Bitcoin
BTC On-Chain & Lightning Network
Pay contractors directly in Bitcoin — on-chain settlement in 3 confirmations or instant via Lightning Network.
Bitcoin Key Facts
Crypto Rail · Bitwage
Bitcoin Technical Specifications
How Bitwage Uses Bitcoin
Bitwage routes BTC payments directly to contractor Bitcoin wallet addresses. Contractors configure their wallet address in their Bitwage profile — self-custody, exchange wallet, or Bitwage-managed custody account.
For contractors who prefer instant settlement, Bitwage supports Lightning Network delivery at sub-cent fees. For larger amounts where on-chain is preferred, Bitwage batches BTC payments and broadcasts them in the next block window, targeting 3 confirmations (~30 minutes).
BTC is particularly valuable for contractors in countries with weak local currencies or limited banking access — Argentina, Nigeria, Venezuela, Turkey — where holding dollar-pegged or Bitcoin-denominated value outside the local banking system is a priority.
Bitcoin vs SWIFT
SWIFT wires to individual contractors cost $25–$50 per wire and take 1–5 days. Bitcoin Lightning payments cost fractions of a cent and settle in seconds, globally, with no correspondent banks. For micro-payments and frequent contractor payouts, Bitcoin Lightning is faster and cheaper than any traditional rail.
Full stablecoin vs SWIFT comparisonBitcoin FAQ
Common questions about BTC On-Chain & Lightning Network and how Bitwage uses it.
Yes. Contractors configure their Bitcoin wallet address in their Bitwage profile. You fund your Balance in USD, and Bitwage converts and delivers BTC on-chain or via Lightning Network. The rate is locked at execution time.
On-chain Bitcoin uses the main Bitcoin blockchain — transactions take ~30 minutes and cost $1–5 in network fees. Lightning Network is a Layer 2 protocol that settles instantly at sub-cent fees, ideal for smaller or more frequent payments.
The USD-to-BTC rate is locked at the moment you approve the payment run. You see your USD cost before sending, and contractors receive the locked BTC amount regardless of price movement between approval and on-chain confirmation.
Pay via Bitcoin — Automatically
Bitwage routes payments through Bitcoinwhen it's the optimal rail for your recipients. No configuration required.