bitcoin was invented by someone using the name . a bitcoin address, or simply address, is an identifier of 26-35 letters and numbers, beginning with the number 1, 3, or bc1, that represents a possible destination for a bitcoin payment. addresses can be generated at no cost by any user of bitcoin. for example, using bitcoin core, one can click "new address" and be assigned an address. it is also possible to get a bitcoin address using an account at an exchange or online wallet service.