Just-In-Time (JIT) channels

JIT channels are virtual LN channels hosted by a service provider. When the first payment to the channel is received, the service provider creates a funding transaction and adds the payment to it, creating a normal channel. This allows new user to begin receiving funds over LN immediately.

JIT channels should not be confused with JIT routing, which is a technique for rebalancing existing channels to allow accepting payments that might naively need to be rejected.

Primary code and documentation

• LSPS2: JIT channel negotiation

Optech newsletter and website mentions

2026

• Public fraud proof proposal to improve incentives for just-in-time channels

2024

• BLIPs #25 allows accepting underfunded HTLCs in support of JIT channel creation

2023

• LDK #2715 allows accepting underfunded HTLCs in support of JIT channel creation
• LDK #2319 allows underfunding HTLCs in support of JIT channel creation
• Proposal to extend BOLT11 invoices to allow requesting prepayment for submarine swaps
• Request for feedback on proposed specifications for LSPs, including LSPS2: JIT channels

2022

• LDK #1835 adds a SCID namespace for intercepted HTLCs allowing LSPs to open a JIT channel

  
  

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