How to Claim Bitcoin Cash from Bitcoin Core to a Full Node Wallet

If you held Bitcoin (BTC) in a Bitcoin Core wallet before the blockchain fork on August 1, 2017, you’re entitled to an equal amount of Bitcoin Cash (BCH). This guide walks you through the secure process of claiming your BCH using a full node wallet—specifically, Bitcoin ABC—while preserving your original BTC holdings.

This method is ideal for users who value security, control, and decentralization. By running a full node, you independently validate all transactions on the Bitcoin Cash network without relying on third parties.

Why Claim Bitcoin Cash?

When the Bitcoin blockchain split in 2017, every holder of BTC at the time received an equivalent balance in BCH. Failing to claim it means leaving valuable assets untouched. However, accessing those funds requires careful steps to avoid compromising your private keys or accidentally overwriting critical data.

Core Keywords: Bitcoin Cash claim, Bitcoin Core, full node wallet, Bitcoin ABC, BCH fork, wallet.dat, private key security

Step 1: Backup Your Bitcoin Core Wallet

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Never skip this step. Before doing anything else, back up your wallet.dat file—the digital vault containing your private keys.

Open Bitcoin Core.
Go to File > Backup Wallet.
Save the wallet.dat file to an external drive or secure offline location.

🔐 Losing this file could mean permanent loss of both BTC and BCH. Always verify the backup works by restoring it in a test environment if possible.

This backup ensures that even if something goes wrong during the claiming process, your funds remain recoverable.

Step 2: Install Bitcoin ABC Safely

Bitcoin ABC is a full node implementation of Bitcoin Cash and serves as the counterpart to Bitcoin Core. Since it uses the same default data directory (AppData/Roaming/Bitcoin), installing it carelessly can overwrite your BTC data.

⚠️ Critical Installation Warning:

Do not install Bitcoin ABC in the default directory on the same machine without changing the data path. Doing so risks corrupting your Bitcoin Core data.

Recommended Approaches:

Use a separate computer – Safest option.
Use a custom data directory – If using the same PC, choose “Use a custom data directory” and rename it (e.g., BitcoinABC).

Installation Steps:

Visit the official Bitcoin ABC website via bitcoincash.org/wallets to avoid phishing sites.
Download the latest stable release (e.g., bitcoin-0.14.6-win64.zip for Windows 64-bit).
Extract the ZIP file, go to the bin folder, and run bitcoin-qt.exe.
On first launch, select Use a custom data directory and set the path to:
```
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinABC\
```

This isolates your BCH operations from your BTC setup.

Step 3: Sync the Bitcoin Cash Blockchain

As a full node wallet, Bitcoin ABC downloads and verifies the entire Bitcoin Cash blockchain—currently over 120GB and growing.

Allow up to 24 hours for synchronization depending on internet speed and hardware.
Do not proceed until fully synced. The wallet must validate all historical transactions to recognize your balance accurately.

Syncing may seem slow, but it’s essential for trustless verification. You're not relying on any third party—you're becoming one.

Step 4: Transfer Your wallet.dat File

Since Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash shared the same ledger before August 1, 2017, your pre-fork private keys are valid on both chains.

To claim BCH:

Locate your original wallet.dat from Bitcoin Core:

C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\Bitcoin\wallet.dat

Copy this file.
Paste it into the Bitcoin ABC data directory:
```
C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\BitcoinABC\wallet.dat
```
- Overwrite the existing (empty) wallet file if prompted.

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✅ This step imports your private keys into the Bitcoin Cash network, allowing you to spend your BCH.

Step 5: Restart Bitcoin ABC to Load Your Balance

After replacing the wallet file:

Close Bitcoin ABC completely.
Relaunch the application.

Once loaded, your wallet should display a BCH balance equal to your BTC balance at the time of the fork.

📌 Note: Bitcoin ABC displays BCH under the ticker BCC, which refers to Bitcoin Cash here—not the unrelated BCC token from other ecosystems.

You now control your BCH directly. But remember:

❌ Never send BTC to a BCH address, and vice versa. The networks are incompatible post-fork.

Step 6: Post-Claim Security Best Practices

After successfully claiming your BCH, take these precautions:

A. Test with Small Transactions First

Send a small amount of BCH to another wallet.
Confirm receipt and on-chain transaction status before moving larger amounts.

B. Protect Your Bitcoin (BTC) Holdings

Your private keys are now active in a less-audited software environment (Bitcoin ABC). For maximum security:

Transfer your BTC from the original wallet to a fresh wallet with new keys.
This breaks the link between your BTC and BCH keys, reducing exposure if one chain’s ecosystem is compromised.

C. Verify on the Blockchain

Use Blockchair to independently verify your transactions:

Search your public address directly.
Or use this format:
https://blockchair.com/bitcoin-cash/address/your-BCH-address-here

This confirms that your claimed BCH is visible and spendable on the public ledger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I claim Bitcoin Cash without losing my Bitcoin?

Yes. As long as you back up your wallet.dat and don’t send BTC to a BCH address, both balances remain safe and separate.

Q: Is Bitcoin ABC still supported today?

While newer versions have evolved, Bitcoin ABC remains functional for accessing legacy BCH balances. Always verify software integrity before use.

Q: What happens if I use the same data directory for Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin ABC?

You risk overwriting critical blockchain or wallet data, potentially leading to irreversible fund loss. Always use isolated directories or separate machines.

Q: Why does Bitcoin ABC show BCC instead of BCH?

Historically, BCC was used as the ticker within Bitcoin ABC software. It refers to Bitcoin Cash (BCH), not the unrelated BitConnect coin (also formerly BCC).

Q: Can I use this method for other forks like Bitcoin SV?

Similar principles apply, but each fork has unique requirements. Research specific tools like Bitcoin SV (BSV) wallets if claiming additional forked coins.

Q: Should I keep running a full node after claiming?

Running a full node enhances privacy and supports network decentralization. If you plan ongoing BCH use, keeping the node active is beneficial.

Final Thoughts

Claiming your Bitcoin Cash from a pre-fork Bitcoin Core wallet gives you full ownership of assets you rightfully own. Using a full node like Bitcoin ABC ensures trustless access while maintaining control over your private keys.

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Always prioritize security: backup early, verify paths, test small transactions, and isolate sensitive operations. With careful execution, you can unlock dormant value while safeguarding your long-term holdings.

By following this guide, you’ve taken a significant step toward true financial self-sovereignty in the world of decentralized digital currency.