How to be a LN bank for your family and friends in simple steps

Nowadays, we hear many people complaining that onboarding new users into Bitcoin and Lightning specifically is hard, in a self-custodial way. I kinda agree with that argument and I understand people's pain with little knowledge. I wrote several guides about nodes and liquidity and wallets and people still struggle to start using Bitcoin.
Their "journey" into starting straight with a full LN node will be like this:

My proposal

Every bitcoiner that have a good base knowledge about running nodes and liquidity, should start building his OWN LN Bank, for his local community, family and friends, even for local small merchants. For people that cannot run their node, cannot manage proper liquidity, they cannot learn fast all aspects about nodes and how LN works. But do your own expertise, be prepared! Just because you know how to install Umbrel, it doesn't mean you already can be a LN bank! Read my other warning here.. Being a LN banker is not an easy task! You are fully responsible for your users! Teach them, help them, support them. Only together can grow.
Yes, there's a trust involved in all this scenario. Between YOU, "the banker" and your clients, your closed people. So you should be the first one in NOT breaking this trust relationship! Don't be evil!
My sincere advice: learn how to use your shiny LN node, not just for you, but also for the people around you. It is each bitcoiner duty to help others to use Bitcoin. Your personal knowledge have a direct affect on others. Just because you run a LN node in your home, is NOT enough.

So what solutions do we have?

TLDR: LNDhub accounts! The easiest and simple way for new users to jump using BTC/LN, without hassle (from their side). Users could just import their LNDhub accounts into Zeus LN, Bluewallet or BoltCard wallet. No more seed to write down, no more backups (you, as a LN bank, are in charge of everything!), no more hassle with liquidity.

1. LNbits suite

Powerful software with many extensions and options. Here I wrote several guides about using this wonderful solution. Easy to install and manage. Soon will come with many goodies. With LNbits you can create endless LNDhub accounts and manage them as a real "banker".

2. BTCPay Server

Another powerful server, with many applications for merchants. You can even run it for your local merchants. With BTCPay you can create several LNDhub accounts too, using the LN Bank plugin.

3. Lightning Terminal

This is a very simple solution to manage directly all your LND accounts, using a LND node. Just install the app Lightning Terminal and through its simple interface can manage all the accounts. This LT app is also used for LNC to connect safely to your LN node using Zeus and manage your node remotely.

4. BoltCard LNDhub

This is a fork of Bluewallet LNDhub and adapted, improved with new features. You can create easily LNDhub accounts and also NFC cards, managed by users using BoltCard app, Bluewallet or Zeus.
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU THE NODE RUNNER NOT TO TRY THESE, for you your family and friends.

More resources to read:

LNBits is so powerful. Doesn't get enough props! We can build a huge ecosystem just using their stuff
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And they just started... they have so many cool stuff in the pipeline.
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Dang that's so funny I was JUST talking about using LNDhub to OP family, with a friend of mine at a meetup last week or so!
I'm excited to test this scenario. I've tried it before using LNbits (and the LNDhub extension) but I ran into issues that day. IIRC after I scanned my QR code from the extension, Blue Wallet was frozen (I remember trying several times too).
I have more time now so I'll give it another shot.
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Great post darth. I've experimented with this approach in the past but was just thinking last week about doing it again.
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Great share. Hopefully civkit.org will join the debate soon...
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I just wanted to give people some ideas. I saw them always complaining that we don't have solutions... I gave them examples of solutions. But they have to work on them... Proof of Work. Nothing is coming free from the sky.
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Gracias Darth, creo que esta es una muy buena opción para generar mayor adopción de Bitcoin, y justamente la que yo quiero implementar. Como tu hablas español, me tomé el atrevimiento de responder en ese idioma, Saludos
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No hay nada malo responder en otras idiomas cuando los dos hablamos el mismo idioma.
Me alegro que esta guia te ayuda!
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This sounds like a great idea for parents with minors. Better than custodial services.
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and if they do not behave well... you can switch off their "funding" anytime... like a real bankster :)
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😂
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Ha! The owner of the rug has changed!
I am speaking for others. No way any kid of mine would use a custodial wallet!
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you custody yourself and rug yourself 😂😂😂
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100 sats \ 0 replies \ @javier 7 Apr
Thank you for this beautiful guide.
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Step 1: Find a family who doesn't think you're a nutter.
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Your family will think you're nuts until they realize they need you. This is the life of a bitcoiner. For a few years you sound nuts and then you sound brilliant. Adjust your time preference. We have to save ourselves so we can be ready to help others.
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Have a look at Fedimint
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If lnbits had the ability to install a nostr wallet connect extension for each sub wallet you make for friends / family it would be an awesome bridge.
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The user experience on LN self custody wallet have to be optimise to make user onboarding seamless
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Epic, thanks for sharing
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Great resource!
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