Block Enables Bitcoin Transactions for One Million Merchants
Block, the parent company of Square, has successfully enabled approximately one million merchants across the United States to process Bitcoin transactions. This initiative leverages the Lightning Network, allowing customers to make their payments in BTC, while automatically converting it into U.S. dollars for the sellers. This significant update aligns with Square’s earlier ambitions of expanding Bitcoin payment capabilities by 2026.
Facilitating Bitcoin Acceptance
In 2025, Block announced that this new feature would facilitate Bitcoin acceptance via Square’s hardware, ensuring quick settlements and real-time adjustments to exchange rates behind the scenes. The innovative setup is particularly aimed at minimizing the risks associated with Bitcoin’s price volatility; as customers transact using Bitcoin, the conversion occurs before the seller receives their funds. Notably, merchants maintain the option to decline this payment method.
Onboarding and Benefits for Merchants
Reports from Crypto.news specify that the onboarding process for merchants commenced in July 2025. These merchants now benefit from the ability to either retain Bitcoin or convert it to fiat currency, with the Lightning Network promising faster and more cost-effective transactions compared to conventional credit card systems.
Block’s Vision for Bitcoin
Block’s broader ambition is to enhance Bitcoin’s utility as a payment method, extending beyond merely holding the digital currency. Miles Suter, Block’s Bitcoin Product Lead, expressed in 2025 that facilitating a genuine Bitcoin experience for merchants signifies progress towards this vision.
“Rolling out a native Bitcoin experience to millions of sellers brings us one step closer to that goal,”
he affirmed, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a decentralized and accessible monetary system.
Complementary Offerings and Security
The rollout complements other Bitcoin-related offerings from Block, such as Cash App, which allows for buying, selling, and transferring Bitcoin, and Bitkey, which provides self-custody solutions. Furthermore, Block supports initiatives like Proto for Bitcoin mining and Spiral for open-source development related to Bitcoin.
Block has a dedicated proof-of-reserves page indicating that customer-held Bitcoin is secured on a one-to-one basis, while the corporate Bitcoin remains separate on Block’s balance sheet. However, the company clarifies that this dashboard is merely a snapshot and does not act as an audit or confirmation of financial solvency.
Challenges Ahead for Consumer Adoption
While reaching the milestone of one million merchants may enhance Bitcoin’s availability as a payment option at checkout, actual consumer adoption for everyday transactions will hinge on various factors, including transaction fees, tax considerations, buyer behavior, and overall merchant interest.
