Wallet, Accounts and Addresses (2024)

Hardware wallets

Last time, we looked at what Seed, PIN and Passphrases are, explaining what roles do these three tools play when it comes to the security of your cryptocurrencies. If you need to refresh your memory, follow the link below. Some of the crypto terms below will be easier to understand if you have read the previous article.

Contents

  • Wallet
  • Accounts
  • Addresses

This is probably one of the most used terms you will see in the cryptocurrency world. While it may seem quite straight-forward, confusion can arise when the term is used in a wrong context. Let’s have a closer look at what we mean by the word “wallet”.

Compare your Trezor with the wallet that you carry with you on a daily basis. In your wallet, you may have debit cards to different bank accounts, credit cards, personal documents, fiat bills, maybe even different currencies. The wallet in your Trezor is similar — there are separate pouches for different currencies: one for Bitcoin, one for Ethereum, also one for your U2F identity, etc. Everything you need is in one wallet.

Sounds a bit like the Recovery Seed described in our previous article, doesn’t it? Each seed generates only one wallet, and your Trezor lets you manage its contents. Therefore, under normal circ*mstances*, you have exactly one wallet “in” your Trezor.

This wallet is further subdivided into currency-specific wallets, such as your Bitcoin wallet, Ethereum wallet (incl. ERC-20 tokens), Litecoin wallet, Zcash wallet, and so on. All are derived from the same seed, but managed separately for better orientation.

* If you use passphrases, each passphrase generates a separate wallet which can only be recovered with both the seed and the passphrase. Using two passphrases creates three wallets in total — the two behind passphrases, and the one without a passphrase.

Wallet, Accounts and Addresses (3)

Unlike a wallet, of which you only have one per seed, you can have multiple separate accounts for each currency. Compare this to your bank accounts — you might have a Checking account and a Savings account. As they are separate accounts, they are completely independent, save from the fact that they are generated from the same seed. Account A does not see what is in Account B, etc.

Trezor Suite, the desktop and web interface for your hardware wallet allows up to 10 accounts of a single type per currency per wallet. This is a practical limitation, as it decreases the load on our servers.

Bitcoin has several account types reflecting technological changes over time. Taproot P2TR, SegWit P2WPKH, Legacy SegWit P2SH-P2WPKH and Legacy P2PKH Account types are each counted as a single account type, and therefore 10 of each can be used at once.

Notice that for Ethereum this might be a little different. Technically, both ETH and ETC do not use multiple accounts, instead they separate accounts by addresses. More details in the next section.

Wallet, Accounts and Addresses (4)

Bitcoin-like cryptocurrencies

Like there are many accounts in a wallet, there are many addresses in an account. You can send your coins to any of the addresses belonging to an account, and they will be lumped together under that account, available to spend all together or in parts. (This is in contrast with accounts — you cannot spend coins from two different accounts in one transaction.)

Account 1 sees all the coins sent to any addresses belonging to Account 1 (for a specific currency), but it does not see coins sent to addresses from Account 2.

Bitcoin also has change addresses: any time you send a transaction, all the coins stored in an account are sent together. Some goes to the payee, while the leftover change goes to a new address owned by you. Change is sent to a new address instead of the original one, in order to maintain your privacy. Spending from these change addresses is as seamless as spending from a normal addresses; you won’t see a difference.

By using different addresses for every transaction you are maintaining a high level of privacy, as you make it more difficult to track where your coins go. It is not possible to deduce that this and that address belong to the same account, unless you reveal the account XPUB (extended public key), which lets all addresses to be revealed at once.

Ethereum, Ethereum Classic and ERC-20 tokens

As previously mentioned, technically Ethereum does not have many accounts. Instead, it considers single addresses as separate accounts. This means that there are no change addresses, but also that you cannot send one transaction from multiple addresses.

Moreover, ERC-20 tokens are stored on Ethereum (ETH) addresses. In order to send them, you will need to have Ether available on the same address as the tokens.

Therefore, this simplifies things a little bit — while using Ethereum, only use one address for one account. If you want to separate accounts, use multiple addresses.

Wallet, Accounts and Addresses (5)

We hope that this article was helpful as a basic overview of how wallets work. Check out our guide to Bitcoin Addresses for more information about the different account types and advantages.

