Coffee “for satoshis” is now a reality!

☕ Washington-based coffee chain Compass Coffee has become the first business in the world where customers can pay for their coffee and croissants not with a card or cash, but with real bitcoins via a Square POS terminal.

Post on X: “Big moves today – just deployed the first Square terminal in the world accepting bitcoin. Thank you, @jack! Can’t wait to see this come to Square devices worldwide soon. Tested on a huge range of wallets – all worked seamlessly. The beauty of open standards.”

Payments were processed instantly via Lightning Network, a technology that enables Bitcoin transactions with minimal fees and near-zero delay.

Co-founder Michael Haft said enthusiastically: “All transactions went through instantly. I set up the wallet in about two minutes, and now the system runs alongside the credit cards and cash we’ve used for over 10 years.”

According to Haft, introducing new payment systems for small businesses usually requires complex integration and costs, but Square made Bitcoin payments as simple as any regular POS transaction.

Fintech breakthrough by Block

Square (a subsidiary of Block, founded by Jack Dorsey) introduced its Lightning payment solution on October 8. The project was first mentioned in May, and within months it has moved from testing to real-world deployment in small business operations.

For Block, this step is part of its mission to integrate Bitcoin into everyday finance. Dorsey has repeatedly emphasized that Lightning Network could be the bridge connecting traditional payments with the decentralized economy.

“We want Bitcoin to be not just an investment asset, but an everyday currency — especially for small businesses,” Dorsey said at Bitcoin Amsterdam 2024.

How it works

The pilot project with Compass Coffee became the first real-life example of Lightning running through Square POS terminals. A customer selects “Pay with Bitcoin,” scans the QR code, and the transaction is completed in a fraction of a second. The merchant instantly receives payment confirmation on the terminal screen.

Starting November 10, Square will roll out Lightning integration to all businesses using its POS devices. Business owners will be able to:

• accept Bitcoin payments alongside cards and cash;
• automatically convert up to 50% of daily revenue into BTC;
• store crypto in Square’s business wallet;
• use the system with zero fees until the end of 2027, after which a 1% transaction fee will apply.

What it means for the market

The launch of Lightning payments through Square could become a turning point for Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption as a payment method. Square serves millions of small and medium-sized businesses worldwide, and their move toward crypto acceptance could reshape the retail landscape.

Experts note that Lightning Network’s key advantages — instant settlements and ultra-low fees — make Bitcoin transactions competitive even with Visa and Mastercard.

Financial analysts expect dozens of U.S. and Canadian businesses to join the pilot program in the coming months, followed by retail networks across Europe.

Context: Crypto payments go mainstream

In August, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, began accepting cryptocurrency payments for space flights. Customers can pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, USDT, and USDC.

Now, Square is taking a similar step — but on Earth. Lightning-powered coffee shops are another move toward a world where crypto is no longer an “investor’s curiosity” but an ordinary means of payment.

💡 Bottom line:
Square and Compass Coffee proved that you can pay for coffee with Bitcoin — not in theory, but in reality. For Block, it’s a strategic win; for Lightning Network, it’s proof of maturity; and for everyday customers, it’s the moment digital gold turns into real cappuccinos and barista tips.