diff --git a/test/functional/wallet_abandonconflict.py b/test/functional/wallet_abandonconflict.py
index 9f8638ef29..1cfcd31ce7 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet_abandonconflict.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet_abandonconflict.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ from test_framework.util import (
     assert_raises_rpc_error,
     connect_nodes,
     disconnect_nodes,
+    wait_until,
 )
 
 
@@ -100,6 +101,7 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # TODO: redo with eviction
         self.stop_node(0)
         self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-minrelaytxfee=0.0001"])
+        wait_until(lambda: self.nodes[0].getmempoolinfo()['loaded'])
 
         # Verify txs no longer in either node's mempool
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
@@ -127,6 +129,8 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Verify that even with a low min relay fee, the tx is not reaccepted from wallet on startup once abandoned
         self.stop_node(0)
         self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-minrelaytxfee=0.00001"])
+        wait_until(lambda: self.nodes[0].getmempoolinfo()['loaded'])
+
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getbalance()['bitcoin'], balance)
 
@@ -147,6 +151,7 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Remove using high relay fee again
         self.stop_node(0)
         self.start_node(0, extra_args=["-minrelaytxfee=0.0001"])
+        wait_until(lambda: self.nodes[0].getmempoolinfo()['loaded'])
         assert_equal(len(self.nodes[0].getrawmempool()), 0)
         newbalance = self.nodes[0].getbalance()['bitcoin']
         assert_equal(newbalance, balance - Decimal("24.9996"))