What does a bitcoin address start with?

[Grayson]

I’m new to crypto and wondering what does a bitcoin address start with.
Do different formats indicate different address types?
How can I verify a Bitcoin address safely?

 

[EvelyneKir]

Bitcoin addresses begin with the number 1, 3 or bc1, depending on the type of address.Addresses with a beginning of 1 are legacy addresses, 3 are P2SH addresses, and bc1 are Bech32 (SegWit) addresses which are charged with lower fees and better performance.

 

[LiamOliver]

Bitcoin addresses usually begin with 1, 3 or bc1, which are address formats of legacy, SegWit or Bech32.