Before you swap: a 60‑second checklist
A short list that prevents expensive mistakes.
Bookmark the domain
Search ads and lookalike domains are common phishing vectors.
Confirm network and gas
Make sure you’re on the correct chain and have the native token for gas.
Verify token address
Names and icons can be cloned. Use trusted sources for contract addresses.
Read “minimum received”
This is your safety rail. If it’s weird, stop.
Slippage
High slippage increases risk of worse execution.
Approvals
Prefer limited approvals. Review allowances periodically.
Further reading
A calmer way to trade
The single most useful habit is slowing down at the wallet confirmation screen. If you can’t explain what the transaction does in one sentence, don’t sign it. Many scams rely on urgency and distraction, not technical sophistication.
Two checks that save people
- Token contract: confirm it matches the asset you actually intend to buy.
- Allowance: if you’re approving, check the spender and the amount.
When to split a trade
If your trade is large relative to liquidity, splitting into smaller swaps can reduce price impact and reduce the chance of failing due to sudden moves. This is especially relevant for smaller-cap tokens and low-liquidity pairs.