BlockCypher Adds Bech32 Support
BlockCypher has added support for Bech32 addresses! Our support for Segwit was missing a way to address native transactions properly. The Bech32 standard (bc1 addresses) has been maturing nicely and is now commonly supported across exchanges and wallets.
All BlockCypher APIs that use addresses — including the address API, transaction API, webhooks, etc. — for bitcoin, bitcoin testnet, litecoin, and BlockCypher’s testnet now support Bech32. For reference, see the sample API call below. We’ve also added the ability to parse, display, and index Bech32 addresses. Those addresses can now be searched on and appear in BlockCypher’s block explorer.
You can now create transactions leveraging bech32 addresses and automatically benefit from the 40% reduced mining fee (on average) due to the smaller transaction size.
No changes in user logic or code is necessary. However, double-check that your validation logic doesn’t reject Bech32 addresses.
Enjoy the new capability!
