When you buy Bitcoin or send it through 1Bitcoin.ca, you may wonder:
“Did my transaction go through?”
“How long until it’s confirmed?”
Because Bitcoin runs on a public blockchain, you can verify every transaction yourself — no support ticket, no middleman, no waiting. This guide shows you exactly how.
If you’re new to Bitcoin tools or terminology, explore the Bitcoin Resources Hub for more foundational knowledge.
🧠 What Does “Verifying a Transaction” Mean?
Verifying a transaction means checking the Bitcoin blockchain to confirm:
- The transaction was broadcast to the network (unconfirmed → in the mempool)
- It has been included in a block (confirmations)
- The amount and recipient address are correct
- The fee was high enough to be processed during current network conditions
Your wallet or order confirmation from 1Bitcoin.ca will show your transaction ID (TXID), which is what you’ll use to verify.
If you need help with wallet structure or address formats, the Self-Custody & Hardware Wallet Guide explains everything clearly.
🧰 What You Need
To verify a Bitcoin transaction, you’ll need:
- Your TXID (Transaction ID)
- OR your Bitcoin address
- OR your order confirmation from 1Bitcoin.ca
Your TXID is the most accurate way to track a transaction.
If you don’t know where to find it, check your wallet or confirmation email.
Learn more about TXIDs in our Glossary entry for transactions.
🔎 Step 1 — Open a Blockchain Explorer
A blockchain explorer is like a search engine for Bitcoin transactions.
We recommend:
Both let you search using a TXID or address.
Open your explorer of choice, then paste your TXID.
If you’re ever unsure how to interpret what you’re seeing, visit the Resources Hub.
🔍 Step 2 — Search Using Your TXID or Address
Using the TXID (best method)
Paste your TXID into the explorer. You’ll immediately see:
- The sender + receiver (public addresses)
- The exact amount sent
- The fee paid
- Whether the transaction has confirmations
Using a Bitcoin Address
Enter your Bitcoin address to view all transactions linked to that address.
This method is less precise — many transactions may appear — but still useful.
📘 Step 3 — Understand the Transaction Status
You’ll see one of these:
Unconfirmed
The transaction is waiting in the mempool.
It hasn’t been included in a block yet.
1–2 Confirmations
The transaction has been mined and is now secure enough for most everyday use.
3–6 Confirmations
Considered final for most payments.
6+ Confirmations
Standard for large purchases, business transfers, or withdrawals.
💸 Step 4 — Check the Fee (Important)
You will see something like:
Fee: 6,000 sats
Fee rate: 30 sats/vB
Fees determine how fast your transaction confirms.
A low fee means your transaction may sit unconfirmed longer.
Learn how Bitcoin fees work in our Fees Guide.
If your transaction is “stuck,” low fees are usually the reason.
🧱 Step 5 — Confirm It’s Final
A transaction is final when:
- It has 3+ confirmations (everyday use)
- It has 6+ confirmations (large transfers)
- It no longer appears in the “waiting” section of the mempool
During heavy traffic, even normal-fee transactions can take longer than usual.
For more context on network behaviour, explore our Resources Hub.
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
If you notice any of these while verifying your transaction:
1. Unconfirmed for too long
Likely a low-fee transaction → see the Fees page.
2. Wrong receiving address
Always confirm the address came from a trusted source.
Learn safe address practices in the Self-Custody Guide.
3. Fake screenshots from scammers
Always check the real blockchain.
Review the Avoid Bitcoin Scams in Canada guide.
🛠 Pro Tips for Smooth Transactions
- Use wallets that support RBF (Replace-by-Fee) to speed up stuck transactions.
- Consider using wallets recommended in our Self-Custody Guide
- Don’t rely solely on emails or screenshots — always verify on-chain
- Save your TXID in case you ever need to prove payment
📚 What to Learn Next
To become confident with Bitcoin transactions, learn:
- RBF and CPFP mechanics
- How confirmations work
- How to verify Lightning payments
🚫 Reminder: 1Bitcoin.ca Will Never…
- Ask for your seed phrase
- Send you a TXID or address by text message
- Request remote access to your phone or computer
If someone claims otherwise, report it immediately via our Avoid Scams Guide.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Bitcoin gives you full control — but also full responsibility.
Learning to verify your own transactions helps you stay safe, avoid scams, and understand the Bitcoin network.
To keep improving your skills:
- Explore the Resources Hub
- Strengthen storage with the Self-Custody Guide
- Understand fees with the Bitcoin Fees Guide
When in doubt, don’t trust — verify.
