Introduction to Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) emerged from a hard fork of Bitcoin (BTC) on August 1, 2017. Designed to address scalability issues, BCH increases block size from 1MB to 8MB (later 32MB), enabling faster transactions and lower fees. Like Bitcoin, its total supply is capped at 21 million coins.
Bitcoin Cash Total Supply
- Maximum Supply: 21 million BCH (identical to Bitcoin).
- Circulating Supply: ~19.5 million BCH (as of 2024).
- Mining Timeline: Expected to be fully mined by 2140, following a halving cycle every 210,000 blocks (approximately 4 years).
👉 Learn more about Bitcoin Cash halving events
Key Features of Bitcoin Cash
- Decentralization: Operates on a peer-to-peer network without central authority.
- Scalability: Larger block sizes (up to 32MB) support higher transaction throughput.
- Low Fees: Average transaction fees are significantly lower than Bitcoin.
- Fast Transactions: Confirms payments in minutes compared to BTC’s longer wait times.
| Feature | Bitcoin (BTC) | Bitcoin Cash (BCH) |
|---|---|---|
| Block Size | 1MB | 8MB–32MB |
| Avg. Fee | $1–$50 | <$0.01 |
| Supply Cap | 21 million | 21 million |
Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin Cash: Key Differences
- Purpose: BTC is a "store of value"; BCH focuses on "daily transactions."
- Adoption: BTC is more widely accepted, but BCH gains traction in merchant payments.
- Community: BCH is supported by proponents of on-chain scaling (e.g., Roger Ver).
FAQs About Bitcoin Cash
1. How is Bitcoin Cash different from Bitcoin?
BCH prioritizes transactional efficiency with larger blocks, while BTC maintains smaller blocks for decentralization.
2. Can I claim Bitcoin Cash if I owned Bitcoin before the fork?
Yes. Pre-fork BTC holders received an equal amount of BCH (1:1) during the 2017 split.
3. Is Bitcoin Cash a good investment?
BCH suits those seeking fast, low-cost transactions, but its market volatility requires careful research.
4. Where can I buy Bitcoin Cash?
👉 Trade BCH on major exchanges like OKX
5. What is the current BCH block size?
BCH blocks can handle up to 32MB, though average usage remains lower.
6. Will Bitcoin Cash ever exceed 21 million coins?
No. Like BTC, BCH’s supply is algorithmically fixed.
Conclusion
Bitcoin Cash offers a scalable alternative to Bitcoin for everyday payments, maintaining the same 21-million supply cap. Its emphasis on speed and affordability makes it popular among users and merchants alike. For long-term viability, monitor adoption trends and technological upgrades.
👉 Explore Bitcoin Cash wallets and tools
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry risks. Conduct independent research before trading.
### Key SEO Keywords:
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- BCH total supply
- Bitcoin vs Bitcoin Cash
- BCH block size
- Bitcoin Cash halving
- Buy Bitcoin Cash