diff --git a/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py b/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py
index 8c45578fcfb..0dcca4cb570 100755
--- a/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py
+++ b/qa/rpc-tests/fundrawtransaction.py
@@ -484,6 +484,23 @@ class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.is_network_split=False
         self.sync_all()
 
+        # drain the keypool
+        self.nodes[1].getnewaddress()
+        inputs = []
+        outputs = {self.nodes[0].getnewaddress():1.1}
+        rawTx = self.nodes[1].createrawtransaction(inputs, outputs)
+        # fund a transaction that requires a new key for the change output
+        # creating the key must be impossible because the wallet is locked
+        try:
+            fundedTx = self.nodes[1].fundrawtransaction(rawTx)
+            raise AssertionError("Wallet unlocked without passphrase")
+        except JSONRPCException as e:
+            assert('Keypool ran out' in e.error['message'])
+
+        #refill the keypool
+        self.nodes[1].walletpassphrase("test", 100)
+        self.nodes[1].walletlock()
+
         try:
             self.nodes[1].sendtoaddress(self.nodes[0].getnewaddress(), 1.2)
             raise AssertionError("Wallet unlocked without passphrase")
diff --git a/src/wallet/wallet.cpp b/src/wallet/wallet.cpp
index 638fca99177..00e97d3c7fe 100644
--- a/src/wallet/wallet.cpp
+++ b/src/wallet/wallet.cpp
@@ -2389,7 +2389,11 @@ bool CWallet::CreateTransaction(const vector<CRecipient>& vecSend, CWalletTx& wt
                         CPubKey vchPubKey;
                         bool ret;
                         ret = reservekey.GetReservedKey(vchPubKey);
-                        assert(ret); // should never fail, as we just unlocked
+                        if (!ret)
+                        {
+                            strFailReason = _("Keypool ran out, please call keypoolrefill first");
+                            return false;
+                        }
 
                         scriptChange = GetScriptForDestination(vchPubKey.GetID());
                     }