UAHF Specification Published
The User Activated Hard Fork (UAHF) plan set out how a larger-block Bitcoin Cash chain would activate if Bitcoin remained on a smaller-block path, giving miners and businesses a clear activation schedule.
ABOUT BITCOIN CASH
About Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Bitcoin Cash is a peer-to-peer electronic cash network created from a Bitcoin hard fork on August 1, 2017. It keeps Bitcoin’s 21 million supply cap and SHA-256 Proof of Work while prioritizing larger blocks for everyday payments.
This page explains how Bitcoin Cash works, how its protocol has evolved, what shapes the BCH price and how holders can sell Bitcoin Cash for fiat currency. Live market figures appear in the Bitcoin Cash snapshot.
BITCOIN CASH PROFILE
Bitcoin Cash at a Glance
Bitcoin Cash launched as an independent payment chain in August 2017. This profile covers its origins, purpose, supply model and the Proof of Work network that records BCH transactions.
BITCOIN CASH ORIGINS
The Fork Plan
Shared History Ends
Independent Chain Begins
When Was Bitcoin Cash Created?
Bitcoin Cash was created through a user-activated hard fork of Bitcoin in 2017. Supporters sought larger on-chain capacity so the network could keep serving as peer-to-peer electronic cash with lower fees during busy periods.
Until block 478558, Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin share the same transaction history. From block 478559 onward, Bitcoin Cash records its own independent chain.
Common Chain History Ends at Block 478558
Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin share the same ledger through block 478558. After that height, the networks diverge and no longer accept each other’s subsequent blocks.
ViaBTC Mines Block 478559
ViaBTC mined Bitcoin Cash’s first independent block, height 478559, establishing the new BCH chain and beginning its separate transaction history.
UNDERSTANDING BITCOIN CASH
2018
Address Format
2023
Tokens and Covenants
2024
Adaptive Capacity
2026
Programmability
Bitcoin Cash Evolution
Bitcoin Cash has continued to evolve since its 2017 split from Bitcoin, with upgrades focused on transaction capacity, address formats, programmability and on-chain applications. These changes have shaped how BCH can be used while preserving its focus on peer-to-peer payments.
Network upgrades can also influence adoption, miner activity and market sentiment, which may affect the Bitcoin Cash price over time. The milestones below highlight some of the most important changes to the BCH network.
CashAddr Becomes the Standard Address Format
Bitcoin Cash introduced CashAddr, a prefix-based address format designed to reduce accidental transfers between Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin wallets that used similar legacy address styles.
CashTokens Expand On-Chain Applications
The May 2023 upgrade activated CashTokens, adding fungible and non-fungible token primitives with covenant capabilities so developers can build BCH-native applications without leaving the main chain.
ABLA Adjusts the Block Size Limit
Bitcoin Cash activated the Adaptive Blocksize Limit Algorithm (ABLA), allowing the maximum block size to respond to sustained network demand instead of relying only on a fixed ceiling.
Programmable Features Continue Expanding
Later network upgrades continue to extend Bitcoin Cash’s programmable capabilities, building on CashTokens and covenant tooling so more payment and application logic can run on-chain.
UNDERSTANDING BITCOIN CASH
How Does Bitcoin Cash Work?
Bitcoin Cash transfers BCH through a decentralized network of wallets, nodes and SHA-256 miners. A wallet signs each transaction, nodes check that it follows the network’s rules and miners compete to include valid transactions in new blocks.
Once a block is accepted by the network, the transaction becomes part of the Bitcoin Cash blockchain and receives additional confirmations over time. Network activity, mining conditions and demand for BCH can also influence the BCH price, although price movements are separate from how transactions are processed.
01
Create and Sign
Authorize the Bitcoin Cash Payment
The sender’s wallet prepares the transaction with the recipient’s BCH address, the amount and a network fee, then signs it with the sender’s private key.
02
Broadcast
Share the Transaction With the Network
The signed transaction is broadcast to participating Bitcoin Cash nodes, which relay it across the peer-to-peer network.
03
Validate
Nodes Check Consensus Rules
Nodes verify the signature, format and available funds against Bitcoin Cash consensus rules before accepting the transaction as valid.
04
Confirm
Add the Payment to the Blockchain
A miner includes the transaction in a Proof of Work block. Once nodes accept that block, the payment receives its first confirmation, and later blocks add more.
What Shapes the Bitcoin Cash Price?
Buyers and sellers determine the Bitcoin Cash price across cryptocurrency exchanges. BCH’s fixed supply schedule, payment activity and mining network can influence its market value, while liquidity, Bitcoin price movements, regulation and wider investor sentiment can move the price independently of network use.
