What is a Wallet Address?

By Lyle Daly – Updated Apr 23, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Key Points

To transfer cryptocurrency, use a unique wallet address generated for each transaction type.
Never share your private key; it secures access to your crypto funds.
Choose between digital wallets for convenience or hardware wallets for better security.

If you use cryptocurrency, there's probably going to come a time when you want to transfer it. You might decide to move it from the exchange where you bought it to your own blockchain wallet for better security, or you may want to pay someone with crypto. Cryptocurrency transfers require a wallet address, and understanding how this works will help you avoid sending your crypto to the wrong person.

Loading paragraph...

Frankfurt am Main, Germany - September, 2021: Cryptocurrencies on a trading screen, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Ripple with exemplary prices, daily changes and down up signs. — Source: Getty images

Loading paragraph...

Investing in Bank Stocks

The basic ideas behind the banking industry and how these businesses make their money are easy to understand. With that in mind, here's an overview of the different types of banks, some important metrics investors should know, and three great beginner-friendly bank stocks to keep on your radar.

9 Blockchain Stocks to Invest In

Here's a brief overview of blockchain technology, followed by some blockchain stocks -- and one important principle blockchain investors should keep in mind.

Investing in Top FinTech Companies

The potential of fintech is pretty exciting. Even after the growth of the cashless payments space in recent years, the majority of payment transactions around the world are still done in cash.

Investing in Cryptocurrency Stocks

Cryptocurrencies have quickly become a hot investment that is gaining mainstream adoption.

Loading paragraph...

About the Author

Lyle Daly is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering information technology and cryptocurrency. Lyle has been a contributor at the financial services company since 2018. His work has been featured on USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Fox Business, and Nasdaq. Before joining The Motley Fool, he wrote for financial brands including Intuit.

TMFLyleDaly

@LyleDaly

Lyle Daly has positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.