Trezor is the most trusted and ubiquitous hardware wallet in the world. It offers an unmatched security for cryptocurrencies, password management, Second Factor, while maintaining an absolute ease-of-use, whether you are a security expert or a brand new user.

SatoshiLabs is the innovator behind some of the most pivotal and influential projects in Bitcoin worldwide, from Trezor, or CoinMap.org to Slush Pool, the world’s first bitcoin mining pool.

Wallet, Accounts and Addresses (6)

Trezor homepage: trezor.io
Trezor shop: shop.trezor.io
Trezor Suite interface: suite.trezor.io

Wallet, Accounts and Addresses (2024)

FAQs

Wallet, Accounts and Addresses? ›

A wallet combines and contains both your address(es) as well as your digital key(s). The simplest form of a wallet is a file containing a database. It can also be stored offline because it does not need a connection to an actual blockchain.

Are wallets and addresses the same? ›

A wallet combines and contains both your address(es) as well as your digital key(s). The simplest form of a wallet is a file containing a database. It can also be stored offline because it does not need a connection to an actual blockchain.

What is the wallet address of an account? ›

A wallet address is a string of letters and numbers from which cryptocurrencies or NFTs can be sent to and from. A wallet address is also known as a Public Key and can be shared with different contacts like an email address.

What is an example of a wallet address? ›

Your wallet address is the unique identity of your wallet that's used to send and receive cryptocurrency. Each currency has its own logic, but generally they look something like this: 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa (that's the world's first Bitcoin address, if you were wondering).

Can you give your wallet address to anyone? ›

Do you want to receive crypto from a friend and are apprehensive about sharing your wallet address? Yes, it is safe! Wallet addresses can be shared safely with anyone from whom you want to receive cryptocurrency of a certain type. No one can steal your digital assets by knowing only your wallet's public address.

Do crypto wallets have an address? ›

Every crypto wallet includes a unique public identifier called an address, a string of text used to send or receive funds on the blockchain, sort of similar to how an email address functions, only randomly generated.

What is a wallet account? ›

A Wallet Account acts like a Card Account or Bank Account. When making a payment within your platform, the ID of the Wallet Account simply needs to be passed through to Make Payment.

How can I open a wallet account? ›

Step 1: Download the e-wallet app. Step 2: Enter relevant information. Step 3: Set a PIN. Step 4: Link your payment cards.

Is wallet address traceable? ›

Because someone's wallet address does not have to be anonymous but can be hard to find, a Bitcoin wallet address is called a pseudonym, an alias, which is different from someone's actual name. The data is not linked to an identity, but it is still possible to trace someone's identity or a pseudonym.

How many digits is a wallet address? ›

A wallet address, comprising a string of 26-35 alphanumeric characters, is all it takes to send and receive bitcoin.

How to create a wallet? ›

Setting up a wallet is a simple, straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.
  1. Step 1: Select a software wallet app you want to use. ...
  2. Step 2: Download the wallet app to your phone or computer. ...
  3. Step 3: Create an account. ...
  4. Step 4: Transfer assets. ...
  5. Step 1: Select the hardware you want to use.
Nov 10, 2022

Is PayPal a wallet address? ›

PayPal accounts are linked to email addresses, so a PayPal address is simply an email address that has been verified as a valid recipient of payments.

What is the purpose of wallet address? ›

A Wallet Address is a unique string of letters and numbers that represents a wallet, exchange, or blockchain address. This identifier (unique from every other address on the planet) serves as the virtual street address for the specific currency on that currency's blockchain.

Why is wallet address important? ›

Wallet Address [Public]

The wallet address is comparable to a traditional bank account number, and due to its characteristics, can be openly shared with anyone. It can also be used in a QR code format as well, making it easy to share with others for receiving payments.

Can someone hack wallet address? ›

In addition to attacking crypto wallets directly, hackers can use phishing attacks to get personal information from wallet holders. For instance, people who use the popular MetaMask wallet may have received phishing emails asking for personal information in 2022.

Can two people have the same wallet address? ›

Sure. Most wallets support importing any private key. Both the wallets will have full control over the address. Of course if one wallet transfers from this address it will automatically show up in the other wallet.

