Wallet Address
Sovereign Assets • Layer 1s • Payment Networks
blockchain account identifier
Wallet Address is a unique string of letters and numbers that identifies an account on a blockchain network. It functions like an email address or bank account number, allowing users to receive (and sometimes send) digital assets such as crypto tokens, NFTs, or stablecoins. Wallet addresses are derived from public keys and are safe to share, as they cannot be used to directly access funds without the private key.
Use Case: To receive XRP, a user provides their XRP Ledger wallet address. Others can send funds to this address without compromising the user’s security or control over their assets.
Key Concepts:
- Private Keys — The secret credential that controls access to funds at a wallet address
- Public Key Cryptography — The mathematical framework that generates wallet addresses from private keys
- Self-Custody — Direct user control over wallet addresses and their associated private keys
- Trustless — Wallet addresses enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries
Summary: A wallet address is a cornerstone of blockchain identity—enabling secure, global, peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Protecting the private key behind each address is essential for safeguarding assets.