How long does a crypto transfer take?
Usual times per network, what a confirmation is, what the time depends on, and what to do when a transfer needs more time.
5 stepsReading time: about 3 minutes
Step by step
Step 1 Know what a confirmation is
A network records transfers in blocks, one after another. Your transfer is confirmed once it is in a block, and every later block adds one more confirmation. Exchanges and partners credit your coins once they see the number of confirmations they need.
Step 2 Look up the usual time for your network
The table below shows the usual time until a transfer is confirmed, per network. These are typical times, not promises.
Step 3 Know what the time depends on
Each network adds blocks at its own pace. When many people send at once, transfers with a higher network fee usually go first. Exchanges decide for themselves how many confirmations they need.
Step 4 Follow your transfer
After sending, your wallet shows a transaction ID. Paste it into a block explorer for the network to see its confirmations. During a swap, your swap's page shows each step.
Step 5 Count both transfers of a swap
A swap has two transfers: your coins to the partner, then the new coins to your wallet. In between, the partner swaps them, which usually takes a few minutes. So the times of both networks add up.
Usual times per network
How long a transfer usually takes until the network has confirmed it. An exchange can add its own time before it credits your coins.
| Network | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Avalanche C-Chain | Under 1 min |
| Solana (SPL) | Under 1 min |
| TON | Under 1 min |
| Polygon (PoS) | 1–5 min |
| Tron (TRC-20) | 1–5 min |
| Ethereum (ERC-20) | 2–10 min |
| Ethereum Classic | 15–30 min |
| Bitcoin | 20–60 min |
Typical times as published by ChangeNOW, one of our partners. A busy network can need more time.
If something goes wrong
If your transfer isn't confirmed after the usual time
Look up its transaction ID in a block explorer. If the explorer doesn't find it, your wallet may not have sent it: check your wallet's history.
If it's the deposit for your swap
Your swap starts once your deposit is confirmed. When a step needs twice its usual time, your swap's page says so and shows what you can do.
What to do nowIf you sent from an exchange account
An exchange may hold a withdrawal for a while before sending it. Until it shows a transaction ID, your coins haven't left your account.
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Last updated October 20, 2026
