BOLT11: Receive Bitcoin via Lightning with Aureo

Buy bitcoin with a bank transfer and receive it through a Lightning invoice. Here’s what Lightning does, how BOLT11 works, and how to use it with Aureo.

What is Lightning?

The Lightning Network is a payment network built on Bitcoin. It lets people send and receive bitcoin through payment channels, without recording each individual payment on the Bitcoin blockchain.

Payments can complete in seconds, often with low routing fees. Opening or adjusting channels and moving funds on-chain can involve additional fees. Lightning is a different way to transmit bitcoin. It is not a separate coin or altcoin.

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What is a BOLT?

BOLT stands for Basis of Lightning Technology. The BOLTs are technical specifications that help different Lightning implementations work together. Each numbered document describes a particular part of the system.

What is BOLT11, and how does it work?

BOLT11 defines a standard format for Lightning payment requests, usually called invoices. Your wallet creates the invoice and displays it as text or a QR code.

An invoice carries the information a sender needs to attempt a payment, including a payment identifier and an expiry. It can specify an amount or leave the amount open for the sender to provide.

The process is simple: the recipient creates an invoice, the sender scans or pastes it into a compatible service, and the payment travels through Lightning if a suitable route and enough liquidity are available.

Treat a BOLT11 invoice as a single-use payment request. Generate a fresh one for each new payment, and replace an unpaid invoice if it has expired.

BOLT11 invoice vs. Lightning Address

A BOLT11 invoice requests an individual payment. A Lightning Address is a reusable identifier that looks like an email address, such as name@example.com.

When a compatible wallet pays a Lightning Address, it contacts the recipient’s service to obtain a fresh invoice behind the scenes. The address makes receiving convenient; the invoice provides the payment request.

With Aureo’s BOLT11 option, you can provide an invoice directly from your Lightning wallet, even if it does not give you a Lightning Address.

How to receive an Aureo purchase with BOLT11

This example uses a Phoenix wallet. The steps are similar in other Lightning wallets. Complete your purchase in time for the invoice to be paid before the expiry shown in Aureo.

1. Create an invoice

Open your Lightning wallet and tap Receive. Choose a BOLT11 invoice and leave the amount unset. In Phoenix, shown here, select Single use and check that it says any amount.

2. Copy the invoice

Tap Copy and choose the Lightning Bolt11 text option.

3. Paste it into Aureo

Start a bitcoin purchase in Aureo and paste the invoice into the destination field. Check the destination notice, then tap Continue (one-time use). Review your purchase amount and open the SPEI instructions.

4. Send your bank transfer

Copy your personal Aureo CLABE from the SPEI instructions. In your banking app, send the requested amount using the recipient details shown in Aureo, from an account in your own name. Complete Aureo’s confirmation step.

5. Check your wallet

Follow the purchase status in Aureo, then check your Lightning wallet for the incoming payment.

Before sending your bank transfer, review the fallback destination shown by Aureo. As the purchase notice explains, if the invoice expires or cannot be paid, Aureo will send the bitcoin to your default address.

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Which wallets support BOLT11?

BOLT11 is widely supported across Lightning wallets and is a common way to receive bitcoin over Lightning. Sovereign Tools lists BOLT11 support for these wallets and interfaces:

Alby Hub, AQUA, Bitkit, Blink, Blitz, Blixt, Breez, Coinos, Electrum, Muun, Phoenix, Primal, RTL (Ride The Lightning), Sati, Speed, Wallet of Satoshi, ZBD and ZEUS.

Visit Sovereign Tools to compare the features of different wallets, including custody, fees, supported payment formats and invoice settings.

To use a wallet with this Aureo purchase flow, it must generate an amountless invoice with enough time remaining before expiry. General BOLT11 support alone does not guarantee that every invoice a wallet creates meets those requirements.

What can you use Lightning for?

• Everyday purchases: paying merchants that accept Lightning.
• Personal transfers: sending bitcoin to friends or family, including across borders.
• Tips and small payments: supporting creators or paying small amounts for digital services.
• Receiving bitcoin into a wallet: transferring funds from another wallet or a service that supports Lightning payouts.
• Accumulating bitcoin through DCA: receiving regular small purchases in a self-custodial Lightning wallet, then periodically moving a larger amount to an on-chain savings wallet.

Can Lightning handle larger amounts?

Lightning is useful for small, frequent payments, but it is not limited to them. Larger payments depend on the liquidity available along the payment route, the receiving wallet’s capacity, and any wallet or service limits. Some implementations can split a payment across multiple routes.

There is no single practical maximum that applies to every Lightning wallet. For larger transfers, compare the available limits and fees with an on-chain payment.

Use Lightning for small, regular purchases

Buying a fixed peso amount of bitcoin at regular intervals is known as DCA. Receiving every purchase on-chain can leave you with many small UTXOs, the pieces of bitcoin your wallet spends. Combining them later can be costly when network fees are high.

With a self-custodial wallet that holds funds on Lightning, you can accumulate purchases and later move a larger amount on-chain. A transfer with one output to your savings wallet creates one UTXO there. Fees still apply, and wallets that swap each receipt on-chain may not offer this benefit.

Explore Aureo’s guide to Bitcoin DCA.

Your next bitcoin purchase, with Aureo

From everyday purchases to larger investments, Aureo helps you buy bitcoin with a bank transfer and receive it in your wallet. Choose Lightning for supported payments, or get personal guidance from our OTC desk for larger amounts. Our team offers white glove service to help you through the process.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Lightning Address to use BOLT11 with Aureo?

No. You provide a qualifying BOLT11 invoice generated by your Lightning wallet.

Can I save the invoice for future purchases?

No. BOLT11 invoices are intended for a single payment; this is not unique to Aureo. Generate a fresh invoice for each new purchase.

Is Lightning always non-custodial?

No. In a self-custodial wallet, you control the keys. In a custodial wallet, a provider controls the funds on your behalf. BOLT11 support does not tell you which model a wallet uses. Read more about Bitcoin custody options.

Are Lightning payments free?

Not necessarily. Routing, wallet services, channel operations and swaps can involve fees. Review Aureo’s purchase quote and your receiving wallet’s fees; a wallet may charge to make room for an incoming payment.

Can I send a Lightning invoice to a regular Bitcoin address?

No. A Lightning invoice and an on-chain Bitcoin address are different payment formats. To move a Lightning balance on-chain, use a wallet or service that supports that transfer and review its fees.

Does DCA through Lightning happen automatically?

This BOLT11 flow uses a fresh invoice for each purchase. Do not reuse an old invoice as the destination for recurring bank transfers.

Explore more Aureo features

Want to learn how to use this feature and discover what else you can do in the Aureo app? Visit the Aureo Help Center for guides and practical instructions.