# Withdrawing Tokens

The `withdraw()` method lets a user transfer shielded tokens from their private Shielder account back to a public address — using a **relayer** to maintain privacy.

### When to Use

Use `withdraw()` when a user wants to exit the private set and receive tokens on a public Ethereum address — anonymously, via relayer.

```typescript
async withdraw(
  token: Token,
  amount: bigint,
  quotedFees: QuotedFees,
  withdrawalAddress: Address,
  pocketMoney: bigint
): Promise<`0x${string}`>
```

#### What It Does

* Fetches the latest state and constructs a withdrawal proof.
* Sends a withdrawal request to the configured relayer backend.
* The relayer pays gas and broadcasts the transaction to the network.
* Funds arrive at the withdrawalAddress, minus relayer fees.

### Example

{% code title="src/App.tsx" %}

```typescript
...

import { initializeShielderClient } from "./shielder";
import { nativeToken } from "@cardinal-cryptography/shielder-sdk";

const amountToWithdraw = 500_000_000_000_000n; // 0.0005 ETH
const withdrawalAddress = "0x..." as const;

(async () => {
  const shielder = await initializeShielderClient();
  const token = nativeToken();

  // Sync to ensure up-to-date state
  await shielder.syncShielder();

  // Get fee quote from relayer for this withdrawal
  const quotedFees = await shielder.getWithdrawFees(token, 0n); // pocketMoney = 0n for native

  // Withdraw through relayer
  const txHash = await shielder.withdraw(
    token,
    amountToWithdraw,
    quotedFees,
    withdrawalAddress,
    0n // pocketMoney, usually 0 for native token
  );

  console.log("Withdraw tx hash:", txHash);
})();

...
```

{% endcode %}

### Pocket Money (for ERC-20s only)

If the withdrawal token is not the native token, you may want to request a small native token payment from the relayer to cover gas for the recipient.

```typescript
const pocketMoney = 100_000_000_000_000n; // 0.0001 ETH
const quotedFees = await shielder.getWithdrawFees(token, pocketMoney)
```

### Tips

* `amountToWithdraw` passed to `withdraw()` function includes the fee, more precisely `withdrawalAddress` will receive `amountToWithdraw - quotedFees.fee_details.total_cost_fee_token`
* For comprehensive information about fee calculations, relayer fees, and protocol fees, see [Understanding Fees](https://docs.blanksquare.io/integration-guides/fees)