How long does it typically take to process a cryptocurrency payment?

Cryptocurrency transaction times vary by network. Bitcoin typically takes 10-60 minutes per block confirmation, though payments are usually considered final after 3-6 confirmations (30-60 minutes total). Ethereum is faster, averaging 12-15 seconds per block with finality in 1-2 minutes. Stablecoins on faster networks like Polygon or Solana can settle in seconds. Payment processors often show funds immediately to merchants while blockchain settlement happens behind the scenes. Layer 2 solutions and payment channels enable near-instant transfers. Exchange transfers between wallets depend on network congestion and gas fees—busy periods cause delays while off-peak hours are faster.