Platform reference

1inch explained: the app, protocols and API business

Identify the 1inch product you are using: swap interface, execution protocol, self-custody wallet or commercial API service.

1inch is a group of related products, so the name alone does not identify what will happen to your trade. A person opening the swap app, a wallet signing an order and a developer buying API access interact with different parts of that system.

Four roles to separate

LayerWhat it means for you
Trading interfaceThe screens where you choose assets, review terms and submit a trade.
Execution modeThe mechanism that obtains liquidity and settles your instruction.
WalletThe software or account used to authorize spending.
Business APIA service another application integrates under a commercial access plan.

The current interface guide distinguishes a streamlined Swap screen from Terminal, which exposes more trading controls. That is an interface distinction; it is not evidence that the two screens always quote different liquidity.

You do not have to change wallets

1inch's getting-started guide allows supported third-party wallets. Installing the branded wallet is therefore a separate choice from using the trading service. Verify that your existing wallet supports the selected network and the requested authorization.

For a retail trade, inspect the execution mode shown at confirmation. For an app integration, inspect the API product and business terms. The Business onboarding documentation has account and verification requirements that cannot be inferred from the retail trading screen.

How to identify your transaction

Keep the app URL, chain, account, selected mode and order or transaction identifier together. A support request saying only “my 1inch swap” leaves unresolved whether there is a submitted blockchain transaction, an unfilled signed order or a cross-chain operation. Those records let you ask the right question without assuming that every 1inch product shares the same settlement process.

Sources & verification (3)

Source-check date is recorded in the article details. URLs are provided for manual verification. Use Copy to keep this page open.

  1. What is Swap and how is it different from Terminal?

    Swap streamlined; Terminal exposes market/limit modes, routing and settings.

    https://help.1inch.com/en/articles/5444993-what-is-swap-and-how-is-it-different-from-terminal
  2. What do I need to start swapping on 1inch?

    Third-party wallets supported; Classic needs gas; Fusion setup can need native gas and execution costs affect output.

    https://help.1inch.com/en/articles/4585059-what-do-i-need-to-start-swapping-on-1inch
  3. Getting started with a subscription

    Verification for paid-plan changes and key management; automatic initial application key.

    https://business.1inch.com/portal/documentation/payment-methods/subscriptions/getting-started

Continue reading

1inch Classic or Fusion: which execution mode fits? 1inch cross-chain swaps: what Fusion+ changes 1inch API pricing: subscription, quota and swap fee