Cryptocurrencies continue to evolve through innovation, debate, and technical divergence. Among the most notable developments in the digital asset space was the hard fork of Bitcoin, which gave rise to Bitcoin Cash (BCH)—a blockchain designed to improve transaction speed and scalability. However, the story doesn’t end there. In November 2018, Bitcoin Cash itself underwent another major split, resulting in two competing chains: Bitcoin Cash ABC (now simply known as Bitcoin Cash) and Bitcoin Satoshi’s Vision (BSV).
This article explores the origins, differences, and current status of both Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV, while also touching on their integration into mainstream platforms, investment vehicles, and market performance.
The Origins of Bitcoin Cash and the 2018 Fork
Bitcoin Cash was created in August 2017 as a result of a hard fork from the original Bitcoin blockchain at block 478,559. The primary motivation behind the fork was to increase the block size limit from 1MB to 8MB (later increased further), allowing for more transactions per block and lower fees—addressing long-standing concerns about Bitcoin’s scalability.
While Bitcoin Cash aimed to become "peer-to-peer electronic cash," internal disagreements within the community eventually led to another split. In November 2018, a contentious hard fork divided Bitcoin Cash into two chains:
- Bitcoin Cash ABC (Adjustable Blocksize Cap) – backed by developers including Amaury Séchet
- Bitcoin Satoshi’s Vision (BSV) – championed by Craig Wright and Calvin Ayre, aiming to restore what they believed was the original Bitcoin protocol
The split was more than technical—it reflected ideological differences about decentralization, on-chain scaling, and the future direction of cryptocurrency.
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Understanding the Key Differences Between BCH and BSV
Although both BCH and BSV originated from the same chain, they have since diverged significantly in terms of development philosophy, network upgrades, and community support.
Transaction Throughput and Block Size
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Currently supports dynamic block sizes up to 32MB, with an emphasis on maintaining decentralization while improving usability for everyday payments.
- Bitcoin SV (BSV): Pushes for massive block sizes—up to gigabytes in theory—to enable enterprise-level data recording and microtransactions at scale.
Development Approach
- BCH follows a more conservative upgrade path, focusing on stability, security, and usability.
- BSV emphasizes maximalism, aiming to support large-scale applications beyond just payments, such as data notarization and smart contracts.
Market Adoption and Exchange Support
Major exchanges like Coinbase released BSV following the fork but do not actively list it for trading. Users who held BCH at the time of the split received BSV automatically but must use alternative platforms like Bittrex or Binance to trade it.
Notably, Binance announced plans to delist Bitcoin SV, citing low liquidity and compliance considerations—a move that impacted BSV’s visibility and accessibility in the broader market.
Where Can You Use or Trade Bitcoin Cash?
Despite volatility and controversy surrounding its forks, Bitcoin Cash remains one of the most widely accepted cryptocurrencies after Bitcoin.
PayPal and Venmo Integration
Both PayPal and its subsidiary Venmo allow U.S. users to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin Cash alongside other major cryptocurrencies like:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
This integration marks a significant step toward mainstream adoption, giving millions of users easy access to BCH without needing dedicated crypto wallets or exchanges.
Investment Vehicles and Trusts
Institutional interest in BCH is evident through products like the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLCF)—a trust that holds a basket of major cryptocurrencies including:
- BTC
- ETH
- XRP
- BCH
- LTC
However, investors should be cautious of premium pricing. As of recent data, funds like LTCN and BCHG have exhibited high premiums, meaning shares trade above net asset value—potentially increasing risk for new buyers.
On the other hand, products like GBTC, ETHE, ETCG, and GDLC are considered more reasonably priced entry points into the crypto market.
Market Performance: How Are BCH and BSV Performing?
Recent market trends show that several altcoins—including TRX (Tron), ADA (Cardano), XRP, LTC, and BCH—have seen strong momentum. Ethereum has also shown resilience amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
While Bitcoin maintains its dominance as a store of value, assets like BCH are increasingly viewed as viable payment solutions due to faster confirmations and lower fees.
Interestingly, Bitcoin SV has been regaining ground against Bitcoin Cash, showing signs of renewed investor interest despite limited exchange support. This could set up a scenario where BSV demonstrates strength—not necessarily at the expense of BCH, but as part of a broader narrative around niche blockchain use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin SV?
Bitcoin Cash focuses on fast, low-cost peer-to-peer transactions with moderate block size increases. Bitcoin SV aims for massive scalability with very large blocks to support enterprise applications beyond payments.
Did I get free BSV if I held BCH during the fork?
Yes. If you held Bitcoin Cash in a personal wallet or on a supported exchange during the November 2018 fork, you received an equal amount of BSV. However, some platforms later distributed or delisted BSV depending on policy decisions.
Can I still buy Bitcoin SV today?
Yes, though availability is limited. Exchanges like Bittrex and certain offshore platforms still support BSV trading. Always verify regulatory compliance in your region before purchasing.
Why did Binance decide to delist BSV?
Binance cited low trading volume and liquidity issues as primary reasons. Additionally, ongoing controversies surrounding BSV’s leadership contributed to reduced confidence among major exchanges.
Is Bitcoin Cash used as real money?
Yes. Numerous merchants worldwide accept BCH for goods and services—from online retailers to travel agencies. Its fast confirmation times and low fees make it practical for daily transactions.
Does replay protection exist between BCH and BSV?
Yes. After the fork, developers implemented replay protection mechanisms so that transactions on one chain cannot be duplicated on the other—ensuring user funds remain secure across both networks.
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The Road Ahead: Utility vs. Ideology
The divergence between BCH and BSV illustrates a broader theme in blockchain: utility versus ideology.
Bitcoin Cash continues to position itself as digital cash—practical, accessible, and efficient. It benefits from wider merchant acceptance, inclusion in major financial apps like PayPal, and steady development focused on real-world usability.
Bitcoin SV, while technically ambitious, faces challenges related to centralization concerns and limited ecosystem growth. Yet, it maintains a loyal base advocating for unlimited scaling and blockchain-based data storage solutions.
For investors and users alike, understanding these distinctions is key to making informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're drawn to Bitcoin Cash for its payment utility or curious about Bitcoin SV’s maximalist vision, both networks offer valuable lessons in how blockchain technology evolves through competition and community choice.
As adoption grows through platforms like PayPal and institutional vehicles like Grayscale trusts, cryptocurrencies like BCH are becoming increasingly integrated into the global financial system—even amid ongoing debates over forks, value propositions, and long-term sustainability.
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Ultimately, staying informed—and using trusted platforms—is essential in navigating this dynamic landscape. With clear goals and proper tools, both developers and investors can thrive in the ever-expanding world of decentralized finance.