> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating and Sending Transactions

> Learn how to create, fund, and broadcast Bitcoin transactions using Bitcoin Core RPC commands

Bitcoin Core provides several RPC commands for creating and sending transactions. This guide covers the most common workflows for both single-signature and watch-only wallets.

## Basic Transaction Creation

The simplest way to send bitcoin is using the `send` RPC command:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli send '{"address": 0.01}'
```

This command automatically:

* Selects appropriate UTXOs
* Calculates the transaction fee
* Creates a change output
* Signs and broadcasts the transaction

## Manual Transaction Workflow

For more control over transaction creation, use the lower-level RPCs:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a raw transaction">
    Use `createrawtransaction` to specify inputs and outputs manually:

    ```bash theme={null}
    bitcoin-cli createrawtransaction \
      '[{"txid":"txid_here","vout":0}]' \
      '{"receiving_address":0.01}'
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fund the transaction">
    Use `fundrawtransaction` to add inputs and change output:

    ```bash theme={null}
    bitcoin-cli fundrawtransaction "raw_transaction_hex"
    ```

    This returns a funded transaction hex and fee information.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign the transaction">
    Use `signrawtransactionwithwallet` to add signatures:

    ```bash theme={null}
    bitcoin-cli signrawtransactionwithwallet "funded_transaction_hex"
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Broadcast the transaction">
    Use `sendrawtransaction` to broadcast to the network:

    ```bash theme={null}
    bitcoin-cli sendrawtransaction "signed_transaction_hex"
    ```

    Returns the transaction ID (txid) if successful.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Creating Funded Transactions

The `walletcreatefundedpsbt` RPC combines creation and funding in one step:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli walletcreatefundedpsbt \
  '[]' \
  '{"destination_address": 0.01}'
```

Leaving the inputs array empty allows Bitcoin Core to automatically select UTXOs.

<Warning>
  Always verify transaction details before broadcasting. Check:

  * Recipient addresses are correct
  * Amounts are as intended
  * Fee is reasonable
  * Change address belongs to your wallet
</Warning>

## Transaction Fee Estimation

Estimate appropriate fees using `estimatesmartfee`:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli estimatesmartfee 6
```

This estimates the fee rate for confirmation within 6 blocks.

## Listing Unspent Outputs

View available UTXOs with `listunspent`:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli listunspent
```

Filter by minimum confirmations:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli listunspent 1 9999999 '["specific_address"]'
```

## Watch-Only Wallets

Watch-only wallets can create unsigned transactions but cannot sign them:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -rpcwallet="watch_only" send \
  '{"destination": 0.01}'
```

This returns a PSBT that must be signed by a wallet with the private keys.

<Warning>
  Never share your private keys or wallet.dat file. For enhanced security, consider using offline signing or hardware wallets for large amounts.
</Warning>

## Transaction Replacement (RBF)

To enable Replace-By-Fee on a transaction, use the `replaceable` option:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli -named send \
  outputs='{"address":0.01}' \
  options='{"replaceable":true}'
```

Replace an existing transaction with `bumpfee`:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli bumpfee "original_txid"
```

## Verifying Transactions

Check transaction status with `gettransaction`:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli gettransaction "txid"
```

View mempool information:

```bash theme={null}
bitcoin-cli getmempoolentry "txid"
```

## Common Options

Most transaction RPCs support these options:

* `conf_target` - Number of blocks for fee estimation
* `estimate_mode` - Fee estimation mode (ECONOMICAL, CONSERVATIVE)
* `replaceable` - Enable RBF (Replace-By-Fee)
* `subtractfeefromamount` - Deduct fee from output amount

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="PSBT" icon="file-signature" href="/transactions/psbt">
    Learn about Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-signature" icon="users" href="/transactions/multisig">
    Create multi-signature wallets and transactions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>