Bitcoin Cash (BCH) users often encounter a surprising detail when setting up their wallets: two different receiving addresses. At first glance, this might seem confusing—shouldn’t there be just one address for receiving funds? If you’ve opened a wallet like MyToken and seen both a CashAddr (starting with bitcoincash:q...) and a Legacy address (starting with 1...), you’re not alone. This article explains why BCH has two address formats, how they work, and whether it affects your ability to receive funds securely and correctly.
Whether you're attending an event, making a transaction, or simply managing your crypto assets, understanding these address types is essential to avoid confusion and ensure smooth transfers.
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The Origin of Two BCH Address Formats
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) was created in 2017 as a result of a hard fork from Bitcoin (BTC). Initially, BCH used the same address format as BTC—known as the Legacy address. These addresses start with a "1" and are 34 characters long, consisting of numbers and both uppercase and lowercase letters (e.g., 1MyfJXtke5uxDnz1fyD43zw67KxcwqqYDf).
While functional, this format posed a serious problem: users could accidentally send Bitcoin (BTC) to a BCH Legacy address, or vice versa. Because the two blockchains are separate, such transactions would not be recognized on the intended network. If the recipient didn’t control the private keys or lacked technical knowledge, those funds could be permanently lost.
To solve this interoperability risk, the BCH community introduced a new address format in 2018 called CashAddr. This format features a distinctive prefix: bitcoincash: followed by a string starting with "q" and using only lowercase letters (case-insensitive in practice). An example is:
bitcoincash:qrnpnjzatt6ezv22rv4e8ytfskxgjuznugjcz5ajulThe primary goal of CashAddr was to eliminate confusion between BTC and BCH addresses, reducing the risk of cross-chain mistakes. It also streamlined internal wallet operations and improved compatibility with modern cryptographic tools.
Do Both Addresses Work? Are They Linked?
Yes—both addresses are fully functional and linked to the same private key. Think of them as two different doors leading to the same room. When you generate a BCH wallet, your private key can derive both a Legacy and a CashAddr version.
This means:
- You can receive BCH on either address.
- Funds sent to one address are accessible via the other.
- Switching between formats doesn’t require creating a new wallet or changing keys.
Most modern wallets default to displaying the CashAddr format first because it's safer and more user-friendly. However, some wallets—like MyToken—still show both options for backward compatibility. Others, such as the Bitcoin ABC wallet, display only the CashAddr format.
Importantly, no action is required from users to “activate” either address. As long as you control the private key, all incoming BCH—regardless of which address is used—will appear in your balance.
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Can You Omit the “bitcoincash:” Prefix?
Yes—you can safely omit the bitcoincash: prefix when sending or sharing your BCH address.
For example:
- Full format:
bitcoincash:qrnpnjzatt6ezv22rv4e8ytfskxgjuznugjcz5ajul - Shortened version:
qrnpnjzatt6ezv22rv4e8ytfskxgjuznugjcz5ajul
Both refer to the exact same destination. Wallets that support CashAddr automatically recognize the shortened version and process the transaction correctly.
However, including the prefix adds clarity, especially when communicating with less experienced users. It explicitly identifies the network and helps prevent copy-paste errors. For maximum safety, it’s recommended to use the full bitcoincash: format when possible.
Key Differences Between Legacy and CashAddr
| Feature | Legacy Address | CashAddr |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Starts with "1" or "3" | Starts with "q", prefixed by "bitcoincash:" |
| Case Sensitivity | Case-sensitive | Case-insensitive |
| Compatibility | Works with older wallets | Preferred by modern wallets |
| Risk of Confusion | High (similar to BTC) | Low (distinct format) |
| QR Code Efficiency | Larger codes due to length | More compact QR representation |
Although Legacy addresses remain valid, CashAddr is now the recommended standard for Bitcoin Cash transactions due to its improved security and usability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will I lose my BCH if someone sends it to my old Legacy address?
A: No. Since both addresses are derived from the same private key, any BCH sent to your Legacy address will still appear in your wallet if you're using a compatible app that recognizes both formats.
Q: Can I convert my Legacy address to CashAddr?
A: You don’t need to “convert” anything manually. Your wallet automatically generates both versions from your private key. Simply choose to share the CashAddr version moving forward.
Q: Is CashAddr supported by all exchanges and wallets?
A: Most major platforms—including OKX, Coinbase, and Bitfinex—support CashAddr. However, some older systems may still use Legacy. Always verify deposit address requirements on the receiving platform.
Q: What happens if I send BTC to a BCH CashAddr?
A: The transaction will likely fail or be rejected by the network. However, if sent to a Legacy address that looks similar, funds may be lost unless recovered through advanced technical methods.
Q: Should I stop using Legacy addresses altogether?
A: While still functional, it’s best practice to use CashAddr for all new transactions to minimize confusion and reduce error risks.
👉 See how leading platforms simplify cross-format BCH transactions.
Final Thoughts
Having two receiving addresses for Bitcoin Cash may initially seem redundant or confusing—but it’s actually a thoughtful evolution in response to real-world usability challenges. The transition from Legacy to CashAddr reflects the broader crypto industry’s push toward user safety, clarity, and error prevention.
Today, you can confidently use either address format knowing that your funds are secure and accessible. However, for future-proofing and peace of mind, adopting the CashAddr format as your default choice is strongly recommended.
As cryptocurrency continues to mature, features like distinct address formats play a crucial role in making digital assets more accessible—even as underlying technology grows more complex.
Remember: always double-check deposit addresses, prefer modern formats when available, and use trusted wallets that support seamless management across formats.
Investment warning: Cryptocurrency involves risk. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.