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Learn how to transfer Bitcoin between Spark wallets. This guide covers Spark transfers, fee estimation, and best practices for sending Bitcoin on the Spark network.
Transfer Bitcoin

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Transfer Bitcoin

Send Bitcoin to another Spark wallet using a simple transfer method. transfer(params) Transfers Bitcoin to another Spark wallet on the Spark network. 
const transferResult = await wallet.transfer({
  receiverSparkAddress: "spark1p...", // Recipient's Spark address
  amountSats: 50000,                  // Amount in satoshis
});

console.log("Transfer successful:", transferResult);

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What is a Spark Transfer?

A Spark Transfer is a Bitcoin transfer that occurs entirely within the Spark network. Unlike traditional Bitcoin transactions that go through the blockchain, Spark transfers are:
  • Instant - No waiting for blockchain confirmations
  • Low cost - Minimal fees compared to on-chain transactions
  • Private - Transfers are not visible on the public blockchain
  • Efficient - Uses Spark’s layer 2 infrastructure
Spark transfers are ideal for frequent Bitcoin transactions, micro-payments, and applications requiring instant settlement.

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Check Transfer Status

Monitor your transfers and track their status using transfer queries and events. getTransfers(limit?, offset?) Gets all transfers for the wallet with optional pagination. 
// Get recent transfers
const transfers = await wallet.getTransfers(10);
console.log("Recent transfers:", transfers.transfers);

// Check specific transfer status
const recentTransfer = transfers.transfers[0];
console.log("Transfer status:", recentTransfer.status);
console.log("Transaction ID:", recentTransfer.txid);

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Real-time Transfer Monitoring

Monitor transfer status in real-time using event listeners. 
// Listen for transfer events
wallet.on("transfer:claimed", (transferId, updatedBalance) => {
  console.log(`Transfer ${transferId} claimed! New balance: ${updatedBalance} sats`);
});

wallet.on("transfer:completed", (transferId) => {
  console.log(`Transfer ${transferId} completed successfully!`);
});

wallet.on("transfer:failed", (transferId, error) => {
  console.log(`Transfer ${transferId} failed:`, error);
});

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Error Handling

Implement proper error handling for failed transfers and edge cases. 
async function transferBitcoinSafely(params) {
  try {
    // Check if you have enough balance
    const balance = await wallet.getBalance();
    
    if (balance.balance < params.amountSats) {
      throw new Error("Insufficient balance");
    }

    // Validate recipient address format
    if (!params.receiverSparkAddress.startsWith('spark1p')) {
      throw new Error("Invalid Spark address format");
    }

    // Attempt the transfer
    const result = await wallet.transfer(params);
    console.log("Transfer successful:", result);
    return result;
    
  } catch (error) {
    console.error("Transfer failed:", error.message);
    
    // Handle specific error types
    if (error.message.includes("Insufficient")) {
      console.log("Please check your Bitcoin balance");
    } else if (error.message.includes("Invalid")) {
      console.log("Please verify the recipient address");
    } else if (error.message.includes("Network")) {
      console.log("Network error. Please try again.");
    }
    
    throw error;
  }
}

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Best Practices

  • Verify addresses - Always validate recipient Spark addresses before sending
  • Check balances - Ensure you have sufficient Bitcoin balance before transferring
  • Handle errors - Implement proper error handling for failed transfers
  • Monitor events - Use event listeners for real-time transfer updates
  • Test first - Use regtest network for testing transfers
  • Keep records - Store transaction IDs for reference and support

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Example: Complete Bitcoin Transfer Flow

import { SparkWallet } from "@buildonspark/spark-sdk";

async function completeBitcoinTransfer() {
  const { wallet } = await SparkWallet.initialize({
    options: { network: "REGTEST" }
  });

  try {
    // 1. Check current balance
    const balance = await wallet.getBalance();
    console.log("Current balance:", balance.balance, "sats");

    // 2. Set up event listeners
    wallet.on("transfer:claimed", (transferId, newBalance) => {
      console.log(`Transfer ${transferId} claimed! New balance: ${newBalance} sats`);
    });

    wallet.on("transfer:completed", (transferId) => {
      console.log(`Transfer ${transferId} completed!`);
    });

    // 3. Transfer Bitcoin
    const transferResult = await wallet.transfer({
      receiverSparkAddress: "spark1p...", // Replace with recipient address
      amountSats: 10000 // Transfer 10,000 sats
    });

    console.log("Transfer initiated:", transferResult);

    // 4. Check transfer status
    const transfers = await wallet.getTransfers(5);
    console.log("Recent transfers:", transfers.transfers);

  } catch (error) {
    console.error("Transfer failed:", error);
  }
}