Understanding BOLT12
BOLT12 is a new Lightning Network payment standard that introduces Offers - reusable payment endpoints that never expire.
BOLT11 vs BOLT12
| Feature | BOLT11 Invoice | BOLT12 Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Expiration | Expires (usually 1 hour) | Never expires |
| Reusable | Single use only | Unlimited payments |
| Amount | Fixed or variable | Variable |
| Privacy | Reveals node pubkey | Enhanced privacy |
Why BOLT12 Matters
For Miners
- Set your payout address once, receive payments forever
- No need to update invoices when they expire
- Perfect for recurring mining payouts from Ocean
For Merchants
- Share one offer for all customers
- No invoice management needed
- Customers can pay any amount
For Everyone
- Simpler payment experience
- Better privacy
- Future-proof technology
How Bolt21 Uses BOLT12
- Generate an Offer - Tap Receive → BOLT12 Offer
- Share It - Copy or show the QR code
- Receive Payments - Anyone can pay to your offer, anytime
Your BOLT12 offer stays the same forever. Share it on your website, business card, or mining pool dashboard.