Are wallet addresses anonymous? ›

No, most cryptocurrency is not anonymous. With some sleuthing, crypto can be linked to the real you. Are Cryptocurrency Transactions Anonymous or Pseudonymous? Bitcoin transactions are not anonymous, but pseudonymous, meaning you're using a fake name (your wallet address).

What is the difference between a crypto wallet and address? ›

The short answer is that they are two different things, with the address being the ID of where the Bitcoins are being held, while the wallet is program controlling the address and facilitating transfers to and from the address.

How do I find my full crypto wallet address? ›

Web browser
  1. Sign in to your Coinbase account.
  2. Go to Crypto addresses. This can also be accessed by selecting your profile icon, then Manage your profile, then Crypto addresses.
  3. You'll see a list of all your crypto addresses. ...
  4. From the Actions column, you can display the QR code or copy the address.

Is a Coinbase account a wallet? ›

Coinbase Wallet is a self-hosted wallet that lets you take full control of your crypto, digital art, and more by storing them privately and securely on your own device.

Why do people use e wallets? ›

Easy and quick: When you use a mobile wallet, you don't need to keep entering your card number, expiry date, CVV code etc. every time you make a purchase. Once you enter your details, they are stored, and with a click, your payment goes through.

How do I send money to someone's wallet? ›

How to send money in the Wallet app using Apple Cash
  1. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app. ...
  2. Tap Send or Request, then select or add the person you want to send money to.
  3. Tap Next, then enter the amount you want to send.
  4. Tap Send, then tap the Send button. ...
  5. Confirm your payment with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Sep 12, 2022

Do crypto wallets need a bank account? ›

Local Bitcoins provides escrow and offers a number of payment methods for buying bitcoin with no bank account. Cash deposit, Western Union, face-to-face cash trade, Amazon gift card are all offered on top of many other payment methods.

What is the benefit of wallet account? ›

Seven Advantages of Using a Digital Wallet
  • #1 Earn More Bonus Awards. ...
  • #2 Send and Receive Money in Seconds. ...
  • #3 Easily Split the Bill. ...
  • #4 Send International Money Transfers. ...
  • #5 Start Using Credit Cards as Soon as They're Approved. ...
  • #6 Track Expenses and See Where Your Money is Going. ...
  • #7 Get Better Fraud Protection.
Feb 24, 2023

Can I have wallet without bank account? ›

Mobile digital wallets can be formed without the need for bank account linking. Some applications even enable you to use your cash via any card linked directly to the account balance.

Can the FBI trace Bitcoin? ›

At the basis of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) stands blockchain technology. A fundamental characteristic of blockchain technology is transparency, meaning that anyone, including the government, can observe all cryptocurrency transactions conducted via that blockchain.

Can someone find out who you are based on your crypto wallet address? ›

Again, this isn't easy, but is possible. In any case, your crypto activity can always be tracked by anyone who wishes to. This is what makes crypto dealings transparent, but also publicizes all your transactions. Because of this, most crypto wallet addresses are considered to be pseudonymous, not anonymous.

Is Bitcoin traceable by IRS? ›

Yes, the IRS can track cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ether and a huge variety of other cryptocurrencies. The IRS does this by collecting KYC data from centralized exchanges.

How long does a wallet address last? ›

Wallet addresses do not expire, but some providers do generate several addresses for the same wallet. This means that even if the address has changed, you should still see the funds in your wallet.

What is wallet account number? ›

E-wallet account number means a twelve digit personal identification number created for each.

Is a wallet address the same for all coins? ›

Technically yes. You need different a different wallet for different cryptocurrences. Bitcoin wallet for your BTC, an Ethereum wallet for your ETH, and a Cardano wallet for your ADA. You cannot store BTC in a Cardano wallet (or even send it there), and vice versa.

How expensive should a wallet be? ›

We recommend a spend of between $40 and $55 if you just need to make sure you have your cards handy and safely stashed away. Many men simply need a beautifully crafted, simple leather card holder for a more minimalist look.

Does wallet cost money? ›

Wallet includes free and premium versions, but if you want to make it easy on yourself, go with the premium version. The premium feature is $21.99 annually, and Wallet allows a two-week free trial period, which I like.

