Today, we’re announcing Lightspark Extend. A new solution for businesses that enables Lightning and instant payments to eligible account holders in the US for the first time.  

This compliant, low-cost, 24/7 integration allows UMA and Lightning-enabled wallets, exchanges, or bank accounts to send payments using Bitcoin. Compatible with over 99% of US banks that accept real-time payments, Lightspark Extend enables businesses to offer their customers seamless payments directly to eligible recipients. 

UMAs (uma.me) are the simplest way to send value with a human-friendly address, just like an email, and enable low-cost, fast payments without remembering long codes or passwords. UMA is available in 120 countries, with companies like Coins.ph in Asia, Ripio in Latin America, Youhodler in Europe, and many more offering UMAs to their customers. Now, Lightspark Extend brings this instant solution to the United States for those with eligible accounts - unlocking the power of UMA for US recipients.

How It Works 

1. Sign up for a UMA address via Lightspark Extend. (link.uma.me)
2. Instantly link any eligible account to an UMA address through Extend.
3. Receive UMA-powered payments automatically via Lightning, with a Bitcoin wallet and exchange service handled by Zero Hash, our trusted partner.

For Businesses who want to know more about delivering UMA Extend to customers: 

• Schedule a live demo and technical discussion to confirm your UMA integration.
• Set up a call to optimize your go-to-market strategy, focusing on in-app payment experience and compliance.

For Sending Institutions: Institutions must have Lightning payment integration and implement the UMA protocol.

For Recipients: Lightspark offers UMA addresses and a seamless onboarding portal with Zero Hash, a regulated US financial institution. Recipients need a real-time payments-enabled account linked to their UMA address to receive payments via UMA Extend.

Get started with Lightspark Extend. Contact sales@lightspark.com today. 

Zero Hash: Zero Hash services and product offerings may not be available in all jurisdictions. Zero Hash accounts are not subject to FDIC or SIPC protections, or any such equivalent protections that may exist outside of the US. Zero Hash’s technical support and enablement of any asset is not an endorsement of such asset and is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any crypto asset. The value of any cryptocurrency, including digital assets pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or any other asset, may go to zero. Zero Hash is not registered with the SEC or FINRA. Zero Hash does not provide any securities services and is not a custodian of securities, including security tokens, on behalf of customers. 

Cryptocurrency transaction and custody services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and ZeroHash Liquidity Services LLC. When you enable Lightspark Extend, you must also agree to the Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC terms and conditions and enable your Zero Hash account. Cryptocurrency assets are held and custodied by ZeroHash LLC, not Lightspark Extend. Services may not be available in all states. Cryptocurrency assets are not subject to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Securities Investor Protection Corporation coverage. The value of any cryptocurrency, including digital assets pegged to fiat currency, commodities, or any other asset, may go to zero.