ZachXBT Corrects Ethereum: Proton Accepts Bitcoin, Not Ether
On July 4, investigator ZachXBT corrected Ethereum’s X post, saying Proton accepts bitcoin, not ether, for subscription payments.
On July 4, on-chain investigator ZachXBT replied to a post by Ethereum’s official X account, saying Proton accepts bitcoin rather than ether for subscription payments. The reply included a screenshot and was posted publicly on X.
In a direct reply, ZachXBT wrote on X: “Proton does not currently accept Ethereum as payment option for subscriptions only Bitcoin.” The message was posted without additional commentary.
Proton’s support documentation confirms bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency option for subscriptions. The company instructs users to select bitcoin at checkout, scan a QR code or copy a BTC address, and wait for network confirmations, which can take up to 24 hours. Proton notes automatic renewal is not available for bitcoin payments and recommends sending funds at least 24 hours before a bill is due. The documentation also states the company does not accept Lightning or ERC-20 transfers for subscription fees.
In 2024 Proton launched a self-custodial wallet designed for bitcoin only. The Proton Wallet is available on the web, iOS and Android and does not support ether or ERC-20 tokens.
The exchange between ZachXBT and Ethereum drew attention because Proton is a prominent provider of encrypted email, cloud storage, password management and VPN services. Ethereum has recently emphasized privacy and payments in its public messaging. The Ethereum Foundation published a privacy commitment last year and lists payments adoption among priorities in its 2026 plans. There have also been recent staff departures at entities tied to the network.
ZachXBT has published forensic research this year tracing stolen funds and examining token distributions. His recent work includes analysis alleging a high insider concentration of LAB tokens and questioning a $32 million incident involving Humanity Protocol.
Proton’s bitcoin-based checkout is manual and slower than automated card or fiat renewals because of on-chain confirmation times. The company’s guidance to send bitcoin at least a day before billing reflects those operational limits.
The exchange shows a public post about payments can be checked quickly by on-chain researchers and by consulting a company’s own support documentation.
The material on GNcrypto is intended solely for informational use and must not be regarded as financial advice. We make every effort to keep the content accurate and current, but we cannot warrant its precision, completeness, or reliability. GNcrypto does not take responsibility for any mistakes, omissions, or financial losses resulting from reliance on this information. Any actions you take based on this content are done at your own risk. Always conduct independent research and seek guidance from a qualified specialist. For further details, please review our Terms, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers.
Articles by this author
