Published on March 18, 2020, updated on May 29, 2025.

Once considered a novelty, Bitcoin ATMs have quickly become mainstream. You can now find these sleek machines in gas stations, shopping malls, and convenience stores around the world. They are quietly changing how people buy, sell, and use cryptocurrency by making exchanging cash for digital money easier.

As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, Bitcoin ATMs are helping more people access the crypto world without the hassle of online exchanges.

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Key takeaways

• According to Coin ATM Radar, over 40,000 Bitcoin ATMs operate worldwide, most of them in the United States.
• Many modern Bitcoin ATMs allow users to sell Bitcoin directly for cash. This means you can scan your wallet’s QR code, send Bitcoin to the ATM operator, and receive some money dispensed immediately, eliminating the need to first sell coins on an online exchange or transfer funds through a bank.
• Most Bitcoin ATMs charge around a 5–25%transaction fee, significantly higher than online exchanges.

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What is a Bitcoin ATM?

A Bitcoin ATM (or BTM) might look like your everyday cash machine, but it does more than dispense paper bills. Instead of only dealing in dollars or euros, these machines let you buy or sell Bitcoin (and sometimes other cryptocurrencies) using cash or a debit card. It’s a simple, real-world gateway into crypto. It is perfect for folks who:

• Find online exchanges too complicated 
• Prefer a quick, hands-on option.
• Want instant access to crypto or fiat

💡The first Bitcoin ATM, or BTM, popped up in 2013.

What are the types of Bitcoin ATMs?

1. One-way ATMs (Buy Only)

One-way ATMs do precisely what the name suggests: they let you buy cryptocurrency, and that’s it. No selling, no swapping. It’s just a way to turn your cash into digital coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.

You’ll usually spot these machines in busy malls, gas stations, or transportation hubs. Using one is pretty simple. Feed in your cash, choose your crypto, and scan your wallet’s QR code (or type it in if you feel old-school). Your crypto lands in your wallet a few minutes later, and you’re done.

These machines are convenient for people just getting started with crypto. There is no need to mess with online exchanges, create accounts, or connect bank info; just tap a few buttons, and go. That said, convenience comes at a cost. 

One-way ATMs typically charge higher fees than online platforms, and of course, you can’t sell your crypto back at the same machine.

Still, one-way ATMs offer a solid starting point for those who like handling physical cash or want a low-barrier entry into the digital currency. 

Think of them as a stepping stone. They are simple, accessible, and surprisingly effective at bridging the gap between old-school money and the crypto frontier.

2. One-way ATMs (Sell only)

Sell-Only ATMs are the flip side of Buy-Only machines. Instead of converting cash into crypto, they let you do the reverse. 

You can trade your digital coins for cold, hard cash. They’re ideal for folks who want to offload some crypto quickly without jumping through the hoops of an exchange or haggling on a peer-to-peer platform.

You’ll usually find these machines in the same types of places as their buy-only cousins. They include airports, shopping centers, and busy downtown areas. 

Using one is pretty straightforward: choose the “Sell” option, enter how much crypto you want to offload, and send it to the wallet address shown on the screen (typically a QR code). 

Once the transaction clears on the blockchain, the machine hands over the equivalent amount in cash, minus fees.

These ATMs are especially appealing if you’re in a hurry or prefer to keep things low-profile. They often skip the heavy ID checks you’d find on most exchanges. 

That said, the convenience does come at a cost. Fees can be steep, and since these machines only do one thing, you’ll need to find a different option if you’re also looking to buy crypto.

3. Two-way ATMs(buy and sell)

Two-way machines are the real MVPs if you’re looking for the most convenient option in the crypto ATM world. Also known as Bi-Directional ATMs, these versatile terminals let you buy and sell crypto all in one spot. 

No need to hunt down a second machine or log into an exchange just to reverse a transaction.

Like their one-way counterparts, these machines are found in high-traffic locations like shopping malls, airports, or busy downtown areas.

 The process is pretty much what you’d expect: insert cash to buy crypto or send crypto to the machine’s wallet to receive some money in return. It’s quick, straightforward, and less intimidating than setting up an account on a trading platform.

Two-way ATMs are especially helpful for people who want flexibility, such as grabbing some Bitcoin one day and cashing out the next. 

While the fees can vary (and yes, they can be steep), the convenience often makes up for it. Plus, as crypto becomes more mainstream, these machines are popping up in more places, making it easier for everyday users to interact with digital currencies without diving deep into DeFi.

4. Bitcoin debit card ATMs: Spend crypto like cash

Here’s a handy twist on the typical crypto ATM. Some machines now support Bitcoin debit cards, letting you withdraw cash straight from your crypto balance—no need to sell coins online or transfer funds through a bank first. For travelers or anyone who prefers to use crypto on the go, it’s a pretty smooth setup.

