Blink Wallet
Blink is the official wallet partner of Bitcoin Club Malta, chosen to support our mission of practical Bitcoin education and real-world adoption across the Maltese islands.
From El Zonte to Marsaskala
Originally launched at Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador in 2021, Blink began its life as the Bitcoin Beach Wallet — helping power one of the first real circular Bitcoin economies. Here in Malta, we started educating and onboarding users and merchants even in 2014 with the infamous "Hole in the Wall Bar" accepting payments via BitPay.
Today, that same focus on everyday usability, education, and merchant tools is what makes Blink such a strong fit for our community. Bitcoin Club Malta has been driving merchant adoption since 2015, and over time we have tested and used many different wallets. Blink has proven to be the most effective app for our ongoing educational work with individuals, merchants, and local communities.
We use it as a stepping stone before integrating self-custody or more comprehensive payment solutions. However, once someone starts using Blink Wallet, it often becomes their most-beloved everyday wallet for life.
Why We Chose Blink
After a decade of merchant onboarding and hands-on education, these are the qualities that matter.
Simple setup for beginners
A new user can install the app and be ready to send or receive in just a few taps. The interface is optimised for people who are completely new to Bitcoin, reducing friction and confusion during workshops and merchant onboarding.
Practical backup options
Blink uses familiar tools like email and phone-based recovery so beginners do not immediately lose access if they misplace their device or forget a password. At the same time, it encourages learning about better security over time as users progress.
Custodial now, self-custody later
Blink is currently a fully custodial wallet with multiple backup avenues, which makes it safer for absolute beginners who might otherwise lose funds. The team is working on self-custody options, and Bitcoin Club Malta strongly encourages users to graduate toward holding their own keys as they gain confidence.
Merchant-ready features
For businesses, Blink includes point-of-sale style tools that make it easy to accept Bitcoin payments at the counter or on the go. Merchants can generate payment requests quickly, see transaction history, and integrate Bitcoin into their daily operations without needing to be technical.
Advanced tools when you are ready
Beyond the basics, Blink offers a growing range of advanced features for more experienced users — custom Lightning addresses, NFC payments, a web dashboard, and API integration. The app grows with you.
Built-in education
Blink includes educational quizzes and in-app learning content that rewards exploration and helps new users understand how Bitcoin and Lightning actually work. This aligns directly with Bitcoin Club Malta's focus on hands-on, continuous learning.
Aligned with Bitcoin Values
Above all, Blink helps present Bitcoin as a full ecosystem — payments, savings, education, and community — while abstracting away the most technical parts for beginners. At the same time, it remains aligned with core Bitcoin principles by encouraging users to keep learning, take ownership of their journey, and eventually move toward greater sovereignty and self-custody.
For Bitcoin Club Malta, this balance between usability and principles is essential. Blink lets us onboard more people, more safely, more quickly, without compromising on the long-term values that make Bitcoin worth learning in the first place.
FAQ — Blink & Bitcoin Club Malta
What is Blink?
Blink is a user-friendly Bitcoin and Lightning wallet that grew out of the Bitcoin Beach project in El Zonte, El Salvador, where it was originally known as the Bitcoin Beach Wallet.
Why did Bitcoin Club Malta choose Blink as its official wallet partner?
Bitcoin Club Malta has been supporting merchant adoption since 2015 and found Blink to be the most effective wallet for workshops, onboarding, and day-to-day merchant use — thanks to its simple setup, strong merchant tools, and integrated education.
Is Blink suitable for beginners?
Yes. Blink focuses on fast, easy onboarding so new users can install the app and start transacting in just a few taps, without needing prior technical knowledge.
Is Blink custodial or non-custodial?
Blink is currently a custodial wallet that manages keys on behalf of users, which helps beginners avoid common self-custody mistakes, while still allowing them to withdraw to their own self-custody wallets at any time.
Does Blink support merchants and POS?
Yes. Every Blink user can access a web-based point-of-sale cash register that allows staff to generate Lightning invoices and accept payments easily, making it ideal for shops, cafés, and venues.
Can I move funds from Blink to self-custody?
Yes. Users can withdraw funds from Blink to any self-custody wallet they control, allowing them to progress from beginner-friendly custodial use to full self-sovereignty as they learn more about Bitcoin.
Ready to Get Started?
Download Blink, come to a meetup, and make your first Lightning payment over coffee.