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LNbits

An open-source Lightning accounting system that sits on top of a Lightning node. Provides a web interface, wallet system, and extensions for building Lightning-powered applications.

What It Does​

LNbits is not a Lightning node itself — it is an accounting layer that connects to an existing node (LND, Core Lightning, or LnPay). It creates sub-wallets, generates invoices, and tracks balances for multiple users or applications from a single node.

Key Features​

  • Multi-wallet — Create unlimited sub-wallets from one node
  • Extensions — Plugin ecosystem: paywalls, tpos, nostr, events, and more
  • Lightning Address — Create LNAddresses for each wallet
  • LNURL — Support for LNURL-pay, LNURL-withdraw, and LNURL-auth
  • API — Full REST and WebSocket API for application integration

Use Cases​

  • Merchants — Point-of-sale terminal for accepting Lightning
  • Events — Sell tickets or accept payments via QR codes
  • Developers — Spin up test wallets for app development
  • Communities — Shared node where multiple users get their own wallets

Relationship to Lightning Security​

LNbits can be used with cosigner extensions or multi-signature setups to improve Lightning wallet security. It does not hold keys itself — it delegates signing to the underlying node.

Resources​