What is a crypto wallet address and how to check it

A crypto wallet address works like an account number: you share it so others can send you coins or tokens. It is derived from a public key (or, for smart-contract wallets, from the contract), and only the holder of the corresponding private key can move funds from it. Sharing an address is safe; sharing a private key or seed phrase is not.

Each network has its own format. Bitcoin uses legacy addresses starting with 1, P2SH addresses starting with 3, and Bech32 addresses starting with bc1. Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain use 0x followed by 40 hex characters. TRON addresses start with T. Solana uses Base58 strings without a prefix. TON has a raw form and a user-friendly Base64 form, usually starting with EQ or UQ.

Most formats include a checksum, so a single typo usually makes the address invalid rather than sending money to a stranger. Ethereum addresses have an optional checksum via mixed-case letters (EIP-55); Bitcoin Bech32 and Base58Check addresses always include one. But a checksum does not protect against a valid address on the wrong network, or against a completely different address substituted by malware.

For merchants, the address is where most payment errors begin. Customers copy only part of it, pick the wrong network on an exchange, reuse an old address from a previous order, or fall victim to clipboard malware. A reliable checkout shows the network clearly, provides a QR code and a copy button, and does not require the customer to type the address manually.

Moonvex gives each payment a separate address or each customer a permanent deposit address, so every incoming transfer can be attributed without memos or comments.

How to tell networks apart by address

• Bitcoin: starts with 1, 3 or bc1
• Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain: 0x plus 40 hex characters
• TRON: starts with T
• TON: user-friendly form usually starts with EQ or UQ
• Solana: Base58 string with no prefix