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OpenNode Account Setup

OpenNode is the payment processor that handles Bitcoin custody, settlement, and KYC compliance. Lightning Enable connects to your OpenNode account to create invoices and process payments.

OpenNode KYC Required

You must complete OpenNode's KYC verification before accepting live payments. This is required by regulation and cannot be bypassed.

Why OpenNode?​

OpenNode provides:

  • Lightning Network support - Instant Bitcoin payments
  • Automatic conversion - Convert to fiat if desired
  • Bank settlements - Withdraw to your bank account
  • KYC/AML compliance - Regulatory compliance handled for you
  • 24/7 uptime - Enterprise-grade reliability

Lightning Enable uses OpenNode as the underlying payment processor, giving you:

  • Non-custodial architecture (we never touch funds)
  • Bring Your Own API Key (BYOA) model
  • Full control over your payment settings

Create OpenNode Account​

Step 1: Sign Up​

  1. Visit opennode.com
  2. Click "Get Started" or "Sign Up"
  3. Enter your email and create a password
  4. Verify your email address

Step 2: Choose Account Type​

Select the appropriate account type:

TypeBest For
IndividualFreelancers, solo developers
BusinessCompanies, e-commerce platforms
EnterpriseHigh-volume merchants, platforms

Step 3: Complete KYC Verification​

OpenNode requires identity verification to comply with financial regulations.

Individual Accounts:

  • Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license)
  • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
  • Phone number verification

Business Accounts:

  • Company registration documents
  • Proof of business address
  • Director/owner identification
  • Bank account verification
Verification Time

KYC verification typically takes 1-3 business days. You can use the development/testnet environment while waiting.

Account Dashboard​

Once verified, your OpenNode dashboard provides:

Overview​

  • Total received payments
  • Pending settlements
  • Account balance
  • Recent transactions

Transactions​

  • Full transaction history
  • Payment details
  • Refund tracking

Settings​

  • API key management
  • Webhook configuration
  • Settlement preferences
  • Security settings

Development vs Production​

OpenNode provides two environments:

Development (Testnet)​

  • URL: dev-api.opennode.com
  • Dashboard: app.dev.opennode.com
  • Bitcoin: Testnet (free test bitcoins)
  • KYC: Not required
  • Use for: Testing and development

Production (Mainnet)​

  • URL: api.opennode.com
  • Dashboard: app.opennode.com
  • Bitcoin: Real mainnet Bitcoin
  • KYC: Required
  • Use for: Live payments
Start with Development

Create a development account first to test your integration. Get testnet Bitcoin from a faucet to simulate payments.

Account Security​

Enable Two-Factor Authentication​

  1. Go to Settings > Security
  2. Click Enable 2FA
  3. Scan QR code with authenticator app
  4. Enter verification code
  5. Save backup codes securely

API Key Security​

  • Never share your API keys
  • Use environment variables
  • Rotate keys periodically
  • Use separate keys for dev/production

Whitelist IP Addresses​

For production accounts:

  1. Go to Settings > Security
  2. Add your server IP addresses
  3. Enable IP whitelist

Settlement Configuration​

Bitcoin Holdings​

Keep received payments in Bitcoin:

  1. Go to Settings > Settlement
  2. Select "Keep in Bitcoin"
  3. Withdraw manually when desired

Auto-Convert to Fiat​

Automatically convert to USD/EUR:

  1. Go to Settings > Settlement
  2. Select "Convert to Fiat"
  3. Choose your currency
  4. Set conversion percentage (0-100%)

Bank Settlements​

Receive fiat to your bank account:

  1. Complete business verification
  2. Add bank account details
  3. Set settlement frequency (daily, weekly)
  4. Configure minimum settlement amount

Troubleshooting​

Account Verification Pending​

If verification is taking longer than expected:

  1. Check email for requests for additional documents
  2. Ensure all documents are clear and readable
  3. Contact OpenNode support

Account Locked​

If your account is locked:

  1. Check email for explanation
  2. Respond to any compliance requests
  3. Contact support@opennode.com

Test Payments Not Working​

For development environment issues:

  1. Verify you're using dev environment
  2. Check API key is from dev dashboard
  3. Ensure testnet invoice is generated
  4. Use testnet Bitcoin wallet

Next Steps​

Once your OpenNode account is set up:

  • API Keys - Generate and configure API keys
  • Webhooks - Set up payment notifications
  • Testing - Test your integration