ECX Is Created by the Snapshot - Not by the Claim Process
The Mainnet snapshot establishes the permanent ECX balance associated with eligible Bitcoin addresses.
You do not need to register or pre-claim ECX before the snapshot.
The claim process does not convert BTC into ECX and does not create additional coins.
Instead, after Mainnet, BTC and ECX exist on two separate networks:
BTC
Bitcoin network
ECX
eCash network
The post-fork process allows you to access and safely separate the corresponding ECX from your BTC.
Before You Start: Understand the Three Snapshot Stages
The ECX launch uses three Bitcoin snapshot stages:
| Stage | Approx. Bitcoin Block | Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha | ~963,648 | Practice ECX |
| Beta | ~967,680 | Practice ECX |
| Mainnet | ~973,728 | Permanent ECX |
Alpha and Beta are practice stages.
If you want to access permanent ECX, the relevant balance is the one established at the Mainnet snapshot around Bitcoin block ~973,728.
Bitcoin block ~963,648 should not be treated as the permanent ECX snapshot.
Choose How to Start
There are two ways to begin depending on whether you want to inspect your address first or proceed directly to the ECX tools.
Check Your Bitcoin Address First
Use the ECX Claim Checker to inspect your public Bitcoin address before taking any action with sensitive wallet credentials.
This is recommended for most users because the checker requires only a public Bitcoin address.
- Check your address first
- View the available ECX balance
- No private key required
- No recovery phrase required
- No transaction required
Proceed Directly to ECX Tools
If you already know that your wallet has ECX associated with it, you can proceed directly to the ECX Claim Tools.
The tools provide access options for users working with a Bitcoin private key or recovery phrase.
Because private keys and recovery phrases provide control over wallet funds, only use them when required by the supported process and only after verifying that you are on the official Claim eCash website.
Open ECX Tools →Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the Bitcoin Wallet
Locate the self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that held BTC at the relevant ECX snapshot.
For permanent ECX, the important stage is the Mainnet snapshot at approximately Bitcoin block ~973,728.
The ECX balance originates from the snapshot. It is not created when you later access or split the coins.
Check Your Public Bitcoin Address
For most users, the safest first step is to use the ECX Claim Checker.
Enter your public Bitcoin address to inspect its ECX status.
The checker does not require a private key, recovery phrase, wallet transaction, or access to your BTC.
Confirm Which Snapshot Balance You Are Viewing
Make sure you understand whether the displayed ECX balance corresponds to Alpha practice ECX, Beta practice ECX, or Mainnet permanent ECX.
Only the Mainnet snapshot determines the permanent ECX balance.
Do not confuse Alpha or Beta practice balances with permanent Mainnet ECX.
Do Not Rush to Move Your BTC
After the Mainnet fork, your BTC remains on the Bitcoin network and your corresponding ECX exists on the eCash network.
However, replay protection is opt-in rather than automatic.
This means you should not assume that sending BTC immediately after the fork is automatically isolated from the ECX network.
Before moving affected BTC, understand the coin-splitting process.
Access the Appropriate ECX Tool
If you need to access the ECX associated with your Bitcoin wallet, proceed to the ECX tools.
Depending on the wallet and access method, you may work with a Bitcoin private key or recovery phrase.
These credentials are highly sensitive. A private key or recovery phrase should never be entered merely to check whether an address has ECX. Use the public-address checker for that purpose.
Split BTC and ECX
The purpose of coin splitting is to make BTC and ECX independently spendable on their respective networks.
Before splitting, transactions may be susceptible to replay across the two chains.
After a successful split, BTC can be moved independently on Bitcoin and ECX can be moved independently on eCash.
Splitting does not create your ECX. Your corresponding ECX balance already exists as a result of the Mainnet snapshot.
Verify the Split Before Moving Funds
Do not assume the process is complete simply because you can see both balances.
Follow the supported instructions and confirm that BTC and ECX have been properly separated before making subsequent transactions from the affected wallet.
Blockchain transactions are irreversible. If you are uncertain about the state of your wallet, do not rush to move BTC.
Why Coin Splitting Matters
The ECX fork uses opt-in replay protection.
Without proper splitting, a transaction intended for one blockchain may potentially also be valid on the other.
For example, you may intend to send BTC to a recipient, but before the coins are properly split, the corresponding transaction could potentially also be broadcast on eCash and send ECX to the same recipient.
