How to Read a Block Explorer: Tracking Your Card Top-Ups
Ever sent crypto and wondered if it actually went through? This guide shows you how to use a block explorer to track your transaction in real time, understand confirmations, and see exactly when your KAST card top-up is ready to spend.
Key Takeaways
- Block explorers let you track any blockchain transaction in real time using a transaction hash (TXID).
- Your transaction moves through stages: broadcast, pending in the mempool, confirmed in a block, and finalized after multiple confirmations.
- You can use the same block explorers to verify KAST card top-ups and see when your funds are ready.
Have you ever sent crypto, then stared at your balance wondering if it actually went through?
You refresh. Nothing changes.
At that point, you’re not sure what’s worse: whether the transaction is just slow or whether something went wrong entirely. Did you send it to the right address? The right network? Is it stuck, or hasn’t it even been sent yet?
We’ve all been there.
This comes up a lot with card top-ups. You add funds to your KAST account, expect them to show up quickly, and then find yourself checking your balance again just to be sure.
Here’s the part most people don’t realize: when you send crypto, the blockchain already knows exactly what’s happening. Your transaction isn’t lost. It isn’t invisible. Every step is recorded publicly, in real time.
A block explorer is a tool that lets you track crypto transactions on the blockchain using a transaction hash (TXID).
This guide shows you how to read a block explorer, what the information actually means, and how to follow your transaction from the moment you send it until it’s fully confirmed. By the end, you won’t have to guess what’s happening with your money, you’ll be able to check and move on.
What Is a Block Explorer?
Think of a block explorer as Google for blockchains.
You can look up transactions, wallet addresses, blocks, and smart contracts. Everything on a blockchain is public and permanent, and block explorers let you see all of it.
When you send USDC, USDT, or any other crypto, your transaction gets broadcast to the blockchain network. Within seconds, you can paste your transaction hash into a block explorer and see:
- Is it pending, confirmed, or did it fail?
- Which wallet sent it and which wallet received it?
- How much was sent?
- What fees were paid?
- How many confirmations does it have?
- What time did it happen?
Different blockchains have different explorers:
Block explorers don't control transactions. They just show you what's already happening on the network.
How to Track a Crypto Transaction Using a Block Explorer
Once you open your transaction in a block explorer, here's what you're looking at.
Transaction Hash / Signature
The unique identifier for your transaction. On Solana, it's called a "signature." On Ethereum, it's a "transaction hash." Same thing.
This is the string you'll share if you need to share proof of payment.
Status
The current state of your transaction:
- Success / Confirmed: Done. Your transaction went through.
- Pending: In progress. The network is still working on it.
- Failed: Rejected, usually due to insufficient funds, gas issues, or a smart contract error.
If your transaction shows as pending, you’re fine. The network just hasn't confirmed it yet.
Block / Block Height
The specific block number where your transaction was recorded. Blocks are added in order, so a higher block number means a more recent transaction.
Confirmations
The number of blocks added after the one containing your transaction. More confirmations mean greater finality and security.
For most networks, 1–2 confirmations are enough for everyday transfers. Exchanges and platforms may require more for larger amounts.
From / To
- From: The wallet address that sent the funds.
- To: The wallet address that received the funds.
These addresses are public, but they don't reveal your identity unless you chose to share it.
Amount
The total value transferred, displayed in the token's native unit (e.g., USDC, USDT, SOL).
Transaction Fee / Gas Fee
The network fee paid to validators for processing the transaction. This is a cost required by the blockchain itself, not an app or platform.
Fee amounts vary by network and congestion:
- Solana: Typically < $0.001
- Arbitrum: ~$0.01
- Ethereum: $0.01–$5.00+ (depending on congestion)
- Tron: Often free or < $0.01
Timestamp
The exact date and time when the transaction was included in a block. All times are in UTC unless the explorer adjusts for your local timezone.
What Happens When You Send a Crypto Transaction
Here’s what actually happens when you send funds on a blockchain.
Step 1: You Initiate the Transfer
You send crypto from an exchange, wallet, or platform to a destination address. Your wallet signs the transaction with your private key and broadcasts it to the network.
Step 2: The Transaction Enters the Mempool
Once broadcast, your transaction enters the mempool (memory pool). This is where all pending transactions sit before validators or miners pick them up.
