The Best Exchanges With Lightning Network Support in 2024
In this review, we'll check out the best exchanges that allow Lightning Network deposits, withdrawals, or swaps. We'll cover both centralized and peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges, including those with and without KYC requirements, all of which have been tested previously.
Depositing and withdrawing bitcoin on exchanges, often means exorbitant commission costs. This is primarily due to the inherent scalability limitations of the Bitcoin main chain, especially during periods of high transaction fees when block space becomes scarce, causing fees to escalate to levels where they may exceed the value of the transaction itself.
However, Bitcoin's design allows for scalability through second, third, and subsequent layers, and this is where solutions like the Lightning Network excel. The Lightning Network, introduced in 2016 but gaining significant traction only in recent years, represents the most widely adopted second-layer solution in the cryptocurrency space.
Its popularity has grown to the extent that some exchanges have begun incorporating it. The key benefits include minimal withdrawal fees, instant confirmation times, and adherence to the principles outlined in Satoshi Nakamoto's original Bitcoin Whitepaper, ensuring trustless transactions. Also, using the Lightning Network for smaller transactions helps to significantly decrease the on-chain footprint.
In this guide, I will outline an updated list of exchanges that have implemented and activated Lightning support for deposits and withdrawals, along with the associated fees, categorized by their blockdyor Score—an index reflecting the thoroughness of our exchange reviews and indicative of their quality.
The guide will encompass various types of exchanges, including traditional centralized exchanges requiring Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, non-KYC exchanges, decentralized platforms, and peer-to-peer (P2P) solutions, categorized accordingly.
Bitfinex
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | Bitfinex |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2020 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | ln.bitfinex.com |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | 0.000001 LN-BTC (100 satoshis) |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | Zero |
| 🔍 KYC | Yes |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇪🇺 + more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 72/100 |
Established in 2012 by Giancarlo Devasini, Bitfinex stands as the longest-running and most liquid major cryptocurrency exchange, holding a prominent position among the largest crypto exchanges globally. Pioneering innovation, Bitfinex was among the earliest platforms to facili nbvn tate the deposit and withdrawal of Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, starting this initiative as early as 2020.
Bitfinex has evolved over time, adapting to regulatory requirements. Previously operating without Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, the exchange now mandates KYC verification for all users, a response to evolving regulations. However, users can still opt for Basic Access, offering a view-only mode without requiring verification.
With regard to Lightning Network transactions, Bitfinex imposes a negligible fee of 100 satoshis for withdrawals, virtually inconsequential, while deposits remain free of charge.
👉 Click here to open an account on Bitfinex and get a 6% rebate fee.
Kate Porter
Kraken
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | Kraken |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2022 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | amboss.space/c/Kraken |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | Zero |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | Zero |
| 🔍 KYC | Yes |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇪🇺 + more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 62/100 |
Kraken has seamlessly integrated the Bitcoin Lightning Network into its exchange platform since 2022, allowing users to deposit and withdraw Bitcoin over the Lightning Network without incurring any fees—a remarkable service that we have thoroughly tested and endorsed at blockdyor.
Beyond its Lightning Network support, Kraken offers a multitude of advantages. Notably, it boasts extensive global availability, with services accessible across the USA, Canada, Europe, Oceania, and numerous other regions. Renowned for its impeccable security record, Kraken stands as a top choice among cryptocurrency enthusiasts, having never experienced a breach, thereby ensuring robust security measures.
However, it's essential to note that Kraken operates as a Know Your Customer (KYC) exchange. This entails that every user seeking to engage in transactions on their platform must undergo an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliant identification process.
👉 Click here to open an account on Kraken and get started in minutes with as little as $10.
admin
Binance
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | Binance |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2023 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | amboss.space/node/03a1f3afd646d77bdaf545cceaf079bab6057eae52c6319b63b5803d0989d6a72f |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | 0.00002 (2000 satoshis) |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | Zero |
| 🔍 KYC | Yes |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇪🇺 + more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 60/100 |
In 2023, Binance unveiled its integration of the Lightning Network, marking one of the latest additions to exchanges embracing this technology.
