If you've ever searched for Bitcoin and stumbled across "Bitcoin Cash," you're not alone — and no, they're not the same thing. This guide breaks down what Bitcoin Cash (BCH) actually is, how itIf you've ever searched for Bitcoin and stumbled across "Bitcoin Cash," you're not alone — and no, they're not the same thing. This guide breaks down what Bitcoin Cash (BCH) actually is, how it

Learn/Cryptocurrency Knowledge/Hot Concepts/Bitcoin Cash (BCH): What It Is, How It Works, and How to Buy It

Bitcoin Cash (BCH): What It Is, How It Works, and How to Buy It

Author: MEXC

Sep 21, 2026MEXC

5 min

#Beginners #Bitcoin (BTC)

BCH$279.5+4.21%

EL$0.001633-0.91%

If you've ever searched for Bitcoin and stumbled across "Bitcoin Cash," you're not alone — and no, they're not the same thing.

This guide breaks down what Bitcoin Cash (BCH) actually is, how it works, how it compares to Bitcoin, and how you can buy it today.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) was created on August 1, 2017, through a hard fork of Bitcoin at block #478,559.
BCH uses a 32MB block size — 32 times larger than Bitcoin's 1MB limit — enabling faster transactions and lower fees.
Transaction fees on the Bitcoin Cash network typically run below $0.01 under normal network conditions.
Unlike Bitcoin, which is widely treated as a store of value, BCH is designed for everyday peer-to-peer payments and transfers.
The 2023 CashTokens upgrade added native support for fungible tokens and NFTs directly on the BCH blockchain.
BCH has a hard-capped maximum supply of 21 million coins, identical to Bitcoin.

What Is Bitcoin Cash? The Origin of the Bitcoin Fork

Bitcoin was designed to be peer-to-peer electronic cash.

But by 2017, that vision had drifted — Bitcoin's network was getting congested, fees were climbing, and small transactions were becoming impractical.

A group of developers and miners believed the fix was simple: increase Bitcoin's block size from 1MB to 8MB, allowing more transactions to fit into each block.

Bitcoin's core developers disagreed, arguing that larger blocks would threaten decentralization.

The disagreement couldn't be resolved, so on August 1, 2017, a hard fork occurred at block #478,559 — splitting the chain into two: Bitcoin (BTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).

Every Bitcoin holder at the time of the fork automatically received an equal amount of BCH.

How Bitcoin Cash Works

1.Block Size and Transaction Speed

Bitcoin Cash runs on a 32MB block size — 32 times larger than Bitcoin's 1MB limit.

That extra capacity means BCH can process far more transactions per block, keeping the network from clogging during high-traffic periods.

Bitcoin Cash supports significantly more transactions per block than Bitcoin, thanks to its 32MB block size limit compared to Bitcoin's 1MB cap.

2.Bitcoin Cash Transaction Fees

This is where BCH really stands out from its predecessor.

Because blocks have more room, there's less competition to get your transaction confirmed — and fees stay extremely low.

Under normal network conditions, transaction fees on the Bitcoin Cash network typically run below $0.01, making it practical for everyday payments and microtransactions alike.

3.Proof-of-Work Mining

Like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash uses a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism secured by the SHA-256 hashing algorithm.

Miners compete to validate transactions and add new blocks, earning BCH as a block reward.

The total supply of Bitcoin Cash is hard-capped at 21 million coins — identical to Bitcoin's supply cap.

4.CashTokens and Smart Contracts

Bitcoin Cash isn't just a payments network anymore.

The 2023 CashTokens upgrade introduced native support for fungible tokens and NFTs directly on the BCH blockchain — without the high gas fees associated with other networks.

This expansion moves BCH toward a more programmable future while keeping fees near zero.

Bitcoin Cash vs Bitcoin: Key Differences in Fees, Speed, and Purpose

1.Purpose and Philosophy

Bitcoin (BTC) has evolved into a "digital gold" — a store of value that most people hold rather than spend.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH), by contrast, was built to be spent: fast, cheap, borderless digital cash for everyday purchases, remittances, and micropayments.

The two coins share the same origin and the same 21 million coin supply cap, but they serve different purposes in the market.

2.Fees and Speed

This comparison is straightforward.

Bitcoin transactions can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 or more during periods of network congestion.

Bitcoin Cash transactions cost a fraction of a cent — and the larger block size means confirmations arrive faster under normal network conditions.

For anyone sending small amounts or making frequent transfers, the fee difference is significant.

3.Market Position

Bitcoin Cash consistently ranks among the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, with over 20 million BCH in circulation out of a maximum supply of 21 million, according to CoinGecko.

Bitcoin dominates the market by a wide margin in terms of price and institutional recognition — BCH is a smaller, payment-focused alternative with a very different value proposition.

Neither is strictly "better" — they're designed for different use cases.

How to Buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH) on MEXC

Buying BCH is a straightforward process on MEXC. Here's how it works:

Create a MEXC account — sign up at MEXC and complete identity verification.

Deposit funds — add USDT or another supported asset to your account.

Search for BCH — navigate to the spot market and search "BCH/USDT."

Place your order — enter the amount you want to buy and confirm the trade.

Store your BCH — keep it in your MEXC wallet or transfer it to a personal Bitcoin Cash wallet for self-custody.

FAQ

Is Bitcoin Cash the same as Bitcoin?

No — Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a separate cryptocurrency created from a hard fork of Bitcoin in August 2017, with a larger block size and lower transaction fees.

What is Bitcoin Cash used for?

BCH is primarily used for peer-to-peer payments, merchant transactions, remittances, and micropayments due to its near-zero fees.

Is Bitcoin Cash a good investment?

Like all cryptocurrencies, BCH carries risk — always conduct your own research and only invest what you can afford to lose.

What is the difference between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash?

The main differences are block size (1MB vs 32MB), transaction fees ($1–$5 vs under $0.01), and purpose (store of value vs everyday payments).

Can Bitcoin Cash be converted to cash?

Yes — BCH can be sold on exchanges like MEXC for fiat currency or converted through a Bitcoin ATM that supports BCH.

Conclusion

Bitcoin Cash exists because one group believed crypto should be spendable, not just held.

Whether or not that philosophy wins long term, BCH remains one of the longest-standing cryptocurrency forks in the market — with real infrastructure, low fees, and a clear use case.

If you're curious about adding BCH to your portfolio, MEXC offers straightforward access to the BCH/USDT spot market.

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