If you held Bitcoin (BTC) in a Bitcoin Core wallet before the August 1, 2017, blockchain fork, you’re entitled to an equal amount of Bitcoin Cash (BCH). This guide walks you through claiming your BCH using the Bitcoin ABC full node wallet.
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Step 1: Backup Your Bitcoin Core Wallet
Critical: Always back up your wallet.dat file (contains private keys) via File > Backup Wallet. Store it separately from your Bitcoin Core installation.
Step 2: Install Bitcoin ABC Wallet
- Download Bitcoin ABC from its official website.
- Avoid data directory conflicts: If installing on the same PC as Bitcoin Core, customize the data directory name (e.g.,
BitcoinABC). Never run both wallets simultaneously.
Step 3: Synchronize Bitcoin ABC
As a full node, Bitcoin ABC downloads the entire blockchain (~122GB). Synchronization may take up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Transfer Your Bitcoin Core Wallet.dat
- Locate Bitcoin Core’s
wallet.dat(default path:C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin\). - Copy it to Bitcoin ABC’s directory (e.g.,
C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinABC\). Overwrite if prompted.
Step 5: Relaunch Bitcoin ABC
Restart Bitcoin ABC to load your BCH balance. Note: Bitcoin ABC uses the BCC ticker for BCH.
Step 6: Post-Claim Actions
- Test small BCH transactions first.
- Secure your BTC: Move BTC to a new wallet to separate keys from BCH.
- Verify transactions using Blockchair.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I claim BCH without running a full node?
A1: Yes! Use an SPV wallet—see our linked guide for details.
Q2: What if I overwrite my Bitcoin Core data?
A2: Without a backup, you’ll lose both BTC and BCH. Always back up wallet.dat first.
Q3: Why does Bitcoin ABC show BCC instead of BCH?
A3: BCC is Bitcoin ABC’s legacy ticker for Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Q4: Is it safe to share wallet.dat between wallets?
A4: Temporarily, yes—but migrate BTC to a new wallet afterward for security.
Q5: How long does synchronization take?
A5: Up to 24 hours, depending on your internet speed and hardware.
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