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The LI.FI CLI wraps the LI.FI REST API to give developers, integrators, and internal teams a scriptable, human-readable interface to cross-chain swap infrastructure.
This CLI provides read-only tools — it does not sign or broadcast transactions. Quote responses include unsigned transactionRequest objects that must be signed and submitted externally using your own wallet.

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Quickstart

Install globally via npm: 
npm install -g @lifi/cli
lifi chains
Or run without installing: 
npx @lifi/cli chains
No API key required — works immediately with public rate limits. Add a key for higher throughput.

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How It Works

The CLI wraps the LI.FI REST API into structured commands that output human-readable tables (TTY) or machine-readable JSON (pipes / --json flag). 
CLI Command (lifi quote, lifi chains, etc.)
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    ▼
LI.FI API (https://li.quest)
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27+ Bridges & 31+ DEXes across 58 chains

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Example Workflow

A typical cross-chain swap via the CLI follows this flow: 
# 1. Find chain IDs
lifi chains --type EVM

# 2. Look up token addresses
lifi token 1 USDC

# 3. Get best quote
lifi quote \
  --from 1 --to 8453 \
  --from-token USDC --to-token USDC \
  --amount 1000000000 \
  --from-address 0xYOUR_ADDRESS

# 4. (External) Approve tokens and sign transactionRequest with your wallet

# 5. Track progress
lifi status 0xTX_HASH --watch

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API Key Configuration

Without an API key, the CLI uses the public rate limit (200 requests / 2 hours). With an API key, you get higher rate limits (200 requests / minute). Set your API key via environment variable: 
export LIFI_API_KEY=your_key_here
Use the auth commands to verify your key: 
lifi auth show    # Display masked key
lifi auth test    # Validate key against the API

Get an API Key

Sign up at li.fi to get your API key

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Common Chain IDs

ChainIDNative Token
Ethereum1ETH
Polygon137MATIC
Arbitrum42161ETH
Optimism10ETH
BSC56BNB
Avalanche43114AVAX
Base8453ETH
Use lifi chains to dynamically look up chain IDs instead of hardcoding them.

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Next Steps

Installation

npm install, npx, and configuration options

Available Commands

Complete reference for all CLI commands

Examples

Output modes, exit codes, and end-to-end workflows

GitHub Repository

Source code and development instructions