Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has undergone significant network changes through a hard fork, creating important implications for holders and digital asset platforms. As one of the major cryptocurrencies, BCH's evolution reflects broader trends in blockchain development, consensus mechanisms, and user security. This guide breaks down what happened during the Bitcoin Cash hard fork, how exchanges like Coinbase responded, and what it means for users holding or considering involvement with BCH and its forked counterpart.
Understanding the Bitcoin Cash Hard Fork
A hard fork occurs when a blockchain splits into two separate chains due to incompatible protocol updates. In mid-November 2018, Bitcoin Cash experienced such a split, resulting in two distinct blockchains: one following the Bitcoin Cash ABC (Adjustable Blocksize Cap) protocol and the other adopting the Bitcoin SV (Satoshi Vision) chain.
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The split was driven by ideological and technical disagreements within the BCH community—primarily around block size limits and network scalability. While Bitcoin Cash ABC aimed to maintain a roadmap focused on smart contracts and moderate scaling, Bitcoin SV pursued larger blocks in an effort to restore what its proponents viewed as the original Bitcoin protocol vision.
How Coinbase Handled the Fork
Coinbase, as a leading cryptocurrency exchange, took a cautious and security-first approach during this period. Prior to the fork on November 15, 2018, Coinbase announced it would pause all BCH-related activities to protect customer funds and ensure network stability.
Starting at 8:00 AM PST on November 15, Coinbase:
- Suspended buys, sells, trading, sends, and receives of BCH across all platforms (Coinbase.com, mobile apps, Coinbase Pro, Prime, and Custody).
- Took a snapshot of all BCH balances at the time of the pause to determine eligibility for any new forked tokens.
- Monitored both resulting chains for consensus, security, and long-term viability.
This proactive suspension prevented potential replay attacks and ensured users' assets remained secure during network uncertainty.
Post-Fork Developments and Chain Recognition
Following the fork and the subsequent "hash war" between competing mining factions, network consensus began to solidify. By November 20, 2018, Coinbase confirmed that the Bitcoin Cash ABC chain would retain the BCH ticker on its platform due to stronger hashrate support and longer proof-of-work chain length—key indicators of network dominance.
Meanwhile, the competing chain—Bitcoin SV (BSV)—emerged as a separate cryptocurrency. Users who held BCH on Coinbase at the time of the snapshot received an equivalent amount of BSV. However, Coinbase did not immediately support BSV trading or fiat conversions.
Instead, the platform allowed users to withdraw BSV to external wallets, ensuring access to their assets while maintaining a conservative stance on full integration.
Service Restoration Timeline
Coinbase gradually restored functionality based on network stability assessments:
- November 26, 2018: Sends and receives of BCH were re-enabled on Coinbase Pro, Prime, Coinbase.com, and mobile apps.
- Full trading—including buys and sells—resumed within two days.
- For BSV, withdrawal support was introduced after several weeks of development, though trading and fiat pairs were not added.
This phased approach underscored Coinbase’s commitment to user security over speed, prioritizing network confirmation periods free from chain reorganizations before restoring full services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hard fork in cryptocurrency?
A hard fork is a permanent divergence in a blockchain’s protocol that creates two separate chains. One chain follows the new rules, while the other continues under the old rules. This often results in the creation of a new cryptocurrency.
Will I receive free coins after a hard fork?
If you held Bitcoin Cash on a supported exchange like Coinbase at the time of the fork, you received an equal amount of the new forked coin—in this case, Bitcoin SV. However, access depends on the exchange’s policies regarding distribution and withdrawals.
Why did Coinbase pause BCH trading before the fork?
The pause was implemented to prevent technical risks such as replay attacks, double-spending, or loss of funds due to chain instability. It also allowed Coinbase to take an accurate snapshot of user balances for fair distribution of forked assets.
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Can I still access my BSV if I held BCH on Coinbase?
Yes. Coinbase enabled BSV withdrawals after completing necessary development work. While BSV cannot be traded or sold for fiat on Coinbase, users can transfer their BSV to external wallets where it can be managed or exchanged elsewhere.
How long did it take for services to resume after the fork?
BCH sends and receives resumed within about 10 days. Full trading followed shortly after. BSV withdrawal support took several weeks due to additional backend development and security checks.
What factors determine which chain keeps the original ticker?
Exchanges typically assess multiple factors:
- Hashrate dominance
- Length of proof-of-work chain
- Developer and community support
- Market demand and liquidity
In this case, Bitcoin Cash ABC met these criteria more strongly than Bitcoin SV.
Key Takeaways for Crypto Holders
Hard forks are inevitable in decentralized networks, but they require careful navigation. Here’s what users should remember:
- Monitor announcements from exchanges before scheduled forks.
- Act early if you want control over both chains—withdraw assets before service pauses.
- Understand that not all forked coins will be supported for trading or fiat conversion.
- Prioritize security over speed—temporary service disruptions protect your long-term holdings.
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The 2018 Bitcoin Cash hard fork remains a pivotal moment in cryptocurrency history—one that tested network resilience, exchange preparedness, and user awareness. While no major forks are currently scheduled for 2025, understanding past events empowers investors to respond confidently when similar scenarios arise in the future.