As more of these “crypto ATMs” roll out, they’re changing how people interact with their digital assets. Sure, more businesses are starting to accept Bitcoin directly. But let’s be real, it’s still not as easy as swiping a card at the grocery store. That’s where these ATMs shine. They turn crypto into cash on the spot, skipping the usual juggling of exchanges, transfers, and wait times.

Think of them as a physical shortcut to spending your crypto in the real world. They are quick, practical, and getting easier to find.

How does a Bitcoin ATM work?

Using a Bitcoin ATM is straightforward, but there are a few things to remember before diving in. 

First, check the current Bitcoin price. These machines often charge a fee, which can vary more than you’d think. 

Most BTMs charge 5–25%. They are still not cheap, but they are definitely better than they used to be. 

Most machines show the fee right on the screen, so read the fine print before you hit “confirm.”

If you’re selling Bitcoin to get cash, the ATM will typically ask you to scan a QR code with your wallet app. The machine spits out your money once the transaction goes through on the blockchain. Some older machines might still offer a paper wallet option, but those are becoming pretty rare.

And yes, ID requirements are a thing now. Most modern BTMs follow Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules, especially for larger transactions. 

That might mean uploading a photo ID or verifying your phone number. It’s not the Wild West anymore, but it’s much faster than setting up an exchange account.

1. How to buy Bitcoin at an ATM 

Buying Bitcoin at an ATM sounds high-tech, but the process is surprisingly easy. Most machines walk you through it. While each model has its quirks, here’s the general flow:

1. Choose “Buy BTC“: Tap the option to purchase Bitcoin on the ATM screen.
2. Scan your wallet: Use your phone to scan your QR code. That tells the machine where to send your Bitcoin.
3. Enter the amount: Decide how much BTC you want to buy. Some machines work in dollar amounts, others in crypto values.
4. Insert cash:  Feed your bills into the machine. It’ll calculate how much Bitcoin you have (minus the fees).
5. Confirm the transaction:  Double-check the details, hit confirm, and let the machine do it. The blockchain may take a few minutes to process it.
6. Check your wallet balance:  Open your wallet app and make sure your Bitcoin has arrived. It’ll usually show up quickly, but blockchain confirmations can cause slight delays.

2. Selling Bitcoin for cash at an ATM

Selling is more involved but still very doable. Not every machine supports it, so it helps to check the ATM model or provider beforehand. 

Sites like Coin ATM Radar are great for finding local machines and seeing what they support (buying, selling, fees, limits).

If the machine does support selling, here’s how it usually works:

• Choose “Sell BTC” on the screen.
• Enter the amount you want to sell.
• The machine gives you a wallet address (usually as a QR code).
• You send the Bitcoin from your wallet to that address.
• Once the blockchain confirms the transaction, the machine spits out your cash.

Some machines give you a redemption code while the network confirms the transaction, so you don’t have to stand around waiting. Either way, just follow the on-screen instructions. They’re usually pretty clear.

Final thoughts: Bitcoin ATMs: A bridge to financial access.

Bitcoin ATMs aren’t just a neat convenience. They are a real game-changer for bringing cryptocurrency into the hands of everyday people. Especially in places where banks are few and far between, these machines are helping open the door to financial services for millions who might otherwise be left out.

These aren’t just standalone gadgets; they often tie into local payment systems and peer-to-peer markets, making sending remittances, buying goods, or cashing out easier. They do all this while boosting local economies.

Since the first Bitcoin ATM appeared in 2013, the landscape has exploded. Today, tens of thousands of these machines buzz around the globe, and their role keeps growing. With clearer rules, more interest from big players, and businesses warming up to digital payments, Bitcoin ATMs are becoming as familiar as your corner coffee shop.

These physical touchpoints perfectly bridge old-school money and the crypto future.

Bitcoin ATM FAQs

Do Bitcoin ATMs only support Bitcoin?

Not always. While Bitcoin is the most common option, depending on the provider, many ATMs also support other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Tether (USDT).

Do I need an ID to use a Bitcoin ATM?

It depends on the machine and the transaction amount. Most modern Bitcoin ATMs follow KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules. For small transactions, some machines require only a phone number; larger ones may ask for photo ID verification.

How long does a Bitcoin ATM transaction take?

Most transactions are processed within a few minutes, though it can take longer depending on network congestion. Selling Bitcoin typically takes longer due to blockchain confirmation times.

Can I reverse a Bitcoin ATM transaction?

No. Like most blockchain transactions, Bitcoin ATM transactions are irreversible. Always double-check your wallet address and amount before confirming.

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