Get sBTC

To participate in sBTC rewards programs, users first need to acquire sBTC—a Bitcoin-backed asset on the Stacks blockchain. Leather supports two primary ways to get sBTC: bridging BTC from Bitcoin using the decentralized sBTC protocol or swapping other tokens like STX or stablecoins through Stacks-based DeFi platforms. Both options are accessible directly within the Leather interface. Bridging requires available capacity and interaction with both Bitcoin and Stacks, while swapping lets you acquire sBTC using assets already on the L2 chain.

May 18, 2025

Acquiring sBTC is the first step toward participating in Bitcoin-native DeFi strategies on Stacks. With sBTC, users can earn yield in BTC, STX, sBTC, or other tokens by contributing to lending, liquidity, or staking programs across integrated apps.

Option 1: Bridge BTC to sBTC

The sBTC bridge allows you to lock BTC on the Bitcoin blockchain and receive an equal amount of sBTC on Stacks. This trust-minimized process is governed by decentralized signers and enables 1:1 minting of sBTC on Stacks and access to protocols like Zest, ALEX, and Velar for earning rewards.

In Leather, you bridge BTC to sBTC natively and monitor your sBTC minting and redeeming status.

Note that the bridge may temporarily hit capacity limits depending on network activity.

Option 2: Swap tokens for sBTC

If you already hold assets like STX or stablecoins on Stacks, you can swap directly for sBTC using DeFi protocols such as ALEX.

These swaps happen instantly via smart contracts and require no custodial handoff. Leather supports:

  • Selecting swap pairs (e.g., STX → sBTC)
  • Reviewing exchange rates and fees
  • Signing swap transactions from your wallet This method is ideal when bridging capacity is full or when you want to convert existing holdings without moving BTC from mainnet.

Disclaimer

Leather does not operate the sBTC bridge or token swap protocols. Users are responsible for reviewing all terms, pricing, and risks before initiating any transactions.