Strike, a mobile payment application that leverages Bitcoin, has announced its expansion into Europe. The app, which allows users to buy, sell, and withdraw Bitcoin, as well as send and receive money globally, has been operational in the United States since 2020 and has recently broadened its reach to include Africa.

In a press release, Strike highlighted the significant opportunity that Europe, being the third-largest economy globally, presents for Bitcoin adoption. "We've seen the demand and heard the feedback first-hand from the community," the company stated. Strike, developed by Chicago-based Zap Solutions and spearheaded by entrepreneur Jack Mallers, offers functionality similar to popular online payment systems like Cash App or PayPal but stands out by using the Bitcoin blockchain for faster and cheaper transfers.

European customers can now engage in transactions directly with euro deposits through SEPA, the region's payments provider, and have the option to receive funds in Bitcoin, euro, or Tether's USDT stablecoin in some regions.

According to information sent to Bitcoin Magazine, the expansion allows millions of Europeans to access Strike's services, including free unlimited SEPA euro deposits, instant transfers, recurring purchases, and peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers powered by the Lightning Network. Users also have the capability to withdraw Bitcoin to any Bitcoin or Lightning wallet instantly and without limits.

Jack Mallers expressed his enthusiasm: "We envision a future where everyone has access to Bitcoin—a truly open, global, and public digital infrastructure for money." He emphasized the importance of a beautifully designed, Bitcoin-only money app that is "accessible, functional, secure, and available to billions of people all over the world."

With its global reach extending to over 70 countries, Strike's Send Globally feature enables customers to make low-cost local currency payouts using the Lightning Network across borders. Mallers sees Bitcoin as a beacon of hope and a financial revolution that transcends borders, enhances financial inclusion, and addresses economic challenges such as inflation.

Strike's launch in Europe marks a notable milestone in the increasing adoption of Bitcoin as a payment method. The company's expansion is timely as it coincides with a period of heightened interest and activity in the Bitcoin market. Strike's vision of facilitating an open, global financial infrastructure could have far-reaching implications for the future of money transfer and financial inclusion across the continent and beyond.

Bitcoin Magazine Article