Crypto At The Till: Square Empowers Sellers with Direct Bitcoin Payment Support
Square, a unit of Block Inc., has launched direct Bitcoin payment support for its merchant network, marking a major milestone in real-world crypto adoption.
Square Launches Bitcoin Acceptance for Merchants
Jack Dorsey’s payments firm Square, a business unit of Block Inc., has begun enabling merchants across its network to accept Bitcoin payments directly from customers. The feature is being integrated into Square’s existing point-of-sale systems, allowing seamless transactions via the Lightning Network without requiring new hardware or third-party apps.
The move represents a shift in how crypto payments are processed in the retail sector. Until now, most businesses that accepted crypto typically received fiat currency through backend conversions. Square’s new functionality allows for Bitcoin to be accepted and settled natively.
Integration Through Existing Infrastructure
The rollout, which follows months of internal development and testing, leverages Square’s current payment systems. Merchants can accept Bitcoin payments instantly, with reduced fees and faster confirmation times made possible by the Lightning Network.
This approach addresses long-standing hurdles that have hindered crypto payments, particularly Bitcoin’s transaction speed and high fees. Square’s infrastructure now facilitates low-cost, near-instant Bitcoin payments while eliminating volatility risks often associated with cryptocurrency acceptance. Businesses, ranging from small retailers to national chains, are expected to benefit from the flexibility to cater to Bitcoin users directly.
BTC Adoption Gaining Momentum
The rollout comes at a time when Bitcoin is trading above $118,000, fueled by ETF inflows and heightened institutional interest. Square’s integration of Bitcoin payments could help extend this bullish momentum into consumer markets, enabling practical usage beyond speculation or long-term holding.
While institutional adoption of Bitcoin has surged in recent years, retail-level integration has remained fragmented. Square serves more than four million sellers and processes over $200 billion in annual transactions. Its latest initiative removes key barriers, offering a user-friendly and efficient payment experience that may serve as a template for future crypto adoption.
A Step Toward Bitcoin’s Foundational Vision
Square CEO Jack Dorsey, a long-standing proponent of Bitcoin as the internet’s native currency, has consistently advocated for its use in everyday transactions. With this latest development, that vision inches closer to reality. If widely adopted, Square’s Bitcoin payment feature could play a key role in transforming the cryptocurrency from a speculative asset to a true digital medium of exchange, echoing the intentions outlined in Satoshi Nakamoto’s original whitepaper.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice