The rise of the Bitcoin Ordinals protocol has unlocked new possibilities for the Bitcoin blockchain, leading to the creation of fungible tokens known as BRC-20 tokens. Much like the popular ERC-20 standard on Ethereum, BRC-20 allows users to create, mint, and transfer tokens directly on Bitcoin. However, managing these unique assets requires a specialized tool: a BRC-20 token wallet.
This guide will explain everything you need to know, from the standard itself to choosing the right wallet for your needs.
What Is the BRC-20 Token Standard?
The BRC-20 (Bitcoin Request for Comment 20) token standard is an experimental metaprotocol that enables the creation of Bitcoin-native fungible tokens. It is built on top of the Ordinals protocol, which allows data to be inscribed onto individual satoshis (the smallest unit of Bitcoin). This process effectively turns satoshis into carriers of token information. The standard is named after Ethereum's ERC-20, reflecting a similar goal of standardizing fungible tokens, but within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Who Created BRC-20 Tokens?
The BRC-20 token standard was introduced in March 2023 by a pseudonymous developer known as Domo. This innovation was made possible by the earlier launch of the Bitcoin Ordinals protocol by Casey Rodarmor in January 2023. Domo expanded the use case of Ordinals from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to include the native issuance of fungible tokens on Bitcoin. The first token deployed under this standard was "ordi," which quickly gained popularity.
How Do BRC-20 Tokens Work?
BRC-20 tokens operate through JSON data inscriptions on satoshis. Unlike smart contract-based tokens on Ethereum, BRC-20 tokens do not rely on complex contracts. The process involves three key functions:
1. Deployment: A token is created by inscribing a JSON file onto a satoshi. This file defines the token's properties, such as its ticker, maximum supply, and minting limit.
2. Minting: Once deployed, tokens can be minted according to the rules set in the deployment inscription, generating the actual supply.
3. Transfer: Moving tokens between users requires creating a new inscription that specifies the transfer details, which is then included in a Bitcoin transaction.
This method leverages Bitcoin's security and immutability but is also known for being less efficient and contributing to network congestion during periods of high demand.
What Is a BRC-20 Token Wallet?
A BRC-20 token wallet is essentially a Bitcoin wallet with Ordinals support. It allows you to store, manage, send, and receive BRC-20 tokens. Furthermore, by connecting such a wallet to an Ordinals marketplace, you can deploy, mint, buy, and sell these tokens directly.
What Is a BRC-20 Address?
A BRC-20 address is a randomly generated string of letters and numbers used to send and receive BRC-20 tokens. This address is publicly recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain. You will typically notice that BRC-20 wallet addresses start with "bc1p," indicating they are Taproot-enabled. Some wallets, like Xverse, use the same address for BRC-20 tokens, Ordinals inscriptions, Runes, and other Bitcoin-based assets.
How to Choose a BRC-20 Token Wallet
Selecting the right wallet is crucial for security and convenience. Here are the key features to look for:
· Clean User Interface: An intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface is essential, whether on mobile or desktop.
· Fiat Support: Since Bitcoin (BTC) is needed for transaction fees, a wallet that allows you to buy BTC with fiat currency (like USD or EUR) within the app is a major convenience.
· Robust Security Features: Prioritize wallets with strong security, such as biometric authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA), PIN protection, and secure backup options. Remember, securely backing up your seed phrase is the ultimate step in protecting your assets.
· Marketplace Integrations: The best wallets integrate seamlessly with multiple Ordinals marketplaces (like Magic Eden or Unisat), giving you flexibility to mint, trade, and interact with the broader BRC-20 ecosystem.
· Self-Custody Setup: Opt for a non-custodial wallet where you control 100% of your private keys. This eliminates counterparty risk and gives you full control over your tokens.
· Feature-Rich Functionality: Look for wallets that offer more than just basic transfers. Features like interaction with Layer 2 networks, portfolio tracking, and staking can significantly enhance your experience.
Top 5 BRC-20 Token Wallets (2026)
Based on security, features, and user support, here are five of the top wallets for managing BRC-20 tokens:
1. Xverse: A dedicated Web3 Bitcoin wallet available as a mobile app and browser extension. It offers robust support for BTC, Ordinals, BRC-20 tokens, and Stacks (STX), with built-in staking and fiat on-ramps.
2. OKX Web3 Wallet: A versatile, multi-chain wallet that supports BRC-20 tokens alongside thousands of other assets. It provides access to a wide range of dApps and DeFi protocols, making it a good all-in-one solution.
3. Leather Wallet (formerly Hiro): A dedicated Bitcoin wallet for desktop and browser. It excels at managing Bitcoin-based assets, including BRC-20 tokens and NFTs, and supports staking, though it lacks a mobile version.
4. UniSat Wallet: A popular browser extension wallet specifically designed for Bitcoin Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens. It features seamless integration with the UniSat marketplace for easy trading.
5. Bitget Wallet: A comprehensive web3 wallet that supports over 100 blockchains, including Bitcoin and BRC-20 tokens. Its strength lies in multi-asset support and deep integration with various DeFi and NFT platforms.
5 Simple Steps to Create a BRC-20 Wallet
To build a wallet that supports BRC-20 tokens, follow these key development steps. Remember, BRC-20 is a Bitcoin-based token standard (using the Ordinals protocol), not a Binance Smart Chain standard.
Step 1: Select a Wallet Foundation & Understand the Protocol
Choose a development path: modify an existing Bitcoin wallet with Taproot support or build from scratch. The core requirement is compatibility with the Bitcoin Ordinals protocol and the ability to inscribe and read JSON data on satoshis. Integration with Bitcoin’s blockchain for transaction creation is mandatory.
Step 2: Design a User-Friendly Interface
The wallet's success hinges on an intuitive UI/UX. Design a clean interface that simplifies complex actions like viewing token balances, inscribing, and sending BRC-20 tokens. Create a prototype for stakeholder feedback and iterate until the design is finalized and approved.
Step 3: Core Development & Integration
Begin development after design approval. Focus on:
· Backend/Server-Side: Implement secure key management, transaction signing, and communication with Bitcoin nodes/indexers (like Ordinals-compatible ones).
· Frontend/Client-Side: Build the interface using frameworks like ReactJS for web or native languages for mobile. Integrate with Ordinals marketplaces for trading functionality.
· Core Features: Enable BRC-20 token deployment, minting, transfers, and balance tracking.
Step 4: Rigorous Testing & Security Audits
Conduct comprehensive testing to identify and fix bugs across the application. Perform third-party security audits to ensure the wallet's code is secure against vulnerabilities, especially for private key management and transaction handling.
Step 5: Launch, Monitor & Iterate
Release the application on chosen platforms (App Store, Google Play, browser store). Actively gather user feedback to identify issues and desired features. Use this feedback to plan future updates and improvements.
Conclusion
The BRC-20 token standard has opened a new chapter for tokenization on the Bitcoin network. As the ecosystem grows, using a dedicated, secure, and feature-rich BRC-20 wallet becomes indispensable.
By understanding how these tokens work and what to look for in a wallet—such as self-custody, security, and marketplace access—you can safely explore this innovative corner of the cryptocurrency world. Whether you're a trader, collector, or long-term holder, there's a wallet on the list above that can meet your needs.
