Block has expanded its services to allow millions of merchants worldwide to accept Bitcoin payments through its Lightning Network. This initiative provides a fee-free processing period until 2026, offering businesses instant access to funds and reduced transaction fees. The move significantly enhances Bitcoin’s commercial utility, potentially boosting overall transaction volume and adoption. Miles Suter, Bitcoin Product Lead at Block, highlighted the benefits of this integration: ‘Bitcoin speeds up transactions and eliminates pesky credit card fees, allowing coffee shops or stores to keep more revenue by avoiding those extra charges.’ This expansion marks a crucial step in increasing crypto acceptance within commerce.