How to locate and use a Bitcoin ATM to buy and sell bitcoin with cash
Using a Bitcoin ATM is one of several ways to buy and sell bitcoin. For an overview and comparison of the ways to buy bitcoin, please see this article. For ways to sell bitcoin, please see this article.
Table of Contents
Buying bitcoin from a Bitcoin ATM
There are three steps to buy bitcoin from a Bitcoin ATM:
Step 1: Get a Bitcoin wallet
When you purchase bitcoin, you need a place to store it. A Bitcoin wallet is a digital tool that allows users to store, send, and receive bitcoin securely. Creating a Bitcoin wallet is as easy as installing an app, like the Bitcoin.com Wallet app, on your mobile device or laptop/desktop. When you install the app, your Bitcoin wallet is automatically created. You can then receive bitcoin to your wallet immediately, store it safely, and use it as you please. Read more about Bitcoin wallets and how to use them here.
Step 2: Find a Bitcoin ATM near you
There are over 35,000 Bitcoin ATMs globally. Most of them are in the United States, and there are some countries and regions that don’t have Bitcoin ATMs. You can use this tool to help you find a Bitcoin ATM near you.
Step 3: Buy bitcoin from the ATM
The process for buying bitcoin from an ATM is typically something like this:
- Enter the amount to purchase. Depending on local regulations and the amount you are purchasing, you may be required to verify your identity.
- Provide your Bitcoin wallet address. You will do this by using the Bitcoin ATM’s camera to scan the QR code of your Bitcoin wallet address that is displayed in your Bitcoin wallet app. Read more about how to find your Bitcoin wallet address here.
- Pay. In addition to cash, you may be able to pay with credit card, payment app, etc.
- Receive the bitcoin in your Bitcoin wallet. This generally takes a few minutes. The Bitcoin ATM will provide you with a transaction ID that you can use to monitor the status of the purchase. You will see a confirmation in your Bitcoin wallet app when you have received the bitcoin.
Selling bitcoin for cash at a Bitcoin ATM
The process for selling bitcoin for cash at a Bitcoin ATM is typically something like this:
- Enter the amount to sell. Depending on local regulations and the amount you are selling, you may be required to verify your identity.
- Send bitcoin to the provided address. The Bitcoin ATM will generate a Bitcoin address for your transaction. You can scan the QR code of the provided address and send the bitcoin to that address using your Bitcoin wallet app. Learn how to securely send bitcoin here.
- Take your cash. Once the Bitcoin ATM receives the bitcoin, it will dispense your cash. This generally takes a few minutes, and you can monitor the status of the transaction using your Bitcoin wallet app.
Advantages and disadvantages of using Bitcoin ATMs to buy and sell bitcoin
The main advantages are:
- Speed/Convenience. For small amounts, you may be able to buy/sell quickly and without verifying your identity. This is particularly relevant when it comes to selling bitcoin for cash. With a Bitcoin ATM, you can receive cash in minutes. With other options, it generally takes 1-3 days to receive the money in your bank account.
- Using cash. Besides face-to-face transactions, Bitcoin ATMs are the only way to buy and sell Bitcoin using physical cash notes.
The main disadvantages are:
- Fees. Bitcoin ATMs generally charge higher fees than other buy/sell options. Fees are in the range of 5-15% of the purchase/sale amount.
- Limits. Bitcoin ATMs typically have lower maximums for the amount you can buy or sell at one time.
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