A crypto address is a string of letters and numbers that tells the network where to send funds. It works a little like an account number that you can share so others can pay you.

How it works

An address is usually derived from a public key, which in turn comes from your private key. You can share an address freely, but the private key behind it must stay secret, since it controls the funds.

A single wallet can generate many addresses, and using a fresh one for each payment can improve privacy.

Staying safe

Always check an address carefully before sending, ideally comparing the first and last characters, because transactions cannot be reversed. Some malware tries to swap a copied address, so a quick check protects your funds.