At the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Jack Dorsey’s Block, Inc. announced plans to integrate Bitcoin payments into its Square platform by 2026, utilizing the Lightning Network for faster and more cost-effective transactions.
Square’s Bitcoin Pilot Goes Live in Vegas
Square tested Bitcoin payments in a real-world setting at the BTC Inc. merchandise booth during the conference. Attendees used their mobile wallets to scan a Lightning-enabled QR code and make near-instant purchases. The experience drew widespread praise for its speed and simplicity.
“This is how payments should feel in 2025,” said one attendee. “Fast, global, and permissionless.”
Square’s pilot marks the company’s most ambitious push yet toward integrating Bitcoin as a native payment option. Previously, Square offered Bitcoin conversions, allowing sellers to convert a percentage of fiat sales into BTC. This new model allows buyers to pay directly with Bitcoin, and sellers to either hold BTC or instantly convert it to U.S. dollars.
Full Rollout Expected by 2026
Block, Inc. said it will begin expanding Bitcoin payment options to select merchants later this year, with plans for a wider release in 2026 pending regulatory clearance. The company stressed flexibility for businesses:
- Merchants can choose to hold Bitcoin or auto-convert to fiat.
- Payments will run through Lightning Network rails, optimizing for speed and low fees.
- Block is also investing in infrastructure tools to simplify wallet compatibility and compliance.
This rollout is expected to align with broader adoption trends, especially as businesses and institutions increasingly explore Bitcoin as both a store of value and a means of transaction.
Enhancing Bitcoin’s Usability
This initiative builds upon Square’s existing Bitcoin Conversions feature, which allows merchants to convert a portion of their sales into Bitcoin. By enabling direct Bitcoin payments, Block aims to make Bitcoin more accessible and usable in everyday transactions.
Cryptocurrency Industry Implications
The integration of Bitcoin payments into Square’s platform signifies a significant step toward mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in retail transactions.
By leveraging the Lightning Network, Square addresses common concerns about transaction speed and cost, potentially setting a precedent for other payment processors.
BTC Political Momentum: J.D. Vance Headlines Pro-Bitcoin Panel
The Las Vegas event wasn’t just about payment innovation — it also highlighted crypto’s growing political clout. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance made headlines with a surprise appearance on a panel discussing the future of Bitcoin regulation under the Trump administration.
“Bitcoin is here to stay — and it’s a critical part of America’s future financial infrastructure,” Vance said.
Vance, a close ally of President Trump, signaled that the administration is open to crafting Bitcoin-friendly policies, including:
- Regulatory clarity for payment processors and wallet providers.
- Tax reform proposals that favor long-term holders.
- Support for U.S.-based Bitcoin mining and energy innovation.
CBS News reports that Vance’s appearance is part of a broader crypto charm offensive by the Trump administration, which has deepened its ties with Bitcoin stakeholders in recent months.
The administration is reportedly exploring executive orders and legislative pathways that could accelerate Bitcoin’s integration into the U.S. economy — with Square’s Vegas pilot serving as a proof-of-concept for nationwide use cases.
Why This Matters
The convergence of political support, merchant adoption, and technical innovation signals a major inflection point for Bitcoin in America. Square’s pilot shows Bitcoin can work as a real-time medium of exchange. And with influential lawmakers like Vance backing the movement, crypto is rapidly moving from niche to mainstream.
Bitcoin: Looking Ahead
- Square’s full Bitcoin rollout is planned for 2026, with phased merchant onboarding starting this year.
- J.D. Vance and other pro-crypto lawmakers are expected to draft new legislation promoting digital assets.
- Bitcoin’s price remains stable near $108,000, holding gains from earlier this month despite profit-taking.
The takeaway? Bitcoin is no longer just an investment — it’s becoming infrastructure.
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