Despite comparatively higher fees and limits in comparison to other platforms, Binance's adoption of Lightning Network remains significant, considering the limited availability of such support among centralized exchanges.
It's noteworthy that Binance operates as a fully Know Your Customer (KYC) exchange, necessitating users to undergo document verification to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Additionally, it's crucial to mention that Binance does not extend its services to Canada and the USA. Binance.US, the platform tailored for US clients, does not offer Lightning Network functionality and has encountered various challenges in recent times.
👉 Click here to register on Binance and get a 100 USDT cashback voucher.
admin
Bull Bitcoin
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | Bull Bitcoin |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2021 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | amboss.space/node/030057ffea1a1650ce716aab702c9fc29ce24659b89650eb963f2455df0194c997 |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | Zero (+ 1% (under 1000 CAD) for the processing costs) |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | Zero |
| 🔍 KYC | No |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇨🇦 + more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 78/100 |
Bull Bitcoin operates as a non-custodial Bitcoin-exclusive exchange, currently accessible primarily in Canada (with limited availability in Costa Rica). This unique platform enables users to purchase Bitcoin with or without Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, leveraging an innovative integration with Canadian Post Offices.
Since 2021, Bull Bitcoin has facilitated Bitcoin transactions via the Lightning Network. As a non-custodial service, transactions occur directly between users and their Lightning network, bypassing the need for traditional withdrawals or deposits.
When purchasing Bitcoin through the Lightning Network, users engage in transfers directly with Bull Bitcoin, eliminating custodial involvement. Similarly, selling Bitcoin via the Lightning Network doesn't involve direct transactions; instead, users can utilize the Bylls service to convert Bitcoin into utilities.
While Bull Bitcoin's Lightning Network service is fee-free, the Bitcoin price reflects a minor spread to cover associated costs. Additionally, users may incur processing fees during the buying and selling processes, depending on the amount.
👉 Click here to join Bull Bitcoin and receive a bonus of $20.
Andrea Carnimeo
SideShift.ai
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | SideShift.ai |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2021 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | amboss.space/node/02459b759a62bc3ebfe98a320da237944cc4f35456384bd8fdefa7d0340c75f46f |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | Zero |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | Zero |
| 🔍 KYC | No |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇪🇺 + more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 80/100 |
SideShift.ai operates as a non-KYC, non-custodial crypto-to-crypto swap exchange facilitating seamless swaps between various cryptocurrencies. It supports swaps to and from the Lightning Network, as well as numerous other networks, including Bitcoin's main chain and Liquid Bitcoin, alongside a plethora of other digital assets.
While SideShift.ai does not support fiat currencies, its extensive selection of cryptocurrencies and networks makes it an optimal solution for swapping digital assets for Bitcoin on the Lightning Network. Users can receive their Bitcoin directly into Lightning network wallets such as Aqua, Breeze, Phoenix, or any preferred Lightning wallet.
The exchange prices on SideShift.ai include network fees, offering convenience albeit with a slight premium, as all associated fees are integrated directly into the exchange rates.
👉 Click here to sign up to SideShift.ai.
Andrea Carnimeo
Pocket Bitcoin
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | Pocket Bitcoin |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2023 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | amboss.space/node/02765a281bd188e80a89e6ea5092dcb8ebaaa5c5da341e64327e3fadbadcbc686c |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | Zero |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | N/A |
| 🔍 KYC | No |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇪🇺 🇨🇭+ more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 71/100 |
Pocket Bitcoin stands as another non-KYC, non-custodial service designed for convenient Bitcoin purchases directly into your Bitcoin wallet. However, it does not offer an option to sell Bitcoin.
With a straightforward fee structure of 1.5% and no fixed minimum fee, users benefit from competitive exchange rates facilitated by integration with Kraken, their liquidity provider.
While Pocket Bitcoin supports natively various hardware wallets and single addresses for on-chain transactions, its Lightning Network support is somewhat restricted to just Breeze and Phoenix Wallets, both non-custodial.
Although this may be perceived as a limitation, it's important to recognize that Lightning Network wallets primarily serve as a transient phase before funds are eventually moved to cold storage on-chain or spent. Moreover, Pocket Bitcoin boasts a highly recommended status on blockdyor, attributed to its commendable blockdyor Score.
