Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is gearing up for one of the most debated events in its history — a contentious hard fork. As a spinoff of Bitcoin itself, Bitcoin Cash has always existed in the shadow of its predecessor, but this upcoming split could redefine its future trajectory. Scheduled to occur on November 15, this hard fork isn’t just another technical upgrade — it’s a community-driven schism with real implications for holders, developers, and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
A hard fork refers to a permanent divergence in the blockchain, where new protocol rules are introduced that are incompatible with the previous version. This results in two separate chains: one following the old rules and one adopting the new. When such a split arises from deep ideological disagreements within the community, it’s labeled contentious — and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with Bitcoin Cash.
The divide centers around two competing implementations: Bitcoin Cash ABC (BCHA) and Bitcoin Cash Node (BCHN). While both claim to uphold the original vision of peer-to-peer electronic cash, their paths forward couldn’t be more different. The primary point of conflict? BCHA’s proposal to redirect 8% of mining rewards to its development team, a move many in the BCHN camp view as centralizing and financially self-serving.
With tensions running high among core developers and community members alike, it's natural for BCH holders to have questions. Let’s break down the most pressing concerns surrounding this pivotal moment in Bitcoin Cash’s evolution.
What Happens to My BCH Holdings During the Fork?
If you're holding Bitcoin Cash, your first concern is likely: What happens to my coins? The answer depends on where you store them.
Scenario 1: You Control Your Private Keys
If you hold BCH in a self-custody wallet — such as a hardware wallet or non-custodial software wallet — your funds remain fully under your control. There is no need to take any action before the fork. Once the split occurs, you will automatically receive an equivalent amount of tokens on both resulting chains: one on BCHA and one on BCHN.
This means if you held 10 BCH before the fork, you’d end up with 10 BCHA and 10 BCHN — assuming both chains survive and are functional post-split. You don’t have to choose sides; ownership is mirrored across both blockchains due to their shared transaction history.
Scenario 2: You Hold BCH on an Exchange
For those keeping BCH on centralized platforms like exchanges or custodial wallets, the outcome varies by provider. Some exchanges may support both chains and distribute both BCHA and BCHN tokens to users. Others may choose to support only one chain — or none at all.
For example:
- Coinbase has publicly stated it will not support the fork.
- OKX, however, confirmed support and committed to crediting users with both forked assets.
Always check your exchange’s official policy ahead of major network events. Remember: only spot holdings count. Derivatives like futures or options won’t qualify for airdropped tokens.
Do I Need to Take Any Action to Participate?
No action is required from you. The fork activates automatically when the blockchain reaches the predetermined block height. Whether you’re using a personal wallet or an exchange, the process is seamless from a user standpoint.
⚠️ Warning: Be cautious of any message claiming you must "upgrade," "migrate," or "verify" your wallet by sharing private keys or seed phrases. These are almost certainly scams. Legitimate forks do not require user-side interventions beyond basic security practices.
What Are the Risks During and After the Fork?
Hard forks introduce significant technical and economic risks, especially when they’re contentious.
Network Instability
During the initial phase after the split, both chains may experience:
- Slower block times
- Transaction delays
- Increased fees
- Potential double-spending vulnerabilities
51% Attacks
Smaller networks are more vulnerable to hash power attacks. With mining resources potentially split between BCHA and BCHN, one or both chains could become targets for malicious actors with sufficient computational power.
Replay Attacks — A Major Concern
One of the biggest risks is replay attacks, where a transaction valid on one chain can be duplicated (or "replayed") on the other.
Here’s how it works:
Since both chains share identical transaction histories up to the fork point, a signed transaction on one network can also be valid on the other. For instance, if you send 5 BCHA to someone, a malicious actor could replay that same transaction on the BCHN chain — effectively draining funds from your BCHN balance without your consent.
Historically, Ethereum Classic suffered heavily from replay attacks after splitting from Ethereum following The DAO incident. While protocol-level replay protection exists (like transaction tagging), neither BCHA nor BCHN has implemented it in this fork. That leaves users exposed unless they take manual precautions.
👉 Learn how to secure your assets against replay attacks during volatile network splits.
Will I Profit From Receiving Two Sets of Coins?
It’s tempting to think that getting free tokens on two chains equals instant profit — but reality is more nuanced.
Yes, you’ll receive coins on both BCHA and BCHN if you held BCH before the fork. But market value ≠ coin count.
Consider past precedents:
- After Bitcoin forked into BTC and BCH, BCH today trades at just 1.7% of BTC’s price.
- Ethereum Classic (ETC), born from Ethereum’s DAO fork, now holds only about 1.12% of ETH’s market value.
In most cases, the newly created chain starts with low liquidity, limited exchange support, and uncertain long-term viability. While some early adopters may profit from speculation, the combined value of both tokens rarely doubles your original investment.
So while you technically “double” your holdings in quantity, you’re unlikely to double your money in value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a hard fork in blockchain?
A: A hard fork is a fundamental change to a blockchain’s protocol that makes older versions incompatible. This creates two separate chains — one following the new rules and one sticking to the old.
Q: How do I know which chain is “original” after the fork?
A: There’s no official “original” chain. Both BCHA and BCHN consider themselves legitimate successors. Market adoption, hash rate, and exchange listings will determine which gains dominance over time.
Q: Can I lose my coins during the fork?
A: If you control your private keys, your coins are safe. However, sending transactions immediately after the fork without replay protection could lead to unintended losses on one chain.
Q: Should I sell my new tokens right away?
A: It depends on your risk tolerance and belief in each project’s future. Many traders sell newly acquired forked tokens quickly due to uncertainty and volatility.
Q: Does every holder get both tokens?
A: Yes — anyone holding BCH in a supported wallet or exchange before the fork should receive both BCHA and BCHN tokens proportionally.
Q: How long does it take for both chains to stabilize?
A: Stabilization can take days or even weeks. Watch for consistent block production, active development, and exchange listings as signs of health.
Final Thoughts
Contentious forks are never easy. They reflect deeper philosophical divides within decentralized communities — about governance, funding models, and technological direction. While disruptive, they also highlight the resilience and adaptability of open-source blockchain projects.
As a holder or observer, your best strategy is patience. Avoid making transactions until both networks show signs of stability. Stay informed through official channels, not social media rumors.
And remember: more coins don’t always mean more wealth. True value comes from utility, adoption, and long-term vision — not just token distribution.
👉 Stay ahead of market shifts with real-time insights during high-volatility crypto events.