Zcash address compatibility for swaps
Zcash has several address formats, and not every service can send to all of them. Here's what each prefix means, why a service might reject your address, and what to paste instead.
| Type | Starts with | Privacy | Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent | t1 / t3 | Public, like Bitcoin | Accepted almost everywhere |
| Sapling shielded | zs1 | Amount and parties hidden | Only where the sender supports shielded sends |
| Unified | u1 | Shielded by default, Orchard preferred | Some services reject it outright |
| TEX | tex1 | Public, must be paid from transparent funds | Used by some exchanges for deposits |
How unified addresses work
A unified address combines several receivers in one string: Orchard, Sapling and, optionally, transparent. ZIP 316 requires the sender to pay the most-preferred receiver it supports. A sender that can only make transparent payments falls back to the transparent receiver. If your unified address has no transparent receiver, that sender can't pay it, and many services will just show "invalid address".
Swapping to ZEC
- Paste the address type the swap form accepts. If it rejects your u1 address, use your wallet's transparent (t1) address.
- Once the ZEC arrives, move it into your shielded balance in your wallet.
- Moving funds into your shielded balance is an on-chain transaction, so it costs a small network fee.
Swapping from ZEC
Send your deposit to the provider's deposit address exactly as shown. If the deposit address is a TEX address, send from transparent funds only. Wallets that support ZIP 320 do this automatically, while older wallets may refuse the address or need you to move funds out of your shielded balance first.
Privacy and fees
A transparent payout is visible on the blockchain until you move it into your shielded balance. Network fees on Zcash are small, but moving funds between your shielded and transparent balances is a separate transaction. For how Zcash privacy compares with Monero's, see Monero vs Zcash.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a service say my Zcash unified address is invalid?
Usually because the service can only send to transparent addresses. The address itself is fine. If you get an error, use a transparent address from the same wallet, then move the funds into your shielded balance once they arrive.
If I give a unified address, which part gets paid?
Under ZIP 316, the sender must use the most-preferred receiver it supports: Orchard first, then Sapling, then transparent. A transparent-only sender pays the transparent receiver, but only if your unified address includes one.
What is a TEX address?
A transparent-source-only address format defined in ZIP 320. Wallets that support it will only pay it from transparent funds, so the receiving exchange can refuse deposits that come from shielded addresses. Some exchanges require it for deposits.
Is a transparent ZEC payout private?
No. Transparent Zcash works like Bitcoin, so the payment is visible on the blockchain. To get Zcash privacy, move the funds into your shielded balance in a wallet that supports shielding.
Sources
- ZIP 316 — Unified Addresses and Unified Viewing Keys
- ZIP 320 — Transparent-source-only (TEX) addresses
- Electric Coin Company — Unified addresses explained
For information only — not financial advice. Wallet and provider behaviour changes; check the sources above.
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