Unlimited vs. Exact Token Approvals
Token allowances trade convenience against scope. A reusable approval reduces repeated transactions, while an exact approval limits how much the spender can transfer.
Key idea
Approval size is part of transaction risk. Match the permission to how much access the action actually needs.
In this guide
Related workflow
Token Approvals →Why unlimited approvals exist
A large allowance avoids asking for a new approval before every trade. That convenience leaves a broader permission active until it is reduced or revoked.
Exact approvals reduce scope
Limiting the allowance to the intended amount reduces the maximum the spender can transfer under that approval, but usually requires another approval for a later trade.
Read the request before signing
Check the requested amount in the wallet confirmation. Do not assume an approval is exact merely because the trade amount shown in the app is small.
Put it in context
Tools connected to this topic
Use the concepts above to understand what these tools show or ask you to approve.
Keep going
Related guides
The closest concepts to read next.
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ERC-20 Approvals, Explained
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Revoke an ERC-20 Approval
Identify the spender first. Revoking the wrong allowance can break an app you still use without reducing the permission you meant to remove.
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