best practices learned from thousands of successful bridges and community feedback. While it may seem extensive, each item protects you from specific risks. Bookmark this page and refer to it before every bridge transaction—safety is worth the extra few minutes!
Remember: Crypto transactions are irreversible. Taking time to verify everything before confirming is always worth it. Bridge safely! 🔒
