---
title: "Accounts and Addressing"
description: "Accounts and addresses in GenLayer: EOAs, contract accounts, 0x addresses, keys, transactions, gas, and security"
source: https://docs.genlayer.com/understand-genlayer-protocol/core-concepts/accounts-and-addresses
last_updated: 2026-06-11
---

# Accounts and Addressing

Accounts in GenLayer are entities that can hold tokens, deploy Intelligent Contracts, and initiate transactions on the network. GenLayer supports Externally Owned Accounts controlled by private keys and Contract Accounts associated with deployed Intelligent Contracts, each using addresses typically represented as `0x`-prefixed hexadecimal strings.

## Overview

Accounts are fundamental to interacting with the GenLayer network. They represent users or entities that can hold tokens, deploy Intelligent Contracts, and initiate transactions.

## Types of Accounts

1. **Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs)**: 
   - Controlled by private keys
   - Can initiate transactions and hold tokens

2. **Contract Accounts**: 
   - Associated with deployed Intelligent Contracts
   - Have their own addresses and code

## Account Addresses

- **Address Format**: GenLayer uses a specific address format, typically represented as a hexadecimal string prefixed with `0x`.
- **Public and Private Keys**: Addresses are derived from public keys, which in turn are generated from private keys kept securely by the account owner.

## Interacting with Intelligent Contracts

- **Transaction Sending**: Accounts initiate transactions to call functions on Intelligent Contracts or transfer tokens.
- **Gas Fees**: Transactions require gas fees to be processed.

## Account Management

- **Creating Accounts**: Users can create new accounts using wallets or development tools provided by GenLayer.
- **Security Practices**: Users must securely manage their private keys, as losing them can result in loss of access to their funds.