AWallets & Keys
Address (Bitcoin)
A unique alphanumeric string that represents a destination for a Bitcoin transaction — similar to a bank account number. Addresses are derived from public keys and typically begin with "1", "3", or "bc1".
A Bitcoin address is what you share with someone to receive funds. It is derived mathematically from your public key, which in turn comes from your private key. Modern addresses beginning with "bc1" use the SegWit (Segregated Witness) format, which reduces transaction fees. Sharing an address is safe — it reveals nothing about your holdings or private keys. For privacy, best practice is to use a new address for each transaction, which most modern wallets do automatically.