# Cashu – BTCforPlebs
Cashu is a Bitcoin third‑layer Chaumian ecash protocol. This guide covers how it works, its privacy features, and how to get started with app walkthroughs.

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# Cashu – Chaumian Ecash on Bitcoin

Cashu is a lightweight, privacy‑preserving ecash system that runs on top of the Lightning Network and settles on‑chain. It uses zero‑knowledge proofs to hide the value of a transfer while remaining fully traceable when required.

## What is Cashu?

Cashu is an ecash protocol that allows you to mint, transfer, and spend sats without revealing the amount or the sender/receiver in public transactions. It leverages the Lightning Network for instant settlement on nodes. Think of it as a privacy‑preserving bearer instrument that can be minted and redeemed across on the Lightning network.

## Privacy & Zero‑Knowledge

At the core of Cashu is a zero‑knowledge range proof that proves the value of a note without exposing it. This means you can pay for goods or services with a Cashu note and the recipient can verify that the note contains sufficient value, while the transaction remains private on‑chain.

## Underlying Technology

Cashu uses a set of “notes” minted by a mint and signed with a unique key. Each note contains an amount and a unique identifier that the mint keeps encrypted. Transfers are executed with the Lightning Network, and does require a mint to mint notes and therefore requires some level of trust in the mint.

## Cashu Apps

Several wallet applications support Cashu. Below are quick links to some popular ones:

Cashu Wallet Web App Nutstash Wallet Web App Macadamia (iOS App) Minibits (Android & iOS App)

## Getting Started

To begin using Cashu, you’ll need a Lightning‑ready wallet that supports the protocol. Most of the wallets listed above have a `Cashu` switch or integration. Once installed, create a new Cashu account, mint a few notes, and start experimenting.

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