Strike’s CEO, Jack Mallers, recently took to social media to disclose Strike’s new partnership with payments behemoth Fiserv, the umbrella corporation for Clover. As a result, Strike has initiated a preliminary collaboration with Clover, providing the opportunity for merchants to accept Bitcoin via the Lightning Network.

Based on Mallers’ announcement, this amalgamation extends beyond just Strike. Merchants will have the flexibility to take Lightning payments from an array of sources – be it from Cash App or a Tor-based node. “As long as it can execute a Lightning transaction, it’s valid,” shared Mallers on his social media platform.

Mallers elucidated that this launch is part of an experimental 90-day phase, which includes a focus on analyzing the swiftness and expense of carrying out transactions through the novel amalgamation. Moreover, the volume of business that the Lightning integration generates for the merchants will be under close scrutiny.

Subsequent to the trial, Strike has plans to venture into the Clover app marketplace, and then, progress towards a direct integration with Clover. This strategy would turn on the Lightning feature by default for all merchants under Clover’s umbrella, positioning it on par with card networks like Visa and MasterCard.

In Mallers’ words, “These payment behemoths are eager to witness the performance of Lightning firsthand. They are curious to interact with it and observe its user base. The concept of a payment network that is open, instantaneous, affordable, inclusive, and innovative seems unreal. It’s time to demonstrate that Lightning is indeed the most outstanding payment rail globally.”

The experimental phase has officially commenced, and merchants under Clover can connect with Strike to enable expedited, cost-efficient transactions via the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

On a broader note, this partnership signifies a promising move for the crypto industry. By embedding Bitcoin’s Lightning Network into mainstream Point of Sale systems like Clover, Bitcoin can further cement its position in daily transactions, offering a robust alternative to traditional payment methods. For businesses, this integration can enhance their customer base, extending their reach to tech-savvy consumers and those interested in digital currencies. This not only diversifies their payment options but also increases their potential for growth in a rapidly digitalizing economy.