Boltz Launches BTCPay Plugin for Lightning Network Transactions
In a groundbreaking move for the cryptocurrency world, Boltz has announced the launch of the Boltz BTCPay Plugin, the first of its kind, now available in open beta. This innovative plugin allows merchants using BTCPay Server to easily accept bitcoin over Lightning before automatically swapping and storing it non-custodially on the Liquid Network.
The “Nodeless” mode for the Boltz BTCPay Plugin utilizes Liquid Swaps to instantly convert Lightning payments to Liquid as soon as a Lightning invoice is paid. Users can also swap bitcoin back to the mainchain if they choose. The plugin includes an integrated wallet system, enabling users to create or import both Liquid and mainchain wallets.
Kilian, CEO of Boltz, explained, “Merchants can receive or accept bitcoin by swapping incoming Lightning payments into their Liquid wallets, eliminating the need to operate a node. What they are holding in the end is LBTC — Liquid BTC.”
The plugin was designed to alleviate the challenges of running and managing a Lightning node. Boltz CTO Michael stated, “Running and managing a Lightning node is no easy feat. Channel management is complex and inbound liquidity can be such an alien concept.”
Previous solutions for accepting Lightning payments without running a node were custodial, introduced counterparty risk, or were limited to certain jurisdictions. The Boltz BTCPay Plugin offers a non-custodial, user-friendly alternative.
While the software is ready for use, the Boltz team advises caution as there may still be bugs. Kilian shared that the plugin has successfully processed thousands of transactions, with online marijuana vendor Strainly now fully operational on the platform.
Alan, CEO of Strainly, praised the plugin, stating, “After one month testing the Boltz plugin in front of thousands of users, I can tell this truly is a game-changer. Processing LN payments straight to and from a non-custodial Liquid wallet, plus automatically consolidating the Liquid balance to my non-custodial BTC wallet according to my own preset threshold: hands down the most impactful plugin ever released on BTCPay!”
The Boltz BTCPay Plugin represents a significant step forward in the world of cryptocurrency transactions, offering merchants a secure and efficient way to accept bitcoin over Lightning.
