Terms of Service

Last updated: 21st May 2026

B HODL Plc

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS WEBSITE OR OUR SERVICES

These are the Terms of Service for lightning.bhodl.com, operated by B HODL Plc ("we", "us", "our"), a company incorporated and registered in the Isle of Man.

By using our services, you accept these Terms of Service in full. If you do not accept them, you must stop using the website and services immediately.

1. About Us

We operate lightning.bhodl.com (the "Site") and provide Lightning Network infrastructure services.

The services we provide are technology infrastructure services and do not constitute regulated financial services under the laws of the Isle of Man or the United Kingdom.

We make no representation as to the regulatory characterisation of the services in your jurisdiction, and you are solely responsible for obtaining any legal or regulatory advice applicable to your use of the services.

2. Who May Use the Services

By using the services, you confirm that:

  • you are at least 18 years of age;
  • if you are acting on behalf of a company or other entity, you have authority to bind that entity to these Terms of Service;
  • your use of the services does not violate any applicable law or regulation in your jurisdiction of residence or incorporation;
  • you are not a citizen, resident, or entity incorporated in any jurisdiction where the services are prohibited, restricted, or require a licence or registration that we do not hold;
  • you are not subject to any economic sanctions, trade restrictions, or financial crime enforcement measures administered by any governmental authority; and
  • you are using the services for lawful purposes only and not in connection with money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, or any other prohibited activity.

You confirm that you are not located in, resident in, incorporated in, or acting on behalf of any person or entity in any of the following countries or territories (the "Restricted Countries List"):

Belarus; Burma (Myanmar); Central African Republic; Cuba; Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea); Democratic Republic of the Congo; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Iraq; Lebanon; Libya; Mali; Nicaragua; Russia; Somalia; South Sudan; Sudan; Syria; Venezuela; Yemen; Zimbabwe; or any other jurisdiction subject to comprehensive sanctions imposed by the Isle of Man, the United Kingdom, the United States, or the United Nations Security Council.

The Restricted Countries List may be updated at any time without prior notice.

We reserve the right to decline or terminate any service request at our sole discretion and without providing reasons.

3. The Service

3.1 What We Provide

We provide a Lightning Network liquidity tool through which you may request the opening of a Lightning Network payment channel (a "Channel") between our node and your node.

The Channel will remain open for a minimum period of thirty (30) days from the date on which we successfully open it (the "Minimum Channel Term").

Following the Minimum Channel Term, the Channel will continue to remain open unless we determine that the Channel is experiencing low payment volume.

To use the services, you must provide:

  • Your Lightning Network node public key
  • The amount of Inbound Liquidity required
  • Your node connection details (IP and/or Tor address)

You may optionally provide a valid Bitcoin refund address. Supplying one allows us to issue any refund that becomes due without contacting you first; if you do not provide one, we will contact you to arrange it.

We reserve the right to reject any request prior to payment being processed.

Once payment has been received and confirmed on-chain, the Site will automatically display a Confirmation.

When routing payments through our node we will have visibility of associated payment metadata including amounts, payment hashes, and timing.

3.2 What the Service Includes

  • Opening of a Channel between our node and your node
  • Provision of Inbound Liquidity on our side of the Channel
  • Maintenance of the Channel using commercially reasonable endeavours
  • Routing facilitation for Lightning Network payments

3.3 Service Limitations

  • We do not guarantee successful routing of any specific payment
  • Routing success depends on Lightning Network conditions and third-party nodes
  • We may be unable to open a Channel if your node is unreachable or misconfigured
  • The Lightning Network is experimental technology
  • We do not act as a custodian of your Bitcoin

3.4 Channel Closure

Following the Minimum Channel Term, we may initiate closure of the Channel at any time where we determine the Channel is experiencing consistently low payment volume.

You acknowledge that:

  • Cooperative closure requires your node to be online
  • Force closure may incur on-chain Bitcoin transaction fees and time-lock delays
  • On-chain fees are borne according to Lightning Network protocol mechanics
  • You may request early closure at any time, but no refund will be payable

3.5 Service Modifications

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the services at any time.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 Fees

All fees are denominated and payable exclusively in Bitcoin (BTC).

