Today marks the highly-anticipated European debut of Strike, the renowned Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments app. Eligible individuals and businesses across the region can now access features like buying, selling, sending, and withdrawing bitcoin, along with making local currency payments.

Responding to the long-standing inquiry from European Bitcoin enthusiasts about the app's European launch, founder and CEO Jack Mallers emphatically declared, "Now!" This announcement comes after observant users in certain European countries noticed Strike appearing on app stores ahead of the official announcement.

The custodial iOS and Android app offers European users the ability to purchase bitcoin directly with free unlimited SEPA euro deposits from their bank accounts, with instant availability where supported. Additionally, users can schedule recurring purchases. The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) initiative by the European Union simplifies bank transfers denominated in euros.

Strike allows customers to sell bitcoin, withdraw funds to their bank accounts, transfer to their self-custodial wallets, or make payments over the Bitcoin or Lightning Network without any limitations.

Moreover, Strike facilitates "free" on-chain withdrawals, aiding users during periods of network congestion. However, to support Bitcoin's scalability, users should be open to a target confirmation time of approximately 24 hours, with faster on-chain transactions requiring varying fees.

Making innovative use of the Lightning Network, Strike leverages its bi-directional payment channels on top of the Bitcoin blockchain for swift and cost-effective micropayments. Each Strike customer receives a Lightning Address, simplifying the payment process with an email-like format of username@strike.me, making receiving payments more straightforward compared to traditional Lightning invoices.