What is a wallet address?
A wallet address is the string of letters and numbers that tells a blockchain where to send a transfer, much like an account number. OFAC defines a digital currency address as an alphanumeric identifier that represents a potential destination for a digital currency transfer, associated with a wallet. Example: an Ethereum address has 42 characters, 0x followed by 40 hexadecimal characters. A customer who mistypes one character sends the funds to a different address, and no bank can reverse the transfer.
- A wallet address is where tokens are sent; the private key is what authorizes sending them out.
- An Ethereum account address is 42 characters: 0x plus 40 hexadecimal characters derived from the public key.
- A token contract address identifies the token itself, such as USDC on Ethereum, and is different from a wallet address.
- Address formats differ by network, so the same address cannot be assumed to work on another chain.
- OFAC may list digital currency addresses on the SDN List.
How wallet addresses work
A wallet holds a user's addresses and the private keys that control them. On Ethereum, a private key is 64 hexadecimal characters; the public key is derived from it, and the address is the last 20 bytes of the public key's hash with 0x added in front. Anyone can send to an address; only the holder of the private key can move funds out.
| Item | What it is | Share it? |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet address | Destination for transfers, such as a 42-character Ethereum address | Yes, with payers |
| Private key | Secret that signs transactions; 64 hexadecimal characters on Ethereum | Never |
| Token contract address | Identifies the token on a network, such as USDC on Ethereum, 0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48 | Used to check you received the genuine token |
| Tron address | Different format, such as Tether's Tron contract TR7NHqjeKQxGTCi8q8ZY4pL8otSzgjLj6t | Network-specific |
Sources: ethereum.org, Accounts; Circle; Tether; OFAC. As published on 29 October 2026.
Where a business meets it
Every stablecoin invoice carries a receiving address and a named network. Providers and businesses also screen counterparties' addresses: OFAC may add digital currency addresses to the SDN List, and it states that sanctions obligations are the same for digital currency as for ordinary money. See OFAC sanctions screening.
Common mistakes
- Wrong network. Print one address per network and name the network in full on the invoice.
- Changed addresses by email. Confirm any new address by phone on a number you already hold.
- One address for all customers. Separate addresses, or a reference per invoice, make payments easier to match and screen.
- Sharing a private key. Anyone with the key can move the funds.
Related terms and how Helm handles it
Sending from an address costs a network fee. Helm lets a company receive, send and convert USDC and USDT to USD inside its account, where the company may lawfully use them. See digital dollars.
Open a Helm account
USD, EUR and GBP accounts in your company's name, with a named account manager.
Open accountQuestions
What is a crypto wallet address?
It is the identifier a blockchain uses as the destination of a transfer, like an account number. OFAC describes it as an alphanumeric identifier for a potential destination of a digital currency transfer.
Is it safe to share my wallet address?
Yes, payers need it to send you tokens. Never share the private key, which is what authorizes moving funds out of the address.
Can I use the same address on Ethereum and Tron?
No. Address formats differ: Ethereum addresses start with 0x and have 42 characters, while Tron uses a different format. Give a separate address for each network you accept.
Can a wallet address be sanctioned?
Yes. OFAC may add digital currency addresses to the SDN List, and US persons must block property of listed persons whether it is held in digital currency or ordinary money.
References
- OFAC: Questions on virtual currency
- ethereum.org: Ethereum accounts
- Circle: USDC contract addresses
- Tether: Supported protocols and integration guidelines
This guide is general information for businesses, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and timings were checked against the sources listed on the review date and may change.