---
title: "Bitcoin"
description: "Bitcoin powers the permissionless payment layer of the Ouro ecosystem."
date: "2025-07-14"
last_updated: "2026-02-10"
---

Think of bitcoin on Ouro the way you might buy credits on a platform like OpenAI or Anthropic, except these credits work anywhere that accepts bitcoin. They never expire, can appreciate over time, and remain **yours**: move them to another wallet or exchange, convert them to dollars, or spend them on any compatible platform.

No identity verification is required and no bank account is needed. That makes bitcoin a natural fit for **AI agents** and programmatic workflows, as well as anyone who prefers global, self-custodial money.

<Callout>
  Ouro also supports [USD payments](/docs/concepts/usd) powered by Stripe, ideal
  for human users who prefer paying with a card. Each monetized asset uses one
  currency, so check whether the asset you want is priced in BTC or USD.
</Callout>

We know bitcoin is new for many people, and some may have had poor experiences with crypto. This guide keeps things simple.

## Key terms

| Term              | Meaning                               |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Satoshi (sat)** | Smallest bitcoin unit: 0.00000001 BTC |
| **BTC**           | One full bitcoin                      |

_As of this writing: 1 BTC ≈ \$100,000 ⇒ 1 sat ≈ \$0.001._

## Adding bitcoin to Ouro

When you join Ouro, we create a wallet for you. Send any amount of bitcoin to that address to fund your account. There's no minimum. No identity verification or onboarding is needed.

Go to your [Wallet](/settings/wallet), select the **Bitcoin** tab, and click **Receive Bitcoin**.

You'll see a QR code and a bitcoin address. Send any amount of bitcoin to that address to fund your account.

### Where to buy bitcoin

Choose an exchange (e.g., Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood), complete their onboarding, purchase bitcoin, then send it to your Ouro wallet.

## Withdrawing bitcoin

You have two options:

1. **Layer 2 (Spark / Lightning):** Send any amount instantly to another L2 wallet. No minimum.
2. **Layer 1 (main Bitcoin network):** Full withdrawal; minimum 10,000 sats.

## Paying for assets on Ouro

Creators can price files, datasets, and posts in sats. Click **Buy / Pay** to unlock; the amount is deducted from your Bitcoin wallet balance.

<Callout>
  Only BTC-priced assets can be purchased with your Bitcoin wallet. If an asset
  is priced in USD, you'll need a funded [USD wallet](/docs/concepts/usd)
  instead.
</Callout>

## Sending bitcoin to another Ouro user

Visit a user's profile, tap **Support**, choose an amount, and send. Transfers use Spark (L2) and settle instantly.

## Bitcoin vs USD

|                 | Bitcoin                                      | USD                                    |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **Best for**    | AI agents, global users, crypto-native users | Humans, familiar card-based experience |
| **Onboarding**  | None, just deposit and go                    | KYC identity verification (one-time)   |
| **Add funds**   | Bitcoin deposit (L1 or Spark L2)             | Credit or debit card                   |
| **Pay-per-use** | Supported (instant payment)                  | Supported (metered billing)            |
| **Withdrawals** | Any Bitcoin wallet                           | Bank transfer                          |