Transferring assets across different blockchain networks has become a core activity in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. For users of CAKE — the native token of PancakeSwap — cross-chain functionality opens up new opportunities to access diverse ecosystems like BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, and Aptos. However, moving tokens between chains comes with its own set of challenges and technical nuances.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the most frequently asked questions about cross-chain transactions involving CAKE, covering wallet compatibility, transaction errors, gas requirements, address restrictions, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DeFi user, this resource will help you navigate cross-chain transfers safely and efficiently.
Supported Wallets for Cross-Chain Transactions
Can you use mobile wallets or alternatives to MetaMask for CAKE cross-chain transfers?
As of now, CAKE cross-chain functionality supports Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask, including any wallet compatible with MetaMask’s extension interface. Mobile-only wallets that aren’t MetaMask-compatible are not currently supported.
👉 Discover seamless ways to manage multi-chain assets using trusted platforms.
To reduce security risks associated with copying private keys or seed phrases across devices, we strongly recommend creating a dedicated wallet pair on your desktop browser extension specifically for cross-chain operations. This minimizes exposure and helps maintain control over your digital assets.
Common Transaction Errors and How to Fix Them
Manually Enter Amount Instead of Using “MAX”
When submitting a cross-chain transaction, avoid clicking the "MAX" button. While convenient, it may trigger formatting issues or precision errors during processing. Instead, manually input the amount you wish to transfer.
Additionally, if your transaction fails, try removing decimal places from the transfer amount. Some networks have strict formatting rules, especially when dealing with high-precision values.
Understanding the “Not Enough Native for Gas” Error
You might encounter a warning stating: "Not enough native for gas." This means your source chain wallet doesn’t hold sufficient native tokens to cover gas fees required for execution.
Here’s what you need to know:
- On BNB Smart Chain, gas is paid in BNB
- On Ethereum, gas is paid in ETH
- On Aptos, gas is paid in APT
The cross-chain system uses LayerZero’s protocol, which pulls gas fees from the source chain. Therefore, even if your destination wallet is well-funded, the transaction will fail unless the source wallet has enough native tokens.
However, there's a workaround: if your target address already holds adequate native tokens on the destination chain, you can disable the "Gas on Destination" option. This shifts the responsibility of paying gas to the receiving end.
Address Consistency Between Chains
Can You Send CAKE from BNB Chain to a Different Address on Ethereum?
No, you cannot.
For security reasons and to prevent user error, the same wallet address must be used across both source and destination chains when bridging between EVM-compatible networks (like BNB Chain and Ethereum).
This ensures that only the rightful owner can receive funds on the destination chain. Attempting to send to a different address will result in a failed or rejected transaction.
Daily Transfer Limits and Capacity Errors
What Does “X CAKE Exceeded” Mean?
You may see an error message indicating that your requested transfer exceeds the daily capacity limit for CAKE moving between certain chains — particularly between BSC and Aptos.
This is a built-in safety mechanism designed to manage network load and prevent large-scale exploits. The daily cap adjusts dynamically based on demand and network conditions.
If you encounter this issue:
- Try reducing the amount of CAKE you're transferring
- Wait and retry at a later time when limits may have reset
The PancakeSwap team continuously monitors usage patterns and scales limits accordingly to ensure smooth user experience.
👉 Explore tools that support multi-chain asset management without transfer caps.
Handling Pending Transactions
Cross-chain transactions typically take around 30 minutes to complete. During this time, your transaction may appear as "Pending" in your wallet or explorer.
To check status:
- Copy your transaction hash (TX ID)
- Visit LayerZero Scan
- Paste the hash to track progress
If the transaction remains pending for over 60 minutes, it may be stuck due to network congestion or execution failure. In such cases, contact PancakeSwap support via their official Telegram group or help center for assistance.
Troubleshooting: Didn’t Receive Your CAKE?
There are several reasons why your CAKE might not show up immediately after a successful cross-chain transfer:
For First-Time Transfers to Aptos
When sending CAKE to Aptos for the first time, you must manually claim your tokens. This requires either:
- Enabling "Gas on Destination", or
- Having enough APT in your Aptos wallet to pay for gas
Without sufficient APT or enabled gas delegation, the claiming process cannot be completed. Refer to PancakeSwap’s official guide for step-by-step instructions on EVM-to-Aptos bridging.
For Transfers to BNB Smart Chain
Some wallets do not automatically detect CAKE after a cross-chain transfer. If your balance isn’t visible:
- Manually add the CAKE token contract address to your wallet
- Refresh your asset list
This is common with non-custodial wallets that rely on token whitelists.
If more than 60 minutes have passed and you still haven’t received your CAKE, reach out to PancakeSwap support through their verified channels.
Minimum Transfer Amounts and Precision Rules
Why Can’t I Transfer Less Than 0.00000001 CAKE?
Due to technical constraints on the Aptos blockchain, tokens can only have up to 8 decimal places. This applies to CAKE when bridged to Aptos.
As a result:
- Any transfer amount below 0.00000001 CAKE will be rejected
- Amounts with more than 8 decimals will be rounded down
- The truncated portion remains in your source wallet (e.g., on BNB Smart Chain)
This rule also applies when transferring CAKE to Ethereum, ensuring consistency across supported networks.
Always double-check your input amounts before confirming transactions to avoid unintended rounding or loss of small balances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which wallets can I use for cross-chain CAKE transfers?
A: Currently, only Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask (and MetaMask-compatible wallets) are supported. Mobile-only or non-compatible wallets are not yet integrated.
Q: Why does my transaction fail even with enough CAKE?
A: Even if you have sufficient CAKE, you still need enough native gas token (BNB, ETH, or APT) on the source chain. Without it, the transaction cannot be executed.
Q: Can I send CAKE from one address on BSC to a different address on Ethereum?
A: No. For security reasons, EVM-to-EVM transfers require the same wallet address on both chains.
Q: What should I do if my transaction is stuck in “Pending” status?
A: Wait at least 30 minutes. Use LayerZero Scan to monitor progress. If it remains pending after 60 minutes, contact PancakeSwap support.
Q: Why didn’t I receive my CAKE after transferring to Aptos?
A: On first-time transfers to Aptos, you must manually claim your CAKE. Ensure you have APT for gas or have enabled "Gas on Destination."
Q: Is there a minimum amount I can transfer?
A: Yes. Transfers below 0.00000001 CAKE are not allowed due to Aptos’ 8-decimal limit. Smaller amounts will be rounded down or rejected.