Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a hard fork of Bitcoin.
- Bitcoin has a block size limit of about 1-2MB, Bitcoin Cash has a 32MB block size limit.
- Miners work together to verify transactions using a proof-of-work algorithm, helping ensure no one can double-spend or steal funds without permission
- Bitcoin Cash offers users fast transaction times and advanced security measures such as replay protection and two-way transaction protection.
- BCH’s limited supply helps keep its value stable while also providing users with an attractive option for those looking for a reliable store of value over the long term.
- It can be bought/sold/stored on platforms such as Coinmama which provides a seamlessly integrated self-custody wallet.
What does Bitcoin Cash do?
The goal of Bitcoin Cash is to serve as a peer-to-peer electronic payment system that can be used as a reliable digital currency for everyday transactions. It focuses on ensuring that transactions are cheap and secure. To achieve these goals, the network employs miners who work together to verify transactions using a proof-of-work algorithm. This consensus mechanism helps ensure that all users agree on what is valid on the network by reaching an agreement over which blocks should be accepted into the blockchain.
Bitcoin Cash offers an alternative solution for those looking for faster transaction times and better scalability than other cryptocurrency networks. By relying on miners who use its proof-of-work algorithm to secure its network and implementing various security measures, users can rest easy knowing their funds are safe. With many merchant partners already accepting BCH payments, Bitcoin Cash is well-established and looks like it could be around for the long haul.
History of Bitcoin Cash
Bitcoin Cash was created in 2017 as a result of a hard fork of Bitcoin. The primary purpose behind the creation of Bitcoin Cash was to increase the block size limit and enable faster transaction speeds on the blockchain network. This would allow for more efficient transactions, which proponents argued would make it better suited for use as a medium of exchange rather than just an investment asset.
Some users were unhappy with SegWit, an upgrade proposed by Bitcoin supporters. It was felt that SegWit favored those who wanted to treat Bitcoin as an investment over those who wanted to use it for everyday payments. Alternative plans were proposed which increased the block size limit from 1MB to 8MB through a hard fork. The result was Bitcoin Cash.
Shortly after its launch, hardware manufacturer Bitmain described Bitcoin Cash’s larger blocks as “a contingency plan” should users decide against implementing SegWit. Since then, many other forks have been created off of Bitcoin’s codebase with varying goals in mind. None, however, have seen quite so much success or adoption as Bitcoin Cash itself has enjoyed since its inception in 2017.
Key Differences between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash
- Bitcoin Cash has a larger block size (Originally 8MB, now 32MB).
- BCH uses replay protection and two-way transaction protection for enhanced security.
- Merchants can accept BCH payments with no fees or commissions involved due to various wallets that allow users to securely store their coins while providing easy access for merchants.
- There is significantly more mainstream adoption and institutional investment associated with Bitcoin over Bitcoin Cash.
Advantages of BCH
- Faster transaction times than many other traditional cryptocurrency networks.
- Improved scalability when compared to the original Bitcoin network.
- Extremely secure Proof-of-work algorithm.
- Advanced security measures such as replay protection and two-way transaction protection.
- No fees or commissions are involved for merchants to accept BCH payments.
- A limited supply of 21,000,000 coins.
Disadvantages of BCH
- Relatively low acceptance and use compared to Bitcoin
- Higher transaction fees than some other cryptocurrencies
- Limited availability of developers and resources
- Risk of double spending on BCH transactions if not properly handled
- Volatility due to limited liquidity
How do I Buy Bitcoin Cash?
Buying, selling, and storing Bitcoin Cash (BCH) can be done in several ways. One of the most popular options is, of course, Coinmama. Coinmama enables users to purchase BCH with credit cards and bank transfers among a host of other convenient payment methods.
Coinmama also provides a seamlessly integrated self-custody wallet where users can store their BCH securely. Coinmama’s wallet app uses the latest security measures to protect user funds, making it a super-safe option for those looking to store their BCH securely and easily manage their portfolio on the go.
Security of the Bitcoin Cash Network
The Bitcoin Cash network employs some of the most advanced security measures in the digital currency space to protect its users and their funds. This includes replay protection, two-way transaction protection, as well as a proof-of-work consensus mechanism.
