Understanding Sub-1 sat/vB Bitcoin Transactions

The 1 sat/vB Minimum Standard

Bitcoin fees are measured in satoshis per virtual byte (sat/vB). Most network nodes enforce a default relay policy requiring ≥1 sat/vB to:

  1. Ensure miner incentives

  2. Discourage transaction spam

  3. Maintain efficient mempool operation

How Sub-1 sat/vB Transactions Function

  • Not publicly relayed: Ignored by standard nodes; excluded from public mempools.

  • Confirmation requirements:

    • Direct submission to miners, or

    • Private relay services (e.g., Slipstream).

  • Unpredictable inclusion: Miners rarely prioritize these. Confirmation occurs only during low congestion if miners accept sub-1 sat policies.

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