Address
Quick Answer
A blockchain address is a unique alphanumeric identifier representing a destination for sending or receiving cryptocurrency on a specific network.
Full Definition
A blockchain address is a unique alphanumeric identifier that represents a destination for sending or receiving cryptocurrency on a specific network. Addresses are derived from public keys using cryptographic hashing. Each blockchain has its own address format — Ethereum uses 0x-prefixed hexadecimal strings (42 characters), Bitcoin uses Base58 or Bech32 encoding, and Solana uses Base58. Merchants receive a unique deposit address per transaction to reconcile payments automatically. Address validation is critical in payment processing to prevent funds being sent to invalid or wrong-chain addresses.
Related Terms
Account Abstraction
Account abstraction is a blockchain upgrade that allows smart contracts to act as user accounts, enabling gasless transactions and simplified checkout without requiring customers to hold native gas tokens.
Airdrop
An airdrop is the distribution of free cryptocurrency tokens to wallet addresses, typically used for marketing, community building, or rewarding early adopters.
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)
Anti-money laundering (AML) refers to laws, regulations, and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income through crypto payment systems.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a set of protocols that allows software applications to communicate. In crypto payments, a payment API lets merchants create payment requests, check transaction status, and receive webhook notifications programmatically.
Atomic Swap
An atomic swap is a peer-to-peer exchange of one cryptocurrency for another without a centralised intermediary, using hash time-locked contracts to ensure trustless execution.