We may also charge routing fees on payments routed through the Channel.

4.2 Payment

All fees are payable in full, in Bitcoin, in advance.

Once a Bitcoin transaction has been broadcast it cannot be reversed, recalled, or modified by us.

4.3 No Refunds

All fees paid to us are strictly non-refundable except where expressly stated in Clause 4.4.

Once the Channel has been successfully opened, no refund shall be payable under any circumstances.

4.4 Refund for Service Failure

Where we are unable to open the Channel within five (5) business days following confirmed payment, and such failure is attributable solely to us, a refund may be issued to your provided refund address. Refunds are processed manually by our team and are not automatic; please contact us if you believe one is due.

4.5 Taxation

You are solely responsible for determining and paying any taxes, duties, levies, or charges arising from your use of the services.

4.6 Incorrect or Incomplete Payments

If you transmit an incorrect amount or send Bitcoin to an incorrect address, we will use commercially reasonable endeavours to assist but cannot guarantee recovery.

5. Your Obligations

When using the services, you must:

  • Maintain your Lightning Network node properly
  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Not use the services for unlawful purposes
  • Not interfere with the Site or infrastructure
  • Not introduce malware or harmful code
  • Not engage in channel jamming or liquidity griefing attacks

6. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in the Site, its content, software, branding, and documentation are owned by or licensed to us.

7. Disclaimers and Exclusion of Warranties

7.1 No Warranty

The Site and services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis.

We exclude all warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law.

7.2 Technology Risk

Bitcoin and the Lightning Network are experimental technologies carrying inherent technical risks.

7.3 Regulatory Risk

Regulatory developments may affect the availability or legality of the services.

7.4 Third-Party Infrastructure

We accept no liability for acts or failures of third-party nodes, software, or infrastructure providers.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Exclusion of Consequential Loss

We will not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages.

8.2 Financial Cap

Our total liability will not exceed the fee paid by you in relation to the specific purchase.

8.3 Statutory Rights

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot legally be excluded under applicable law.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless B HODL Plc and its directors, officers, and employees against claims arising from your misuse of the services or breach of these Terms.

10. Non-Custodial Service

The services are strictly non-custodial. We do not hold or control your Bitcoin, seed phrases, private keys, or channel state.

11. Your Data and Node Responsibility

You are solely responsible for all activity undertaken using the services and for maintaining backups of your node data.

12. Electronic Acceptance

By using the Site, you accept these Terms electronically.

13. Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including cyberattacks, internet outages, natural disasters, regulatory action, or Lightning Network failures.

14. Third-Party Links and Content

We do not endorse or accept responsibility for third-party websites, software, or content linked from the Site.

15. Prohibited Use

You must not interfere with or attempt unauthorised access to our systems or infrastructure.

16. Suspension and Termination

16.1 When We May Terminate

We may suspend or terminate access to the services without notice in circumstances including breach of these Terms, legal obligations, or suspected unlawful activity.

16.2 Consequences of Termination

Upon termination, active Channels may be closed cooperatively or unilaterally as circumstances require.

17. Amendments

We may update these Terms of Service at any time by publishing revised Terms on the Site.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Isle of Man.

You submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Isle of Man.

18.1 Informal Resolution

Prior to legal proceedings, you agree to contact us in writing and allow thirty (30) calendar days for informal resolution.

19. General

19.1 Severance

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remainder remains effective.

19.2 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute waiver.

19.3 Assignment

You may not assign rights under these Terms without written consent.

19.4 Third-Party Rights

These Terms confer no rights on third parties.

19.5 Contact and Notices

Notices and updates will be published on the Site.

19.6 Language

These Terms are drafted in English and the English version prevails.

19.7 Status of the Parties

Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, agency, or employment relationship.

19.8 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and B HODL Plc.

19.9 Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the services is also subject to our Privacy Policy.

19.10 No Financial Advice

Nothing in these Terms or the services constitutes financial, legal, tax, or investment advice.

By using this Site or its services you accept these Terms of Service in full.