Getting started.
For SatsRail to work, your merchant client needs one thing first: a Lightning node. We recommend Alby Hub Cloud.
Your Merchant Sets Up Alby Hub Cloud
SatsRail is non-custodial — payments go directly to the merchant's own Lightning node. Before anything else, the merchant needs to set up that node. The simplest option is Alby Hub Cloud: a managed, always-on Lightning node for $9/month. No hardware, no uptime worries, no command line.
- Always online — never miss a payment
- Managed updates and backups
- The merchant owns the keys; Alby just runs the server
- Connects to SatsRail with one click
Self-hosting is also an option — same software, free, but the merchant has to keep it online 24/7. Details on the setup page.
Your Merchant Invites You
Once the node is connected, the merchant goes to Team → Invite Member in their SatsRail dashboard, enters your email, and selects the Accountant role. You'll get an invitation email with a secure link.
Invitations expire after 7 days. The merchant can resend at any time.
You're In — Read-Only Access
Click the invitation link, create an account (or sign in if you already have one), and you'll land on the merchant's dashboard. The Accountant role is read-only by design — full visibility into what matters, zero ability to move money or change settings.
You can
- View dashboard, orders, invoices, payments
- Run settlement, tax, and reconciliation reports
- Export to QuickBooks, Xero, or CSV
You cannot
- Create orders, invoices, or move funds
- Change wallets, settings, or API keys
- Invite or remove team members
Tell Your Client
The fastest path is: set up Alby Hub Cloud, sign up for SatsRail, invite you.