How do I convert Bitcoin to cash? ›

There are typically four ways to turn Bitcoin into cash instantly:
  1. Use a crypto debit card like the BitPay Card.
  2. Sell crypto for cash on a central exchange like Coinbase or Kraken.
  3. Use a P2P exchange.
  4. Seek out a Bitcoin ATM.
  5. Bonus: Gift cards.
Apr 3, 2023

Does cash App have a wallet address? ›

Wallet Addresses

Your wallet address will change after each successful deposit. Check for the most recent address before making a transfer. To view your current Bitcoin wallet address: Tap the Money tab on your Cash App home screen.

What is private key wallet? ›

A private key is a long alphanumeric code that acts similarly to a password. Private keys are used to authorize cryptocurrency transactions. Your private key is generated by your wallet and is used to create your public key (your wallet address) using encryption.

How do I transfer crypto to my bank account? ›

How to transfer crypto to a bank account
  1. Sell your crypto. Using a centralized exchange (examples include Coinbase and Kraken) is one of the simplest ways to cash out your cryptocurrency or Bitcoin. ...
  2. Wait until the transaction clears. ...
  3. Withdraw your money. ...
  4. Debit card withdrawal. ...
  5. Peer-to-Peer Sales. ...
  6. FAQ.
Dec 20, 2022

Is Bitcoin address same as wallet address? ›

The short answer is that they are two different things, with the address being the ID of where the Bitcoins are being held, while the wallet is program controlling the address and facilitating transfers to and from the address.

Is Bitcoin wallet and address the same thing? ›

A bitcoin address is like bank account number and a bitcoin wallet is like a bank account. So you have a bitcoin wallet that stores bitcoins against your bitcoin addresses.

Are Bitcoin wallet and address interchangeable? ›

Yes, you can send bitcoin to different Bitcoin wallet types. That's because Bitcoin addresses are cross-compatible. You should not have issues sending from one type of Bitcoin address to another. If there is a problem, it's probably with your service or with your cryptocurrency wallet client.

Can two wallets have the same address? ›

No, it is not possible to have two Bitcoin wallets with the same address. In Bitcoin, each wallet has a unique public address, which is used to receive bitcoins.

How do I see my Bitcoin wallet address? ›

To view your current Bitcoin wallet address:
  1. Tap the Money tab on your Cash App home screen.
  2. Tap on the Bitcoin tile.
  3. Tap Deposit bitcoin.
  4. Copy your bitcoin address.

How many addresses does a wallet have Bitcoin? ›

Introduction. As long as Bitcoin uses the RIPEMD160 hash function, there are 2^160 Bitcoin addresses.

What are examples of Bitcoin wallet addresses? ›

A BTC address is alphanumeric and always starts with a 1 or a 3. This is an example of a receiving address: 3FZbgi29cpjq2GjdwV8eyHuJJnkLtktZc5. A common question is how to get a BTC address.

What is an example of a Bitcoin wallet number? ›

Bitcoin wallet addresses have between 26 and 35 characters and consist of both letters and numbers. They start with either "1," "3," or "bc1." Here's an example of a Bitcoin address: 1Lbcfr7sAHTD9CgdQo3HTMTkV8LK4ZnX71.

How do I set up a Bitcoin wallet? ›

How do I create a Bitcoin wallet? Creating a Bitcoin wallet is as easy as installing software on your mobile device or laptop/desktop. When you install the app, your Bitcoin wallet is automatically created. You can then receive bitcoin to your wallet immediately, store it safely, and use it as you please.

What will happen when I send Bitcoin to my old wallet address? ›

Bitcoin transactions are irreversible once confirmed on the blockchain, meaning that if you send Bitcoin to an incorrect address, there is no way to retrieve the funds.

Can a wallet have multiple accounts? ›

An account is a subsection of wallets that allows you to separate funds based on your needs, for more security, or instant payments. You can manage multiple additional accounts in each wallet.

Do wallet addresses expire? ›

Wallet addresses do not expire, but some providers do generate several addresses for the same wallet. This means that even if the address has changed, you should still see the funds in your wallet.

Is it OK to have 2 wallets? ›

You may need more than one wallet for a few reasons. Firstly, purely as a fashion accessory to coordinate with your wardrobe. Or you may also require different styles or colors of wallets dependent on the activities you are involved in. For instance, at the office, outdoor activities or traveling.

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