Bitfinex, one of the larger cryptocurrency exchanges out there, is partnering with digital gift card provider Bitrefill to bring their services to exchange customers.
According to a new Medium blog post, Bitfinex customers can now “shop for a variety of services, including gaming, dining, entertainment and travel gift cards,” the post reads. Even better for these customers, they’ll be able to take advantage of the Bitcoin already stored in their account and shop for gift cards and mobile phone refills in 170 countries.
Of course, this news comes to us shortly after Bitfinex revealed it would be supporting the Bitcoin Lightning Network – yet another push for the world’s first cryptocurrency.
“The provision of this new payment feature underlines our companies’ commitment to building a new digital economy, Bitfinex and Bitrefill utilize customized versions of Lightning to open large channels together, exceeding the default limits in place, but allowing better flow and reliability to users,” reads the post.
Speaking on the matter is one John Carvalho, the CCO at Bitrefill:
“We believe that getting bitcoin exchanges on to the Lightning Network early is integral to preparing for the next wave of adoption and building out a parallel economy for Bitcoin. This collaboration signals a new era for Bitcoin commerce.
We will continue to work closely with Bitfinex and other businesses to develop Lightning solutions and products that make living on crypto a reality, eventually removing dependability on fiat rails.”
This partnership isn’t the first between the two companies, either. In fact, the both of them previously in 2019 built a consortium to boost the Lightning Network with other startups and companies looking to do the same.