Bitcoin address types: bc1, 1 and 3
Legacy, P2SH, SegWit and Taproot: how Bitcoin addresses differ, which ones start with bc1, 1 or 3, and what to check before sending BTC.
A Bitcoin address can start with 1, 3 or bc1. All of these are Bitcoin addresses: you can send BTC from one type to another. The types differ in format and in the size of transactions, which affects the network fee.
Main types
| Starts with | Type | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1… | Legacy (P2PKH) | The oldest format |
| 3… | P2SH | Multisignature wallets and wrapped SegWit |
| bc1q… | Native SegWit (Bech32) | Smaller transactions, usually a lower fee |
| bc1p… | Taproot (Bech32m) | The newest format |
What to check
- Bech32 addresses (bc1…) are written in lowercase; copy the address completely, without spaces.
- Some older wallets and services may not support sending to the newest bc1p addresses. If your sending wallet refuses the address, check its settings or use another address type of your receiving wallet.
- A Bitcoin address is not suitable for Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin or tokens on other networks, even if it looks similar.
In Changezilla the receiving address is checked for format and checksum before the exchange is created.
Directions with BTC: BTC → USDT TRC20, USDT TRC20 → BTC, ETH → BTC.
Terms in this guide
Blockchain network
A blockchain on which coins and tokens are transferred, for example Bitcoin, Ethereum, TRON, Solana or TON. A transfer exists only inside its own network: coins sent on one network do not appear on another.
Network fee
A fee paid to the network for processing a transfer, in the native coin of the network: TRX, ETH, BNB, SOL, TON and others. The network fee for your own transfer is charged by your wallet or exchange and is not included in the estimate.
Deposit address
The address issued for your exchange to which you send the funds. Send exactly the coin and the network shown in your exchange, and do not use the address for new transfers after the exchange is finished.