Bitcoin Cash (BCH) remains one of the most widely used cryptocurrencies for peer-to-peer transactions and digital payments. As adoption grows, users increasingly encounter different address formats when sending or receiving BCH. One common challenge is dealing with Legacy addresses versus the newer CashAddr (Cash Address) format. This guide explains everything you need to know about these two formats, how to identify them, and—most importantly—how to send Bitcoin Cash from modern wallets like Jiggle that only support Cash addresses.
Whether you're a casual user or managing frequent crypto transfers, understanding address compatibility can prevent costly errors and failed transactions.
What Are the Main Bitcoin Cash Address Formats?
There are two primary address formats used in the Bitcoin Cash ecosystem:
- Legacy Address Format – This is the original format derived from early Bitcoin development. It uses the same structure as Bitcoin (BTC) addresses and typically begins with a "1" or "3".
- Cash Address Format (CashAddr) – Introduced to improve usability and reduce errors, this modern format starts with "bitcoincash:" followed by a unique string, or sometimes just "q" or "p" for shorter versions.
Wallets like Jiggle now use CashAddr exclusively for all Bitcoin Cash transactions. This means you cannot directly send BCH to a Legacy address from your Jiggle wallet unless you first convert it.
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How to Identify a Legacy Bitcoin Cash Address
Recognizing a Legacy address is simple once you know what to look for:
- Starts with "1" or "3" – Just like old Bitcoin addresses.
- No "bitcoincash:" prefix – Lacks the clear identifier used in CashAddr.
- Looks similar to BTC addresses – This similarity often causes confusion and mistakes.
Example of a Legacy address: 125so2xnkZ8tU4iGDEP199T1Zi4EkbaoL8
If you see an address starting this way, it's a Legacy format—and incompatible with direct sending from Jiggle and other modern BCH wallets.
Can You Send BCH to Legacy Addresses?
Directly? No. Jiggle does not support sending Bitcoin Cash to Legacy addresses. Attempting to do so will trigger an error:
- When pasting: "Invalid Address. Bitcoin Cash can only be sent to bitcoin cash addresses."
- When scanning a QR code: "Invalid QR Code. Please make sure you scanned a valid QR code and try again."
These safeguards exist to protect users from sending funds to incompatible or potentially unsafe destinations.
However, there’s good news: you can still send BCH to someone using a Legacy address—you just need to convert it first.
Converting Legacy Addresses to Cash Addresses
The process is straightforward and secure. Since both address types refer to the same underlying public key, converting between them doesn’t change ownership or compromise security.
Here’s how:
- Use a trusted Bitcoin Cash address converter tool.
- Paste the Legacy address (e.g.,
125so2xnkZ8tU4iGDEP199T1Zi4EkbaoL8) into the input field. - The tool generates the corresponding CashAddr (e.g.,
bitcoincash:qpm2qsznhks1zw8lzm6s078xwtp48e8tmwv5a5v3z3). - Copy or scan this new Cash address and use it in your Jiggle wallet to complete the transaction.
The recipient will receive the funds normally—their wallet recognizes both formats because they’re linked to the same private key.
Always double-check the converted address before sending large amounts. While conversion tools are reliable, verifying output ensures peace of mind.
Why Did Bitcoin Cash Introduce CashAddr?
The shift to CashAddr wasn’t arbitrary. It addressed several real-world issues:
- Reduced Errors: The distinct format prevents accidental sends to Bitcoin (BTC) networks.
- Improved Readability: Clear prefixes help users recognize valid BCH destinations.
- Enhanced Security: Built-in checksums reduce the risk of mistyped addresses leading to lost funds.
Modern wallets adopted CashAddr to streamline user experience and minimize transaction failures—a move that benefits everyone in the long run.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it safe to convert a Legacy address to a Cash address?
A: Yes. Conversion is purely a formatting change based on cryptographic equivalence. No private keys are involved, and your funds remain secure.
Q: Will the recipient notice any difference after I send BCH using a converted address?
A: No. Funds arrive normally in their wallet regardless of whether you used a Legacy or CashAddr format—so long as the underlying wallet supports BCH.
Q: Are there any fees for converting addresses?
A: No. Address conversion is a free, offline process performed by open-source tools. No network transaction or fee is required.
Q: Can I convert a Cash address back to Legacy format?
A: Yes. Most converters work both ways, allowing interoperability between older and newer systems.
Q: What happens if I send BCH to a Legacy address without converting it first on Jiggle?
A: The transaction will be blocked by Jiggle’s validation system, preventing loss of funds. You’ll see an “Invalid Address” warning before confirming the send.
Q: Are all wallets compatible with CashAddr now?
A: Most modern wallets support CashAddr, but some older platforms may still default to Legacy. Always confirm which format your recipient's wallet accepts.
Best Practices for Sending Bitcoin Cash
To ensure smooth, error-free transactions:
- Always verify the address format before sending.
- Use reputable conversion tools—preferably open-source or community-trusted ones.
- Start with a small test transaction when sending to a newly converted address.
- Educate recipients about address types if they frequently share Legacy addresses.
Understanding these nuances empowers you to use Bitcoin Cash confidently across platforms and generations of wallet technology.
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Final Thoughts
While Legacy addresses still exist in the ecosystem, the future of Bitcoin Cash lies in standardized, user-friendly formats like CashAddr. Platforms like Jiggle are leading this transition by enforcing safer sending protocols and reducing user error.
By learning how to convert Legacy addresses, you maintain flexibility without sacrificing security or compatibility. Whether you're paying friends, merchants, or service providers, mastering this small but critical step ensures your transactions go smoothly every time.
Remember: crypto evolves fast—but with the right knowledge, you’re always in control.
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