Replay protection helps prevent double-spending of BCH coins by ensuring that once a transaction is signed and broadcasted, it cannot be copied and sent again in another block with different parameters. Two-Way Transaction Protection prevents people from sending BCH to an address they don’t have control over by requiring them to sign multiple transactions at once. This way, if one of the transactions fails or is not accepted for any reason, both will be rejected.
In addition to these features, the Bitcoin Cash network relies on a proof-of-work consensus mechanism to help secure its ledger and verify all transactions that take place within it. This mechanism requires miners to work together to solve cryptographic puzzles to validate new blocks of data before they are added to the blockchain. As a reward for their efforts, miners receive freshly minted BCH coins which are then introduced into circulation.
By combining these different security measures into one unified system, Bitcoin Cash ensures that transactions remain secure and immutable. These features make it an attractive option for investors or merchants looking for a secure payment method with no fees or commissions involved.
Use Cases for BCH
- Payments: BCH can be used to send and receive payments in a secure and fast manner, with no fees or commissions involved for merchants.
- Store of Value: With its limited supply, Bitcoin Cash offers an attractive option for those looking for a reliable store of value over the long term.
- Investment Opportunities: Investors may use BCH as part of their portfolio to benefit from price fluctuations resulting from market movements and speculation
- Trading Platforms: Users can take advantage of online trading platforms such as Coinmama that allow them to buy BCH securely.
- Mining Rewards: Miners can be rewarded with freshly minted BCH coins for validating new blocks of data on the Bitcoin Cash blockchain.
- Smart Contracts & Decentralized Applications: Developers can use BCH to create and deploy decentralized applications (apps) and smart contracts that run securely on the Bitcoin Cash network.
- Crowdfunding: Individuals or businesses can create crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for their projects utilizing BCH as a payment method.
- Microtransactions: With no fees or commissions involved, users can send tiny amounts of money quickly and easily with BCH, making it ideal for microtransactions such as tips or donations.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin Cash is a powerful and secure digital currency that offers an array of use cases, from payments to investments. With its advanced security measures, low fees, and fast transaction speeds it has become a popular choice for those looking to store their funds securely or send/receive payments quickly. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect exciting new features to increase usability and provide even greater levels of security for users.
Bitcoin Cash FAQs:
Is Bitcoin Cash better than Bitcoin?
It’s not appropriate to label one as better than the other, as both Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Bitcoin (BTC) have their advantages and disadvantages. Bitcoin Cash focuses on providing faster and cheaper transactions, while Bitcoin is more widely adopted and valued for its store-of-value properties. Your preference will depend on your specific needs and use cases.
What is the difference between BCH and BTC?
The primary difference between BCH and BTC lies in their block size and scalability solutions. Bitcoin Cash was created through a hard fork of Bitcoin in 2017, increasing the block size to 32MB (currently) from Bitcoin’s 1MB. This allows for faster and cheaper transactions on the Bitcoin Cash network. Bitcoin, on the other hand, is working on scaling solutions like the Lightning Network to address its transaction limitations.
How does the network scale further with BCH?
Bitcoin Cash aims to scale by increasing its block size, allowing for more transactions per block. As a result, it can handle a larger number of transactions at lower costs compared to Bitcoin. However, this approach has its critics who argue that increasing the block size can lead to centralization of the network and raise storage requirements for full nodes.
How can I buy/sell Bitcoin Cash (BCH)?
You can buy or sell Bitcoin Cash on various cryptocurrency exchanges, such as Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance. You’ll need to create an account, complete any required verification processes, and then you can trade your local currency or other cryptocurrencies for Bitcoin Cash.
Are there any fees associated with using BCH as a payment method?
Yes, there are transaction fees associated with using Bitcoin Cash, but they are generally lower than those of Bitcoin. These fees help incentivize miners to process transactions and maintain the network. However, the fees are typically small, making Bitcoin Cash a cost-effective payment method.
Is it safe to use Bitcoin Cash online or offline?
Bitcoin Cash is safe to use both online and offline, provided you take the necessary security precautions. It’s essential to use a reputable wallet, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your private keys secure. As with any cryptocurrency, it’s crucial to be cautious of scams and phishing attacks. Always double-check the recipient’s address before sending funds and only deal with trusted parties.
