Strike

Written By
Deniz Saat
Reviewed By
Jonathan Hamel

The Strike app allows users to send money anywhere around the world instantly over the Bitcoin Lightning Network. The Strike app is the next step in the digital monetary evolution.

Overview

Modern design

Minimal fees

Payments can be sent worldwide

Overall Rating
  • Features
  • Ease of Use
  • Payment Options
  • Fees
  • Security

Jump to Section

Who Are They?FeaturesCurrencies SupportedPayment MethodsSupported CountriesFees and Buying LimitsCustomer Reviews
Is 
Strike
 Safe? 
ProsConsFAQ

Who are they?

Strike is a payment app that allows users to send funds anywhere in the world through the Bitcoin Lightning Network. Zap Solutions, Inc. developed the application to provide free transactions for anyone with a smartphone. Jack Mallers (the founder) continues to expand its services around the world. Users use Strike to pay each other, buy goods and services online, make micropayments, tip content creators, as well as buy and sell Bitcoin.

The Bitcoin Network allows for transactions to occur on-chain every ten minutes. This method allows for about 2,700 transactions to occur per day and about 4 to 7 transactions per second. The Bitcoin Lightning Network is a second layer solution (built on top of Bitcoin) that allows for millions of Bitcoin transactions to occur per second. Strike is not a traditional exchange but is included in the exchange section because anyone with access to the app has the ability to pay themselves in Bitcoin. One is able to do this by connecting a commercial bank account, transferring their funds to the Strike app, and then creating a Lightning invoice from a third-party Lightning wallet like Bluewallet or Muun Wallet. This process is geared more towards users with prior experience using the Lightning Network.


Features

Strike aims to make worldwide transactions free and easy. Here are the main features that Strike provides for its users:

  • Custodial Bitcoin/Lightning Wallet: Users have the ability to receive/send Bitcoin or Lightning to people all around the world.
  • Lightning Address: Every Strike user now comes equipped with their very own lightning address to receive bitcoin to. The example would be {Strike Username}@strike.me
  • Bitcoin Exchange with Low Fees: Users are able to purchase Bitcoin by either buying Bitcoin on Strike or paying one of their own wallets with their Strike Wallet. It even includes the option to make recurring purchases for DCA ranging from every hour to every month.
  • Funding: Users may create a request in Strike and then send funds from their third-party wallet to Strike or deposit funds from an associated bank account.
  • QR Code Scanning: QR code scanning allows for quick payments.
  • Micropayments: Users are able to pay transactions all the way down to 1 sat from their Strike Wallet or Lightning Wallet.
  • Send Globally: Users can send money internationally to 10+ countries, and have it received as local currency in the recipient’s bank or mobile money account.
  • Strike rewards card coming soon: Strike is partnered with VISA and plans to release a Strike card to earn rewards with partnered merchants.
  • Security: Strike has implemented industry-leading security measures to protect users and their accounts.
  • Customer support: With Strike’s dedicated support team, users are able to have all issues resolved within a timely manner.
  • API Support: If you are a developer, you have the ability to interact with your Strike account through their API to create applications of your own. Examples can be found here.

How does it work?

Strike is available for iOS and Android users.

1. If you are new to Strike, you may select the “Sign up” button. From there you will be required to type in your name, email, phone number, and username. If your account is already set up, select the “Log in” button, and you will be required to type in the email associated with your account.


2. You will then be redirected to the main menu to view the funds in your account. Strike will require further personal information before you are able to connect a bank account and use most of the features Strike offers.


3. Once your external bank account is attached, you should now be able to deposit funds. If for whatever reason Strike does not provide the option for depositing funds even after attaching an external bank account, you can message the support team from within the app or email them at support@strike.me


4. Once funds are deposited into your Strike account and you wish to exchange those funds for bitcoin, you can either buy bitcoin on the app or create an invoice from a third party Lightning wallet like Wallet of Satoshi, Phoenix Wallet, or Muun Wallet. Copy the Lightning invoice, select the Send option in Strike, and then paste the invoice within Strike.


The Strike app is not a conventional exchange but it allows for users to receive their lightning funds within minutes. No need to worry about leaving funds on a custodial exchange.

Cryptocurrencies

  • Bitcoin (BTC) on-chain and Lightning
  • USDT (Tether)

Fiat Currencies

  • United States Dollar (USD)

Payment Methods

Strike supports the following payment methods:

  • Bitcoin Network
  • Lightning Network
  • Strike P2P

Supported Countries

As of this announcement at the Bitcoin Conference 2023, Strike is available in 65+ countries. 

