Block, the fintech firm founded by Jack Dorsey, is poised to deepen its commitment to Bitcoin integration with the upcoming launch of Bitcoin for Businesses, a new feature that will allow Square merchants to accept Bitcoin payments directly at the point of sale.
Block launch native Bitcoin payments
The rollout, announced at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, will begin in H2 2025, with full availability for eligible sellers expected by 2026, pending regulatory approval.
This new functionality represents a strategic expansion of Square’s cryptocurrency capabilities.
It enables merchants to accept Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, a fast and low-cost layer-2 scaling solution for Bitcoin transactions.
Payments can be made by customers scanning a QR code through the Square Point of Sale (POS) app, with real-time exchange rates and instant confirmation managed seamlessly in the background.
“Block has long been a champion of Bitcoin, focused on making it more accessible and usable in our everyday lives,” said Miles Suter, Bitcoin Product Lead at Block.
“With Bitcoin for Businesses, we’re giving small merchants a way to get paid faster, with lower fees, and greater autonomy.”
Merchants will also be able to choose whether to retain payments in Bitcoin or automatically convert them into fiat currencies at the point of sale, offering operational flexibility in volatile markets.
Earlier Innovation
This development builds on Block’s earlier innovation, Bitcoin Conversions, launched in 2024.
That feature allows sellers to convert a portion of their daily sales into Bitcoin, as well as accept QR code payments.
Together, the two offerings are set to deliver a comprehensive, crypto-native payment experience for merchants—one that sits within Square’s established retail ecosystem.
Block’s move signals a broader vision to transform its flagship platforms – Cash App, Square, Bitkey, and the open-source Spiral initiative – into a unified bridge between decentralised finance and the traditional financial system.
In doing so, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of Bitcoin adoption for everyday commerce.
50% Reduction in Payment Processing Fees
The impact of this shift is already becoming visible.
Fast food chain Stake n’ Shake, an early adopter of Bitcoin payments, reported a 50% reduction in payment processing fees.
“When customers choose Bitcoin instead of credit cards, it’s faster and much cheaper for us,” said COO Dan Edwards during the conference. “It’s a win for customers, a win for merchants, and a win for the Bitcoin community.”
As merchants increasingly look to diversify payment options and reduce processing costs, Block’s Bitcoin integration may mark a pivotal moment for crypto in retail commerce – bringing Bitcoin one step closer to everyday use.
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