Introduction
Hive Debit is a groundbreaking project that brings NFC-enabled, decentralized payments to the Hive ecosystem. By leveraging Hive and HBD, it offers an instant, feeless, and intermediary-free payment system using NFC cards, tags, and wearables. The project is spearheaded by @jthomasewsky and backed by key investors and ecosystem contributors like @Starkerz and @TheyCallMeDan.
Unlike traditional financial systems or centralized crypto payment solutions, Hive Debit ensures full user autonomy, privacy, and accessibility by directly integrating with the Hive blockchain. The project aims to bridge the gap between blockchain technology and real-world usability, providing an easy-to-use and highly scalable solution for merchants and users alike.
Proof of Concept Already Operational
Here are some videos of the cards already working in various businesses across South and Central America. Many of the videos come from San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. See the POC videos below:
POC VIDEO 1 - Missbitcoin-sv spending in El Salvador
POC VIDEO 2 - Missbitcoin-sv onboarding businesses in El Salvador
POC VIDEO 3 - @starkerz tapping to pay with HBD in real POS terminal
Open Source - Tap to Program
As part of this funding, Hive Debit shall ensure that anyone can program a typical 200 bite NFC card locally using their mobile device so that they do not need to rely on a Hive Debit delivery service to benefit from these cards. The user will be able to log into the Hive Debit website and tap the NFC card with their mobile device in order to program the card.
The goal is that by the end of the funding period, Hive Debit code will be provided fully open source so that anyone can program their own card technology and improve on the one tap payment standard on Hive that we have made.
Repayment
If Hive Debit becomes profitable via card sales and sales of other financial service products, it shall pay back all of the funds to the DHF obtained as part of this and any future funding kindly provided by the Hive community.
Objectives
The purpose of this DHF proposal is to secure funding for the continued development, expansion, and adoption of Hive Debit. Key objectives include:
Enhancing NFC payment functionality: Enabling direct payments from Hive to Hive and HBD to HBD and also implementing Hive > HBD and HBD > Hive transactions to increase flexibility within the ecosystem.
Creating a Hive Debit landing website: A portal where users can order NFC cards, manage their accounts, and top up their balances.
Expanding compatibility to iOS: Researching and implementing alternative NFC solutions for iPhone users.
Enabling Lightning payments: Implementing Hive > Lightning and HBD > Lightning transactions to increase cross-network usability.
Developing merchant tools: Creating a user-friendly Point of Sale (POS) interface accessible via URL to facilitate merchant adoption.
Scaling Hive Debit for global adoption: Setting up a secure card production and distribution network to onboard new users efficiently.
Integration of a decentralized conversion mechanism: Automating Hive to HBD conversion to enhance liquidity and usability.
Promoting adoption through sponsorship and events: Distributing pre-funded Hive Debit cards at conferences and meetups to drive adoption.
Development Roadmap & Budget
Based on our structured implementation plan, the development will follow these phases:
Phase 1: NFC System Development & Testing
- Compatibility testing with Android POS terminals
- Security evaluation of NFC tag types
- Implementation of cryptographic authentication for secure NFC transactions
Phase 2: Landing Website
- Create a Landing Website where the users can learn about HiveDebit.
- Tap to program your own card or wearable
- Check Your HiveDebit Card Balance and Swap/Manage/Recharge it.
Phase 3: iOS Compatibility Research & Implementation
- Research on alternative NFC technology for iPhones
- Development of a complementary iOS application if required
- Web NFC technology evaluation
Phase 4: Lightning Payment Integration
- Development of a Lightning Network payment gateway
- Sandbox and production testing with Lightning nodes
- Automatic Hive > BTC conversion mechanism implementation
Phase 5: Hive to HBD Conversion Mechanism
- Implementation of a decentralized conversion system
- Testing across different scenarios to ensure reliability
- Integration with oracles for accurate conversion rates
Phase 6: Merchant & POS System Development
- Design and development of a simple, web-based POS system
- Receipt history and cashier tip functionality implementation
- Multi-currency and merchant-friendly UI design
Phase 7: Card Production, Packaging, & Distribution
- Secure packaging design to prevent NFC tampering
- Pre-loading mechanism for pre-funded Hive Debit cards
- Establishing shipping hubs to enable regional distribution
Phase 8: Event & Sponsorship Initiatives
- Providing Hive Debit cards at major blockchain events
- Sponsoring Hive adoption at conferences through NFC-powered payments
- User education and marketing campaigns
Schedule
Hive Debit is projected to take between 7 and 12 months, however, being new technology, this is not guaranteed.
Resources Chart and hours burned charts:
Community Benefits
Hive Debit is a crucial step in enhancing Hive’s real-world utility and adoption. By integrating NFC payments with Hive and HBD, it makes blockchain-based transactions as seamless as traditional banking systems while maintaining decentralization and privacy. The project aligns with Hive’s core values by promoting:
- Increased Hive & HBD adoption: Encouraging merchants and users to transact using Hive’s ecosystem.
- Borderless financial inclusion: Offering a decentralized payment solution without restrictions.
- Security & autonomy: Users retain full control over their funds without third-party access or intervention.
- Real-world application: Providing a practical and scalable alternative to centralized payment systems.
Total Budget Requested: $50,000
The funding will ensure that Hive Debit achieves full functionality, scalability, and merchant adoption while keeping transactions 100% decentralized, feeless, and secure.