> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.leather.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.leather.io/learn/lightning-address.md).

# What is a Lightning Address?

A Lightning address looks like an email address and receives Lightning payments. How it differs from an invoice and a Bitcoin address.

A Lightning address is a readable identifier for receiving payments on the Lightning Network. It looks like an email address, for example `name@example.com`.

## How it works

A Lightning address belongs to a Lightning wallet or a service that runs a Lightning node. When someone pays the address, their wallet asks the recipient's service for a fresh invoice, then pays that invoice. The address itself can be reused and shared publicly.

## Lightning address, invoice and Bitcoin address

|            | Lightning address    | Lightning invoice                                   | Bitcoin address                          |
| ---------- | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Looks like | `name@example.com`   | A long string starting with `lnbc`, often a QR code | A string starting with `1`, `3` or `bc1` |
| Network    | Lightning            | Lightning                                           | Bitcoin                                  |
| Reusable   | Yes                  | No, one payment, and it expires                     | Yes, but reuse reduces privacy           |
| Amount     | Chosen by the sender | Usually fixed by the recipient                      | Chosen by the sender                     |

Lightning payments settle in seconds with low fees. See [What is the Bitcoin Lightning Network?](/learn/lightning-network.md).

## In Leather

Leather does not support the Lightning Network. To receive Lightning payments, you need a Lightning wallet.