If your Bitcoin (BTC) transaction is stuck or taking too long to confirm, the Replace-By-Fee (RBF) feature in your Blockchain.com DeFi Wallet offers a quick solution. This guide explains how RBF works, when to use it, and step-by-step instructions to accelerate your transaction.
What is Replace-By-Fee (RBF)?
Replace-By-Fee (RBF) is a Bitcoin protocol feature that lets you resend an unconfirmed transaction with a higher fee. By replacing the original transaction, RBF prioritizes your payment during network congestion, speeding up confirmation.
👉 Learn more about Bitcoin transaction optimization
When Should You Use RBF?
Consider using RBF if:
✔ Your BTC transaction has been pending for hours (or days).
✔ You initially set a low network fee.
✔ You need faster confirmation for time-sensitive payments.
Prerequisites for Using RBF
- The transaction must originate from your DeFi Wallet (RBF is enabled by default).
- Sufficient balance to cover the increased fee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Speed Up a BTC Transaction
- Open your DeFi Wallet and navigate to the Activity tab.
- Locate the pending BTC transaction and select it.
- Tap "Speed Up" to initiate RBF.
- Choose a higher fee tier (e.g., "High Priority" for fastest confirmation).
- Confirm and broadcast the replacement transaction.
Once processed, the new transaction replaces the original one on the Bitcoin blockchain.
👉 Explore advanced DeFi Wallet features
Key Considerations
- RBF only works for unconfirmed transactions.
- If your original transaction spent your entire BTC balance, RBF may fail (insufficient funds for the higher fee).
- The replacement transaction will have a new TXID (Transaction ID).
FAQs
1. Can I cancel a Bitcoin transaction using RBF?
No—RBF only replaces the transaction with a higher-fee version. To "cancel," you’d need the original transaction to drop from the mempool (unlikely during congestion).
2. How long does RBF take to work?
Confirmations depend on the new fee. High fees typically process within 10–30 minutes.
3. Does RBF work for all cryptocurrencies?
No, RBF is specific to Bitcoin. Other networks may use different acceleration methods.
4. What if my transaction is already confirmed?
RBF is ineffective once confirmed. You’ll need to send a new transaction.
Final Tips
- Monitor Bitcoin network fees before sending transactions.
- Use dynamic fee estimators in your wallet for optimal pricing.
- For critical transfers, opt for higher fees initially to avoid delays.
By mastering RBF, you can save time and reduce stress during Bitcoin network congestion.