⚖️HOLD Payments

HOLD (or often called "HODL") invoices are invoices that do not need to be settled immediately after they have been paid.

How it Works

An invoice is a smart contract that must be settled before the receiver can access the funds of the invoice. This is done by the receiver returning the preimage (proof of payment) to the sender. However, the receiver can choose to delay releasing the preimage, or completely reject the payment. Some situations where HOLD invoices are useful are:

• Games where you only pay if you lose, but lock up your funds in advance to ensure the payment is made

• A bond which you only pay if you break a contract (similar to a rental deposit)

• P2P trading escrows

Alby HOLD Payments

Please note that HOLD payments will not show up in the transaction list of your Alby Account dashboard, if they are pending or cancelled (HOLD phase). The payments are deducted from your balance during the HOLD phase and returned to your balance afterwards. However, if you paid with the Alby Browser Extension you'll see HOLD payment among the payments for that connected site (e.g. RoboSats).

Lightning apps that use HOLD invoices

• Robosats

• CLINCH by THNDR Games (coming soon)

📖 Further resources

• HODL Invoices on BOLT FUN