Look up the hash on the correct network. Check inclusion, confirmations and any explicit finality status. Wait for the receiving service’s stated threshold before treating payment as received.
Not yet included
Included with later blocks
Consensus-specific status
Broadcast and inclusion
A submitted transaction may remain pending, be replaced or fail. Inclusion in a block is a milestone, not necessarily acceptance by the recipient.
Confirmations and finality
More blocks generally reduce reorganization risk. Some networks provide explicit finality; do not copy a fixed confirmation count between networks.
Recipient rules
An exchange or merchant may wait longer according to asset, network, amount and risk controls. Check its requirements before sending.
Proof of receipt
Keep the hash, network, address, asset and time. A confirmed transfer to the wrong address or network does not guarantee account credit.
Checks to make
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Pending | Not yet included |
| Confirmed | Included with later blocks |
| Finalized | Consensus-specific status |
Frequently asked questions
Is one confirmation always enough?
No. The threshold depends on network and recipient.
Does a hash prove exchange credit?
No. It proves an onchain event, not internal processing.
Verifiable sources
Ethereum.org — Transactions- Ethereum.org — Proof of stake and finality
Bitcoin Developer Guide — Block chain
Independent educational content reviewed against primary documentation. No personalized recommendation or promise of returns. Reviewed September 24, 2026