We can verify that Strike is operational in the following countries:

  • United States
  • El Salvador
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Philippines
  • (more to be added)

Send Globally Countries:

  • Benin
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria
  • Philippines
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Togo
  • Vietnam

Fees and Buying Limits

  • Strike will charge a spread fee when buying bitcoin (about 0.65%) or a routing fee when using lightning (usually 0.15% of invoice)
  • If a user decides to send a payment to their strike account on-chain (the Bitcoin network), fees are determined by the current market rates.
  • It is recommended for users to receive or send Lightning invoices when possible.
  • Unverified Account limits: (US Users according to FAQ)
  • $1,000 in total deposits per week (not including direct deposits)
  • 4 deposits every 2 days
  • $400 withdrawals per day, $1000 total per week
  • $400 sends per day, $1000 total per week
  • Verified accounts: (US Users according to FAQ)
  • $10,000 in total deposits per week (not including direct deposits)
  • 4 deposits every 2 days
  • $2,000 withdrawals per day, $5,000 total per week
  • $2,000 sends per day, $5,000 total per week

Customer Reviews

“To me this application is the perfect blend of simplicity and power – smart, ergonomic user interface with a KYC system that allows instant user access for micro transactions.”

https://hodlnerd.com/a-review-of-the-strike-app-from-zap-for-bitcoin/


“Strike is already live in the United States. This is the proving ground. Making Strike work in the rest of the world is on orders of magnitude more complicated. The brand that is rolling out Strike on a global scale is Strike.Global. People in other countries may sign up for the BETA version of Strike.Global using this link.” 

https://www.cryptovantage.com/news/did-strike-global-just-end-transaction-fees-for-the-entire-planet/


“According to Maller, this tool will allow mass adoption of cryptocurrencies, because it allows the entire public to learn about this world. So, if you are interested in using this novel technology, all you have to do is download the Strike beta App, now available for Android, iPhone and Chrome.”

https://blog.bitnovo.com/en/what-is-strike/


Is 

Strike

 safe? 

Strike is not a typical exchange product. It is more akin to a payment processor without the friction of high fees that traditional payment processors apply to Swift or Western Union transactions. Strike does not store any Bitcoin because it is transferred to a user’s preferred wallet. Only USD funds may be stored in the app. Strike follows all of the same security protocols for funds as commercial banking products do. There are a few vulnerabilities associated with private Lightning nodes that users should be aware of. These risks are not just an issue for Strike but for all Lightning nodes. The first vulnerability would be spamming Strike’s Lightning nodes with micropayments to freeze all deposits being made. This in no way steals funds but makes the process very congested. An eclipse attack (time-dilation eclipse) is another form of spam but this involves creating multiple identities to overwhelm a network. This is a way for an attacker to isolate a victim from receiving real data from legitimate participants in the network. Many of the current vulnerabilities on the Lightning Network are being worked on and will continue to be improved as incentives grow. Strike’s support team will also be reachable in the event that there are any issues with transactions.


Pros of 

Strike

  • Free to use.
  • Minimalistic user interface.
  • Can transfer funds to anyone in the world with Bitcoin or to anyone using Strike.
  • Has a great support team and well-documented tutorials on how to use the app.
  • Easy on-ramp to bitcoin from the fiat system.                           

Cons of 

Strike

  • Unsure of where it is available.
  • May take some time for beginners to learn.

FAQ

Is the Strike app a good exchange?

Strike offers a way for users to pay themselves in Bitcoin with the available funds they have in their commercial bank accounts. Strike is more of a payment platform than an exchange in its process for converting fiat to Bitcoin. At next to no cost for converting USD funds to Bitcoin, Strike is one of the most cutting edge technologies that will propel Bitcoin adoption among merchants and business owners.

Will Strike be available in other countries outside of the US?

The Strike team has now expanded to 65+ countries, however, it is not clear on which countries have Strike available. More clarity will come as this was announced at the Bitcoin Conference 2023. The ‘Send Globally’ feature supports 10+ countries currently.

Does Strike have a minimum amount for opening an account?

There is no minimum amount required for opening an account.

Does Strike have a referral program?

Yes, Strike has a referral program. A referred account must be verified with the minimum requirements. Once someone signs up with your referral, you will both receive $5.

Does Strike have trading fees?

Strike does not charge an exchange fee, however, there is a small spread fee between the price bitcoin is currently at and what you are buying it for. This is a small fee of around 0.65% of what you buy, however, you are also able to get around this by sending yourself Lightning bitcoin from your Strike wallet to a Lightning wallet and the routing fee is around 0.15% of what you are sending. It is likely the smallest fee you will incur on any exchange. If you send over the Bitcoin Network (on-chain) fees will apply based on the congestion of the Bitcoin Network/Mining fees.

Can I get Bitcoin rewards using the Strike app?

Yes, but it is limited currently to specific countries and partners. Strike is currently working with merchants/payment processors to roll this out globally.

WRITTEN BY
Deniz Saat
Deniz Saat is an IT services specialist and technical writer.
REVIEWED BY
Jonathan Hamel
CEO and Founder of Académie Bitcoin

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