Finally, we have the news all crypto fans have been waiting for – you can now pay for your Amazon shopping using the Lightning Network. Unfortunately, Amazon isn’t accepting Lightning Network payments itself, but a third-party plugin for Google Chrome is allowing you to checkout and pay using the Lightning Network. Moon will take the cryptocurrency, convert it into fiat, and finalize the payment for you.
For now, the Moon plugin only works with Amazon, but it’s hard at work integrating it with other online platforms such as eBay, Domino’s, Target, Etsy, and AliExpress.
How Does It Work?
The million-dollar question that everyone has been waiting for an answer to is… how does it work? It’s actually a rather simple plugin. Just create your own account and link it to your Lightning Network wallet or Coinbase account and you can start the process. When you get to the last section of the checkout page a popup will appear from Moon asking if you want to pay using the Lightning Network. The invoice will be automatically generated, and when you pay it a little script will convert that Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, or Litecoin into fiat, submit it to Amazon and complete the order process – it’s that easy.
Purse Finally Has Competition
Up until now, the only way to use crypto to pay for Amazon shopping was to use Purse.io. On Purse.io users can use their crypto to buy Amazon gift vouchers at a discount, meaning you could bag yourself a juicy discount on your Amazon shopping. While Purse.io does take some time to fill the orders, it does work quite effectively. However, Moon’s payment method is instant – something a lot of crypto shoppers will love. If you’re all about living the Bitcoin life, Moon is a plugin you definitely need to download.
Could Amazon Accept Cryptos Natively?
There has been a lot of rumors and speculation that Amazon could be about to start natively accepting cryptocurrencies. Unfortunately, Amazon hasn’t confirmed or denied the rumors yet, meaning they are simply rumblings. Due to the fact that Amazon hasn’t said it won’t accept cryptos means it could very well be considering it and working on its own system to do so. While integrations like BitPay exist and would solve many of the issues associated with accepting cryptocurrencies, Amazon prefers to build its technology in-house – meaning it won’t use BitPay if it does accept cryptos.
Now everyone can start using the Lightning Network to pay for their Amazon shopping. The crypto world has been waiting for a development like this, and as more people begin to use it, the Lightning Network will finally get its first proper trial by fire.