👉 Click here to join Pocket Bitcoin and start buying Bitcoin.
Kate Porter
RoboSats
| Name | Information |
|---|---|
| 📙 Exchange Name | RoboSats |
| ⚡ Lightning Support | Yes, since 2022 |
| 🟢 Status | Active |
| 🌐 Node URl | amboss.space/node/02187352cc4b1856b9604e0a79e1bc9b301be7e0c14acbbb8c29f7051d507127d7 |
| 💸 LN Withdrawal Fees | Zero |
| 💳 LN Deposit Fees | Zero |
| 🔍 KYC | No |
| 🌍 Supported Countries | 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇪🇺 + more |
| ⭐ blockdyor Score | 84/100 |
RoboSats, established in 2022, is a non-KYC, non custodial, peer-to-peer Bitcoin trading application. Unlike centralized exchanges, transactions on Robosats occur directly between users registered on the platform. Robosats acts as a guarantor through its robust escrow system, ensuring the safety of every trade.
Operating exclusively with Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, Robosats excels in this domain and stands as one of the pioneering platforms in the peer-to-peer sector.
Offering minimal fees (taker/maker 0.175%/0.025%), Robosats extends its services across Europe and provides accessibility only over TOR and the option to run directly from a personal node. This decentralized approach renders Robosats an unstoppable application, accessible worldwide.
Kate Porter
Pros & Cons Of Using LN On Exchanges
I believe there are few drawbacks to utilizing the Lightning Network with exchanges, which are way less than the advantages.
Firstly, it's crucial to emphasize again that this list was compiled after rigorous testing of each exchange, ensuring that the Lightning Network is indeed active and fully functional. You can also double check by yourself by following the Amboss LN nodes webpages in every exchange section.
Many exchanges that might appear on similar lists elsewhere have been omitted simply because they no longer offer the option to withdraw or deposit funds via the Lightning Network. A notable example is OKX, which discontinued its support for the Lightning Network, likely within the past year. Similarly, Bitstamp has quietly removed the option for users to withdraw or deposit funds using the Lightning Network.
Other exchanges, such as Coinbase, have been making promises regarding Lightning Network integration for years but have yet to fulfill them. Consequently, they were not included in our list. Nonetheless, I believe that the selection presented on this page is comprehensive, encompassing centralized exchanges requiring Know Your Customer (KYC), peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms, and non-KYC solutions, thereby catering to a diverse range of preferences and requirements.
The main concern may arise from the reliance on non-custodial wallets, particularly for individuals who prefer not to trust custodial solutions like Wallet Of Satoshi or Muun. The Lightning Network operates on a sophisticated system centered around channels, necessitating channel management.
Fortunately, solutions like Phoenix Wallet simplify this process by automating channel management and facilitating resizing through splicing. This eliminates the need for multiple channels per user, which can otherwise scatter liquidity. Alternatively, AQUA wallet offers a streamlined approach by automatically swapping Bitcoin Lightning into Liquid, sparing users the complexities of managing channels and splicing, among other Lightning Network intricacies.
Bitcoin transacted over Lightning remains true to its trustless nature, preserving the fundamental principles of the cryptocurrency. Thus, there are minimal downsides to its usage. The primary advantages include low to zero fees, expedited transactions, and the flexibility to transfer funds from the Lightning Network to the Bitcoin main chain at one's discretion for long-term storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Lower fees | ❌ Custodial wallets might be risky |
| ✅ Faster transactions | ❌ Still not widely support among top exchanges |
| ✅ It's still Bitcoin | |
| ✅ Trustless |
Bottom Line
In summary, the highlighted exchanges represent the pinnacle of Lightning Network integration in 2024. With tested functionality and reliability, these platforms facilitate swift and cost-effective Bitcoin transactions.
While some exchanges may have fallen short in maintaining Lightning Network support, those featured here stand out for their commitment to providing users with a seamless and secure experience.
Whether seeking centralized or peer-to-peer solutions, these exchanges offer a diverse range of options to suit every trader's needs.