What is a Lightning invoice and a Lightning address?

A Lightning invoice is a payment request for bitcoin sent over the Lightning Network, the faster payment layer built on top of bitcoin. The receiver's wallet creates it, and the payer's wallet reads it, often from a QR code. A Lightning address is a simpler, reusable identifier in the form name@domain that produces those invoices behind the scenes. How the network itself works is covered in what is the Lightning Network.

What is a bitcoin Lightning invoice?

Most Lightning invoices follow a standard called BOLT 11. The invoice is a long string of letters and numbers, and on bitcoin's main network it starts with lnbc. Inside it are:

• An amount, which is optional. If it is missing, the payer's wallet should ask how much to send.
• A payment hash, a fingerprint of a secret that the receiver reveals once paid, which serves as proof of payment.
• A description of what the payment is for.
• An expiry time. If none is set, the invoice expires after 3,600 seconds, or one hour.
• A signature from the receiver's node, so the invoice cannot be altered.

An invoice can also include a fallback on-chain address, which a wallet can use if a Lightning payment is not possible. Because each invoice is tied to one payment, a standard invoice is generally not reused. Amounts are often shown in satoshis, the smallest unit of bitcoin.

What is my bitcoin Lightning address?

A Lightning address looks like you@domain. The project's website describes it as being like an email address, but for your bitcoin. You get one from a wallet or service that supports it, or by running your own server linked to a Lightning node. The site lists many supporting apps, including Strike, Wallet of Satoshi, Phoenix, Breez and BlueWallet.

Under the LUD-16 standard, a wallet turns [email protected] into a web request to example.com, and the service replies with the details needed to get a fresh invoice. The sender never has to ask you for an invoice first.

Can you send bitcoin to a Lightning address?

Yes, if your wallet supports Lightning and Lightning addresses. The address only works through the Lightning payment flow, so a wallet that can make only ordinary on-chain bitcoin transactions cannot pay it directly. If a payment fails, check whether your app lists Lightning address support.

Before choosing a service, it helps to know whether it holds your bitcoin for you or you hold your own keys, a difference explained in custodial vs non-custodial wallets.

Can you receive bitcoin Lightning on Cash App?

Yes, for eligible US customers. Cash App could already send Lightning payments, and it added receiving on October 25, 2022, according to Decrypt and No Bullshit Bitcoin. It uses a single QR code that can accept either an on-chain or a Lightning payment, with the sender's wallet choosing which to use.

Lightning on Cash App is not available to New York residents, a restriction repeated in Cash App's February 2026 announcement. Limits and features change, so check the app's current terms.