This could result in ECX being transferred along with the BTC transaction.
The split process is therefore an important security step after the fork.
Which Method Should I Choose?
| If you want to... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Check your address without wallet credentials | ECX Claim Checker |
| See whether ECX is associated with your address | ECX Claim Checker |
| Avoid entering a private key just to check | ECX Claim Checker |
| Avoid entering a recovery phrase just to check | ECX Claim Checker |
| Access ECX using a private key | ECX Tools |
| Access ECX using a recovery phrase | ECX Tools |
| Already know your wallet's ECX status | ECX Tools |
| Understand snapshot stages first | Bitcoin Snapshot Guide |
For most users, we recommend starting with the ECX Claim Checker.
What If My BTC Was on an Exchange?
If your BTC was held on an exchange or another custodial platform at the relevant snapshot, you may not directly control the corresponding ECX.
The snapshot operates at the blockchain-address level.
When an exchange controls the Bitcoin private keys, the exchange controls the underlying wallet represented in the snapshot.
Whether customers receive ECX therefore depends on whether that exchange chooses to support the ECX fork and distribute the corresponding assets.
Claim eCash cannot guarantee ECX distribution by third-party exchanges or custodial services.
What If I Used a Self-Custodial Wallet?
If you held BTC in a self-custodial wallet at the relevant snapshot, you control the wallet credentials associated with your Bitcoin addresses.
Claim eCash provides dedicated guidance for:
Use the guide that corresponds to the wallet you were using.
Claim ECX Safely
Security is particularly important when working with post-fork assets.
- Check with a public address first. The ECX Claim Checker only requires a public Bitcoin address. Never provide a private key or recovery phrase simply to check whether an address has ECX.
- Verify the website. Before entering sensitive wallet credentials, make sure you are using the official Claim eCash website.
- Understand what your credentials control. A private key or recovery phrase can provide control over blockchain assets associated with the wallet. Treat them as highly sensitive.
- Understand replay risk. Do not move affected BTC until you understand whether BTC and ECX have been properly split.
- Verify every destination address. Blockchain transactions cannot normally be reversed after confirmation.
- Never share wallet credentials with another person. Claim eCash support should never need you to send your recovery phrase or private key through email, social media, messaging apps, or support chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to claim ECX before the snapshot?
No. There is no registration or pre-claim required for a Bitcoin address to be represented in the snapshot. The ECX balance originates from the relevant blockchain snapshot.
Which snapshot determines permanent ECX?
The Mainnet snapshot at approximately Bitcoin block ~973,728 determines permanent ECX balances. Alpha at ~963,648 and Beta at ~967,680 provide practice ECX.
Is block ~963,648 still an ECX snapshot?
Yes, but it is the Alpha snapshot. It should not be confused with the Mainnet snapshot that determines permanent ECX.
Should I use the ECX Claim Checker first?
For most users, yes. The checker lets you inspect a public Bitcoin address without entering a private key or recovery phrase.
Can I skip the Claim Checker?
Yes. If you already understand your wallet's ECX status and know which access method you need, you can proceed directly to the ECX tools.
Does claiming ECX take away my Bitcoin?
No. BTC remains on the Bitcoin network. ECX exists separately on the eCash network. The fork does not convert BTC into ECX.
Why do I need to split BTC and ECX?
Replay protection is opt-in rather than automatic. Splitting makes BTC and ECX independently spendable and helps prevent a transaction intended for one network from being replayed on the other.
Should I move BTC before splitting?
Users should understand and complete the appropriate splitting procedure before moving affected BTC. Moving BTC before the coins are properly separated may expose the corresponding ECX to transaction replay.
Can I use a private key?
The ECX tools support the private-key access method. Private keys are sensitive and should only be used when required by the supported process.
Can I use a recovery phrase?
The ECX tools support recovery-phrase access. A recovery phrase may control multiple wallet addresses and potentially other assets, so it should be treated with extreme care.
Does my ECX expire if I don't access it immediately?
The snapshot establishes the corresponding ECX balance on the eCash network. There is no need to rush simply because the snapshot has occurred. Security and proper coin splitting are more important than speed.
Ready to Check Your ECX?
Start with your public Bitcoin address to inspect your ECX status without providing sensitive wallet credentials.
If you already know your wallet status and understand the post-fork process, you can proceed directly to the ECX tools.