Transactions aren't processed in strict order. Validators usually prioritize transactions that pay higher fees. If the network is congested, low-fee transactions may wait longer.
Step 3: A Validator Includes Your Transaction in a Block
A validator grabs your transaction from the mempool and includes it in the next block. Once that block gets added to the blockchain, your transaction has its first confirmation.
Step 4: Additional Blocks Add More Confirmations
Every block added after yours counts as an additional confirmation. The more confirmations, the harder it becomes to reverse or alter your transaction.
Different networks require different confirmation thresholds:
Step 5: Your Balance Updates
Once enough confirmations are in, your funds show up and you can spend them. The whole thing usually takes seconds to a few minutes, depending on which network you used.
How to Find Your Transaction Hash (TXID) in KAST
Before you can track it, you need your transaction hash. This is a unique code that identifies your specific transaction on the blockchain.
Finding your TXID in the KAST app:
- Open the KAST app
- Tap Accounts
- Tap Transactions to see your full transaction history
- Select the transaction you want to track
- Your TXID will appear under Public Transaction ID
- Tap the external link icon next to it to open the transaction directly in a block explorer
Alternatively, if you initiated the transfer from an exchange or external wallet, you can find the TXID in that platform's transaction history.
What to Do If a Crypto Transaction is Pending
If things are taking longer than expected, here's what to look for:
- Is it on the blockchain yet? If you can't find the transaction hash, it might not have been sent out yet.
- How many confirmations does it have? If the number keeps going up, your funds are on their way.
- Did you use the right network? Sending to the wrong network can mean your funds are lost. Always double-check.
- Was your fee too low? On busy networks, low fees can slow things down or stop them completely.
- Are there any error messages? Block explorers usually tell you exactly what went wrong.
Check the error details on the block explorer. If you're not sure what they mean, contact support and give them your transaction hash.
Why KAST Card Top-Ups Are Fast
Now, let’s talk about topping up your KAST card specifically.
KAST lets you spend your crypto like a regular card, so topping up is how your funds become usable in the real world.
When you add funds to KAST, settlement is quick. Here's why:
KAST Uses the Fastest Networks
KAST supports blockchain networks that are built for speed and low costs:
- Solana: Confirmations in under a second with full finality in 12 seconds.
- Arbitrum: Nearly instant confirmations, tiny fees
- Tron: Usually free or nearly free, confirmed in under a minute
No 10-minute waits. No painful fees.
Your Balance Updates Right Away
Once your transaction gets the confirmations it needs, your KAST balance updates automatically. You can spend right away. No waiting for someone to approve it manually.
Everything is Visible on the Blockchain
Every deposit you make can be verified on the blockchain. If you ever need to prove you paid, just pull up the transaction on a block explorer and share the transaction hash. No back-and-forth required.
Other Ways You'll Use Block Explorers
Block explorers aren't just for tracking deposits. Here are some other things you'll do with them:
Checking Withdrawals
Did you send funds to another wallet? Use the transaction hash to confirm it arrived and see how many confirmations it has.
Fixing Failed Transactions
If a transaction fails, the block explorer shows you the error message. This helps support figure out the problem faster.
Proving You Paid Someone
Did you pay someone directly in crypto? Send them the transaction hash. They can verify the payment on a block explorer. They don't need to take your word for it.
Checking Network Fees
Planning a big transfer? Look at recent transactions on the block explorer to see what fees are like right now and estimate your cost.
Here's What You Need to Remember
Block explorers show you everything about your transactions.
You can see where your funds are, how many confirmations they have, and when they'll be usable, all in real time.
Paste the transaction hash, check what you need, and move on with your day.
Ready to start tracking your transactions?
Top up your KAST card and follow along with a block explorer.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by KAST Academy for educational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice or a recommendation to engage in any transaction. All information is provided "as-is" and does not account for your individual financial circumstances. Digital assets involve significant risk; the value of your investments may fluctuate, and you may lose your principal. Some products mentioned may be restricted in your jurisdiction. By continuing to read, you agree that KAST group, KAST Academy, its directors, officers and employees are not liable for any investment decisions or losses resulting from the use of this information.
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