Within this ecosystem, you may have heard of something called an expirable Lightning address. But what are they exactly, and why should you care?

Let’s break it down.

What Is an Expirable Lightning Address?

An expirable Lightning address is a type of BOLT11 invoice, which is a standardized format for Lightning Network payments. These addresses typically begin with ln followed by a series of seemingly random characters, like:

lnbc2500n1p3j7v9pp5qzy...

Here’s what makes them unique:

Single-Use: These are one-time use addresses. Once the payment is made, the address becomes invalid.

Time-Limited: Each invoice has an expiration timestamp, often set between a few minutes to a few hours. After that, it can’t be used again.

Encoded Details: They carry all the information needed for a Lightning transaction, including the amount, expiration, and even a description or memo.

This structure adds a layer of security and convenience, especially for quick, low-fee transactions.

Why Use Expirable Lightning Addresses?

There are a few key reasons why expirable addresses are a great tool for Bitcoin users:

Security: Since they're one-time-use, it reduces the risk of someone reusing an address or sending unintended funds.

Clarity: The encoded metadata ensures both parties understand the terms of the payment.

Simplicity: They work well with apps and wallets that support the Lightning Network, like the Unbank App.

How to Use Expirable Lightning Addresses in the Unbank App

Using expirable Lightning addresses with Unbank is seamless. Here's how:

Open the Unbank App

Head to the home screen and navigate to the Send or Receive Bitcoin section.

Select the Lightning Option

Choose “Send with Lightning” or “Receive via Lightning” depending on the type of transaction.

Scan or Paste the BOLT11 Invoice

If you’re paying someone, scan the QR code or paste their BOLT11 address. Make sure the invoice hasn't expired.

Confirm and Send

The app will decode the invoice and show you the payment details—amount, memo, and expiration. Tap Confirm to complete the transaction.

If You're Receiving Bitcoin

Unbank generates an expirable Lightning address for you. Share the invoice with the sender, and once the payment is made, that address becomes void.

Note: If the invoice expires before the payment is completed, you’ll need to generate a new one in the app.

Pro Tips for Using Expirable Lightning Addresses

Always double-check the expiration time on any Lightning invoice.

If a payment fails, it's often due to an expired invoice—just request a new one.

Use Lightning for quick and small transactions—it's not ideal for large transfers.

Make sure your Lightning wallet (like the one in Unbank) is online and funded.

Why It Matters for Unbank Users

At Unbank, we believe in making crypto simple, secure, and accessible. Expirable Lightning addresses play a big role in that mission. They’re:

-Fast

-Cheap

-Secure

-User-Friendly

Whether you’re paying a friend back for lunch or buying something from a Lightning-enabled retailer, Unbank + Lightning = instant crypto freedom.

Final Thoughts

The Lightning Network is redefining how we interact with Bitcoin, and expirable addresses are a key piece of that puzzle. With the Unbank App, you're fully equipped to take advantage of this powerful tool—safely, quickly, and with zero hassle. Ready to go lightning-fast?

Download the Unbank App today and try it out.