Kraken announced Ink in October 2024 and launched its mainnet on December 18, 2024. The Ethereum Layer 2 uses the OP Stack and is part of the Superchain ecosystem. EVM compatibility helps applications integrate, while fees and confirmation behavior depend on the operation and current network conditions.
Ink bridges centralized exchanges and DeFi, providing Kraken’s extensive user base with an intuitive entry point into decentralized applications (dApps). Leveraging Ethereum’s security and scalability, it reduces gas costs while maintaining a trusted, high-performance environment.
ETH pays Ink network gas. Kraken separately announced INK token plans in July 2025. Gas requirements, a token launch and campaign availability are different matters, so use current official information for the specific action.
Ink reflects Kraken’s long-term commitment to Ethereum and decentralized finance, creating a trusted gateway to a rapidly evolving onchain economy.
Check out this video for a visual overview of Ink and its integration with Optimism’s OP Stack:
Key Features of Ink
While many L2s aim to be general-purpose, Ink is purpose-built for DeFi—optimized for speed, affordability, and simplicity.
Speed and Fees: Fast sequencer feedback is different from Ethereum settlement finality. Actual transaction and withdrawal timing depends on the operation and network conditions.
Security: Sequencer-level protection and Ethereum-grade settlement ensure secure user interactions.
Superchain Interoperability: Ink is part of the Optimism Superchain, enabling smooth cross-chain activity, shared liquidity, and support for SuperchainERC20—for easy asset movement between networks.
Backed by Kraken: Kraken brings more than a decade of experience, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure stability to Ink’s foundation.
Scales Ethereum: Ink enhances Ethereum’s throughput without sacrificing decentralization or user control.
Built on the OP Stack: Ink inherits Optimism’s open-source modular architecture, combining flexibility with future-ready scalability.
Developer-Friendly: Ink provides the tooling, documentation, and user base needed to go from MVP to mainnet.
Gas Currency and Token Plans: ETH pays network gas. INK-related announcements are separate from the currency needed to transact.
Why Move ETH to Ink?
ETH held on Ink is on a different network from ETH held on Ethereum mainnet. “INKETH” may be a wallet display label for ETH on Ink, not a separate investment token. Check the network as well as the asset name before sending or receiving.
How it works:
Use a supported route to move ETH to Ink, checking both networks, bridge terms, fees and expected timing. You are moving value between networks, not creating a different asset merely by changing its display label.
Get Started With Ink
Here’s how to explore everything Ink has to offer:
Set up a compatible wallet: Confirm support for Ink and ETH on that network in the current app. EVM address compatibility alone does not establish that every wallet or connected service supports the required action.
Bridge ETH to Ink: Choose a current supported bridge and review its network, fees, transaction requests and withdrawal timing. WalletConnect connects the wallet to the interface; it does not certify that a bridge is safe.
Go to Optimism’s Superbridge or inkonchain.com/bridge.
Launch NFTs: A commemorative campaign accompanied Ink’s launch. Any current claim needs its own official announcement and valid terms.
Tap “New connection”
Visit inkonchain.com/bridge on a browser
Click “Connect,” choose WalletConnect, and scan the QR code
You’re now connected and can bridge ETH into INKETH directly
Explore dApps: Hundreds of Ink-based DeFi apps are available at inkonchain.com/apps.
Mint a Launch NFT: Claim a commemorative NFT celebrating Ink’s launch—created in partnership with Optimism.
Join the Growing Community:
Conclusion: Ink Makes DeFi Effortless
Ink offers an Ethereum Layer 2 environment for compatible applications. Assess the specific app, bridge and network conditions involved, alongside the available wallet support.
Whether you’re deploying contracts or exploring dApps—Ink is ready.
👉 Start here: https://inkonchain.com
👉 Explore dApps: https://inkonchain.com/apps
📖 Read the Ink documentation
DISCLAIMER: Crypto assets carry risk. This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. INKETH is supported in Unitywallet for sending and receiving but is not a tradable asset.
