A crypto transaction isn't instant like swiping a card. It needs to be confirmed by the blockchain network, a process that takes time.
Published September 15, 2026 · 2 min read
A blockchain transaction is first broadcast to the network and then included in a block by the network's validators. This process takes some amount of time depending on the specific network. A confirmation refers to the transaction being included in a block. Some networks and services wait for multiple confirmations before treating a transaction as final, to reduce the small chance of a very recent block being reorganized.
Networks differ significantly in typical confirmation time — some confirm in seconds, others take longer. This is one of the practical differences between choosing one network over another for the same coin. For example, sending USDT on TRC20 usually confirms faster than on ERC20, though both are sending the same stablecoin.
A transaction that has not yet received enough confirmations is still usually visible in a wallet as pending, rather than appearing to have failed. Pending means the network has received your transaction and is working to include it in a block. Once confirmed, the status changes to complete and the recipient can access the funds.
Wallets like Nexus Pay support multiple networks for the same coin, so you can choose based on speed and cost. Other wallets may only support one network per coin, limiting flexibility. Understanding confirmations helps you set expectations: a transfer taking a few minutes is normal, not a sign of a problem.
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