diff --git a/lib/node/node.js b/lib/node/node.js
index 8bf9c96f..d44fe122 100644
--- a/lib/node/node.js
+++ b/lib/node/node.js
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ Node.prototype.openWallet = function openWallet(callback) {
     // Set the miner payout address if the
     // programmer didn't pass one in.
     if (self.miner) {
-      if (!self.miner.address)
+      if (!self.options.payoutAddress)
         self.miner.address = wallet.getAddress();
     }