What are blockchain confirmations? Why crypto payments take time to settle
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
When a crypto transaction is added to a block, it has one confirmation. Every new block added on top gives it one more. The more confirmations, the harder it is to reverse, which is why exchanges and apps often wait for several before they credit a deposit.
Why confirmations matter
Occasionally the newest blocks on a chain get replaced. Waiting for a few more blocks makes that very unlikely, so the payment can be treated as final. For Bitcoin, six confirmations is a long-standing rule of thumb for larger amounts.
Why some networks are faster
Bitcoin adds a block roughly every 10 minutes, so several confirmations can take an hour. Ethereum adds a block about every 12 seconds, so confirmations build up much faster. Each app sets its own number to wait for.
If a transaction is stuck
- Look it up on a block explorer using the transaction ID.
- If it's pending, the fee may be too low for how busy the network is.
- Wait, or ask your wallet whether it can speed it up.
- Contact the receiving app if it's confirmed but not credited.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms let customers buy, sell and hold crypto, held with regulated partners, alongside GBP, EUR and USD accounts, powered by licensed partners. SendPay doesn't offer trading tools, DeFi or lending.
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Build my platform →Questions people ask
How long until my deposit confirms?
Work out the wait for the confirmations an app needs, network by network.
Confirmation time calculator →What will my Bitcoin transaction cost?
Estimate its size and fee at any fee rate.
Bitcoin fee calculator →What is a block explorer?
A website for looking up any transaction on a public blockchain.
Block explorers →What is a blockchain?
A shared record of transactions grouped into linked blocks.
Blockchains explained →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.