Lightning-Fast Takeaways
- Big Reveal: Unveiled on May 27, 2025, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.
- New Feature: Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network hit Square terminals.
- Rollout Buzz: Starts in the second half of 2025, reaching all eligible Square sellers by 2026.
- Flexible Options: Merchants can hold Bitcoin or auto-convert to fiat in real-time.
- Easy Payments: Customers scan a QR code for near-instant, low-cost Bitcoin transactions.
Kicking Off a Crypto Revolution
On May 27, 2025, Block, Inc., previously known as Square, dropped a bombshell at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, announcing the integration of Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network into its point-of-sale (POS) terminals. This bold move empowers millions of merchants to accept Bitcoin directly through existing Square hardware, with the option to keep the cryptocurrency or instantly convert it to fiat currency. The rollout kicks off in the second half of 2025, with plans to reach all eligible Square sellers by 2026, pending regulatory approval. This blog dives into Square’s latest venture, traces Block’s Bitcoin journey, explores industry ripples, captures X community excitement, and spotlights how Aurpay fuels the crypto payment wave.
Block’s Bitcoin Odyssey: A Trailblazing Tale
Block, Inc. has long championed Bitcoin. Back in October 2020, the company, then Square, invested $50 million to acquire roughly 4,709 bitcoins, followed by a $170 million purchase of 3,318 bitcoins in February 2021. These moves underscored a belief in Bitcoin as a transformative global currency. By 2018, Square rolled out Bitcoin trading on its Cash App, letting users buy, sell, and hold the cryptocurrency. In 2019, Square Crypto was born to boost open-source Bitcoin development, and in 2020, the Cryptocurrency Open Patent Alliance (COPA) launched to drive crypto innovation. The 2021 rebrand to Block, Inc. cemented a broader blockchain focus. Last year, 2024, saw the debut of Bitcoin Conversions, allowing merchants to turn daily sales into Bitcoin. Now, the Lightning Network integration takes this vision to the next level.
Inside Square’s Lightning Leap
Square’s new feature lets merchants accept Bitcoin payments through the Lightning Network, a second-layer solution that slashes costs and speeds up transactions. Customers simply scan a QR code at checkout, and the payment zips through almost instantly, with fees far lower than traditional on-chain Bitcoin transfers. Merchants can choose to hold Bitcoin or have it auto-converted to fiat in real-time, dodging volatility worries. Best of all, no new hardware is needed—existing Square terminals do the trick, opening this to millions of sellers. The feature dazzled attendees at the Bitcoin 2025 conference, where it powered real-time payments at the BTC Inc. merchandise store.
Crypto Waves: Industry Trends & Challenges
The Lightning Network is gaining steam, with companies like Bitrefill, Travala, and OpenNode already embracing it for gift cards, travel bookings, and payment processing. Square’s move stands out, though, given its reach—around 4 million merchants use its terminals, as noted by The Defiant. The Lightning Network tackles Bitcoin’s sluggish blockchain, which handles just seven transactions per second, causing high fees and delays. Off-chain transactions via Lightning offer near-instant settlements at a fraction of the cost, perfect for daily purchases. Still, hurdles like complex node management and security risks linger, but Square’s streamlined approach aims to ease these for merchants, as discussed by OpenNode.
X Buzz: The Community Lights Up
The X community erupted with excitement over Square’s announcement:
- @Crypto_TownHall cheered, “JACK DORSEY SAYS SQUARE TO ACCEPT BITCOIN LIGHTNING PAYMENTS AT ALL TERMINALS,” hyping the fast, low-cost edge, with over 17,000 views and 89 likes (X Post).
- @fiatarchive blasted, “JUST IN: 💥 Square announces they will accept Bitcoin lightning payments at all terminals,” earning 13,892 views and 725 likes (X Post).
- @DiarioBitcoin raved, “Pagos instantáneos y comisiones casi nulas, directo desde tu móvil,” spotlighting instant payments and near-zero fees (X Post).
Enthusiasm runs high, though some users flag potential regulatory snags and adoption pacing, keeping the conversation lively.
Aurpay: Your Crypto Payment Powerhouse
As Square pioneers Bitcoin Lightning payments across its vast network, Aurpay steps up to supercharge the trend. Aurpay’s user-friendly payment gateway supports Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, plus over 50 other cryptocurrencies, offering self-custody, 96% savings on settlement fees, and seamless e-commerce integration. It’s the perfect tool for merchants to ride the crypto wave, connecting with over 300 million crypto users worldwide.
The Future Is Bright: Bitcoin Goes Mainstream
Block’s rollout of Bitcoin Lightning payments to Square terminals marks a seismic shift, making cryptocurrency a practical choice for millions of merchants. The Lightning Network’s speed and low costs, paired with Square’s reach, could redefine everyday payments. Platforms like Aurpay amplify this momentum, delivering easy, cost-effective crypto solutions for businesses ready to embrace the future.
