TL;DR
- Starknet users can now pay at merchants accepting Bitcoin Lightning payments using only STRK, thanks to Braavos wallet and the Atomiq bridge.
- No need to set up a Lightning wallet or pre-fund with BTC, making Bitcoin payments simpler and increasing adoption.
- This integration strengthens Starknet’s vision as an execution layer for Bitcoin and Ethereum, enhancing scalability and utility for both networks.
Starknet continues to solidify its role as one of the most innovative solutions in blockchain. Now, users of this scaling network can make payments via Bitcoin’s Lightning Network using STRK, without needing to hold BTC or set up a Lightning wallet. This is made possible by the integration with the Braavos wallet and the non-custodial Atomiq bridge, which enables real-time conversion from STRK to BTC.
Starknet’s goal is clear: to make Bitcoin an efficient and accessible payment system again, without the costs and delays of on-chain transactions. While Lightning Network already allowed fast and low-cost Bitcoin payments, it required users to set up channels, fund their wallets, and manage liquidity. Now, with Braavos’ solution, any Starknet user can instantly pay at any Lightning-enabled merchant without friction, using only STRK.
Bitcoin as a Payment Method
Bitcoin has historically been perceived as a store of value, but its adoption as a payment method has been limited due to technical and usability challenges. With this integration, Starknet is breaking down those barriers, making Bitcoin more accessible for real-world transactions while giving STRK tangible utility within the payment ecosystem.
The process is simple: at any store that accepts Lightning payments, the user scans the QR code with the Braavos wallet and pays with STRK. Atomiq handles the instant conversion, and the merchant receives BTC immediately. With no extra steps or the need to hold Bitcoin, this solution provides a payment experience similar to traditional apps, but with all the benefits of crypto.
A Step Toward Mass Adoption
This breakthrough is not just an improvement in crypto payment infrastructure, it’s a milestone in bridging Bitcoin and Ethereum. As a Layer 2 solution, Starknet is playing a key role in Bitcoin’s evolution, moving beyond just being a store of value to becoming a truly functional financial tool.
As more users and merchants adopt this system, Bitcoin will reclaim its original purpose as an efficient digital currency, while Starknet cements its position as the ideal bridge to scale crypto adoption. With this innovation, the question is no longer whether Bitcoin can be used for everyday payments, but when it will become the preferred option for millions worldwide.