Fixed Supply and Halvings
Bitcoin Cash has a maximum supply of 21 million BCH. Its block subsidy halves on a predetermined schedule, reducing new issuance approximately once every four years. A halving changes the supply rate but does not guarantee that the price will rise.
Payment and Network Demand
People use Bitcoin Cash to transfer value, pay merchants and move funds between supported services. Greater payment activity can strengthen demand for BCH, although a higher transaction count does not automatically produce a higher price.
Mining Security and Hashrate
SHA-256 miners provide the computing power used to produce blocks and protect the network. Changes in Bitcoin Cash hashrate, mining difficulty and miner economics can affect perceptions of network security and operating strength.
Exchange Liquidity
Market depth, trading volume and the number of supported BCH pairs affect how easily Bitcoin Cash can be bought or sold. Thin liquidity can produce larger price movements when substantial orders enter an individual market.
Bitcoin and the Crypto Market
The Bitcoin Cash price often moves alongside Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market. Changes in risk appetite, interest rates and demand for crypto assets can outweigh BCH-specific developments over shorter periods.
Regulation and Market Access
Regulatory decisions can affect whether exchanges, payment services and institutional products support Bitcoin Cash. Changes in listing availability or compliance requirements can influence demand and local trading access.
What Is the Current Bitcoin Cash Price?
The current Bitcoin Cash price is $266.00 USD, down 7.96% over the past 24 hours. The Bitcoin Cash Snapshot above provides the latest BCH price range, market capitalization and trading volume.
The price available on an individual exchange may differ because of liquidity, spreads, fees and the selected BCH trading pair.
What Is the Difference Between Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin?
Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin share the same blockchain history through block 478,558, but they have operated as separate networks and cryptocurrencies since August 1, 2017. Both use Proof of Work and SHA-256 mining, but they follow different consensus rules and block-capacity policies.
BCH supports larger, adaptively limited blocks as part of its focus on direct on-chain payments. BTC and BCH have separate prices, networks and transaction histories after the split and are not interchangeable.
Why Is the BCH Price Moving Today?
The BCH price is dropping 7.96% over the past 24 hours. The decline may reflect increased selling, weaker liquidity, a broader crypto-market fall or a verified development affecting Bitcoin Cash.
Can You Cash Out Bitcoin Cash for Real Money?
Yes. You can cash out Bitcoin Cash by selling BCH through a supported cryptocurrency exchange, broker, payment service or crypto ATM and receiving fiat currency through an available payout method. The amount received depends on the Bitcoin Cash price in the selected currency, together with the service’s spread, trading fees and withdrawal charges.
Find a Service That Supports Bitcoin Cash
Select a provider that operates in your country, accepts BCH, and supports withdrawals through a bank account, payment card or another suitable method. Check its verification requirements, withdrawal limits and fees before transferring Bitcoin Cash.
Send BCH to the Correct Deposit Address
Copy the Bitcoin Cash deposit address supplied by the service and confirm that it belongs to the Bitcoin Cash network. Prefer CashAddr formats when available, and double-check the full address before approving the transfer.
Convert BCH Into Your Selected Currency
Place an order to sell Bitcoin Cash for the available fiat currency. Review the quoted BCH price, order type, spread and trading fee before confirming the sale.
Send the Proceeds to Your Account
Withdraw the fiat balance through an available bank, card or cash-out method. Processing times, withdrawal limits and fees depend on the provider, payment network and selected currency.
Cash-Out Checklist
Before You Cash Out Bitcoin Cash
Before you cash out Bitcoin Cash, compare the service’s availability, verification requirements, total fees and expected processing time. These details can affect how much money you receive, how quickly it arrives and whether the withdrawal can be completed in your location.
Confirm every wallet address and transfer method before sending BCH, and keep records of the sale, fees and funds received. Bitcoin Cash transfers generally cannot be reversed once confirmed.
Service and Verification
Provider Availability
Confirm the service operates in your jurisdiction and supports your preferred withdrawal method.
Identity Checks
Review the identification and account requirements before transferring BCH.
Costs and Timing
Total Costs
Compare trading, conversion, network and withdrawal fees.
Limits and Processing
Check minimum withdrawals, account limits and expected processing times.
Transfer and Records
Wallet and Network
Verify the deposit address, network and transfer method before sending BCH.
Transaction Records
Keep records of the sale, transfer, fees and funds received.
Tax Note: Selling, spending or exchanging Bitcoin Cash may create tax or reporting obligations. The applicable treatment depends on the transaction and the rules in your jurisdiction.