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- Block has launched Bitcoin payments through Square using the Lightning Network.
- Merchants can accept Bitcoin or auto-convert to dollars, reducing processing fees.
- Full rollout across the U.S. is expected by 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Block, the payment company led by Jack Dorsey, has launched Bitcoin payment support for Square merchants. The rollout began on July 22, 2025, allowing select sellers to accept Bitcoin directly through existing Square terminals. This move marks one of the largest attempts yet to bring cryptocurrency into daily consumer transactions.
The company took a slow roll-out that started with a limited small number of U.S.-based companies. Square, with over 4 million merchants across the country, is a large sandbox for experimenting with crypto payments. The broader rollout will be spread out over the next several months and finally reach full enablement in 2026.
First introduced at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, a working demo was revealed inside one of the on-site merchandise booths. Customers could purchase products for Bitcoin by scanning QR codes, a process currently being applied in some stores.
Square Makes Bitcoin Easier for Small Businesses
The service relies on the Lightning Network that facilitates faster and cheaper Bitcoin payments than the blockchain behind it. When a customer makes a payment, they aim a scanner at a QR code. Payment settles instantly while Square takes care of exchange rates and settles payments in real time.
Rather, businesses will be able to hold onto the Bitcoin or convert it on the spot to U.S. dollars. This protects vendors from volatile fluctuations in BTC prices. It also does away with needing additional tools, as everything happens under Square equipment. Square’s BTC Conversions feature extends beyond its 2024 rollout. This enables vendors to put some of their day’s revenue aside in Bitcoin.
They will now be paid in Bitcoin at point of sale. This also saves fees. Even though credit cards presently cost businesses up to 3.5% per transaction, Bitcoin through Square settles more rapidly with less fees. Many early users achieve noticeable savings.
Square’s Bitcoin Push Stalls in Key Markets
Despite promise, this effort is fraught. There are still regulatory issues in New York state and international countries. Growth for Block will be a function of getting relevant clearances in each market. The company already has permission in New York to deal in virtual currencies.
But that will not necessarily apply to this new service. Until further clearances have been granted, it will be offered in limited U.S. sites. Nevertheless, it is a step in the direction of Block’s larger mission with Bitcoin. It controls nearly $935 million worth of Bitcoin and is also fine-tuning Bitcoin-focused tools.
There is Cash App for payment transfers, Bitkey for self-custody wallets, and Spiral for open-source support. A successful release by Square could change the way one interacts with Bitcoin. Making it a day-to-day payments solution rather than a speculative currency could potentially change retail finance for a digital age.
Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Short-Term Uncertainty: Will It Lead to a Strong Rebound?
