Frequently asked questions

What is SatInvoice?

An invoicing tool for freelancers and small businesses who want to get paid in bitcoin. You write the invoice in pounds, euros or dollars as normal; SatInvoice shows your client the equivalent in sats (the smallest unit of bitcoin) and a Lightning QR code they can scan to pay you instantly.

How does pricing in pounds but paying in sats work?

When you create an invoice, SatInvoice takes the live bitcoin price and converts your total into sats. That figure, and the rate and date it was calculated at, are printed on the invoice, for example: "Sats calculated at 1 BTC = £80,000 on 2 Nov 2026. The GBP total is the amount owed."

The amount in pounds is what your client owes you. The sats figure is a convenient, ready-calculated way to pay it in bitcoin at the rate on the day you issued the invoice.

What if my client pays late and the bitcoin price has moved?

Nothing expires: your Lightning address accepts a payment whenever the client sends it. You have two choices:

• Accept the original sats amount: simplest, and fine for quick payments when the price hasn't moved much.
• Re-price it: in your Invoices list, press the re-price button (circular arrows) on any unpaid invoice. SatInvoice recalculates the sats at today's rate; the amount owed in pounds stays exactly the same. Your client's link, PDF and QR update straight away.

When you mark an invoice as paid, SatInvoice also records that day's rate and shows what the sats were worth in pounds at the time of payment, which is handy for both your books and your client's.

Do you hold my money?

No. Your clients pay your own Lightning address directly; the money goes straight to your wallet and never passes through SatInvoice. We never see or hold your funds, and we take no percentage of what you're paid.

What do I need to get paid?

A Lightning address from any Lightning wallet: it looks like an email address, e.g. you@getalby.com. Add it to your invoice and your client can pay by scanning the QR code. Don't have one? Get a free Alby wallet.

Does my client need an account?

No. They get a private link to a web version of the invoice (plus a PDF they can download) and pay from any Lightning wallet. Only the private link can open it; invoices aren't listed or searchable anywhere.

How much does it cost?

Every account gets 3 invoices free, no card needed. After that, a one-time payment of 21,000 sats unlocks unlimited invoices forever: no subscription, and no fees on what your clients pay you.

Can I charge VAT?

Yes. Enter your VAT rate (e.g. 20%) on the invoice and SatInvoice shows the subtotal, VAT and total, and calculates the sats on the VAT-inclusive total. Put your VAT registration number in "Your details" so it appears on the invoice. You're responsible for charging and reporting VAT correctly; if in doubt, ask your accountant.

Can I send invoices by email?

Yes. Send an invoice straight to your client with the PDF attached, or open it in your own email app. Replies from your client come back to the email address on your account.

Is my data safe?

Passwords are stored as one-way hashes, all traffic is encrypted, and your invoices are private to your account. We don't use tracking or advertising cookies. See the privacy policy for the details.

Who runs it?

SatInvoice is run by Noor Intelligence, based in Wincanton, Somerset, United Kingdom. Questions? Email info@baladanmeri.com. More on the About page.