- Square, a Block Inc. brand, introduced bitcoin checkout at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, enabling instant purchases of merchandise.
- The pilot aims to make bitcoin an “everyday money” option for small and medium-sized merchants, with plans for broader rollout by 2026.
Square’s real-time bitcoin payment system launches at Bitcoin 2025
At the Bitcoin 2025 conference, held from 27 to 29 May at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Square, part of Jack Dorsey’s Block Inc., unveiled a groundbreaking real-time bitcoin payment system. Attendees could scan a QR code to buy merchandise at a BTC Inc. pop-up store, with transactions processed via the Lightning Network, a protocol that enables faster and cheaper bitcoin transactions off the main blockchain.
Square’s system handles real-time exchange rates and confirmations, ensuring a seamless checkout experience. The pilot, launched on 27 May, allows merchants to retain payments in bitcoin or convert them to dollars, mirroring traditional payment methods like Visa or Mastercard. Block plans to expand this system to eligible Square merchants later in 2025, with general availability targeted for 2026, subject to regulatory approval. The conference, attended by over 30,000 bitcoin enthusiasts, also featured discussions on Bitcoin’s Layer 2 solutions and public policy.
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Why it’s important
This pilot marks a significant milestone in normalising bitcoin as a practical payment method, shifting its perception from a speculative asset to a functional currency.
Unlike corporate bitcoin adoption focused on treasury reserves, Square’s initiative targets small and medium-sized businesses, democratising access to crypto’s benefits. With bitcoin’s market cap surpassing $2.1 trillion, outpacing Amazon and Alphabet, its growing economic influence fuels demand for scalable payment solutions.
Square’s use of the Lightning Network addresses previous barriers like transaction speed, paving the way for broader adoption. This move could inspire other payment platforms to integrate crypto, potentially reshaping global commerce.
