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What is a mempool?

A mempool is a collection of valid but not yet confirmed transactions waiting for inclusion in a block.

How it works

Nodes can have slightly different mempools, and validators or miners choose transactions according to protocol rules and fee incentives.

What to check

Check network-specific rules for transaction replacement, expiry and fee selection. Wallets may simplify these details behind an estimated fee.

  • Understand fee priority
  • Know replacement rules
  • Expect delays during congestion

Limits and risks

Congestion can leave low-fee transactions pending much longer than expected. A pending transaction may also be replaced or dropped depending on the network.

Primary sources

Bitcoin Developer Reference↗Ethereum developer documentation↗FATF: Virtual Assets↗

General information only. Investment products can lose value, and terms, fees and regulation can change.