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Bitcoin ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) let users buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC) with cash, with relative anonymity. They are a great way for you to transform that fiat cash in your bank account into Bitcoin. Bitcoin ATMs provide one of the last remaining opportunities to buy Bitcoin anonymously, with the main downside being the higher-than-average transaction fees. In this guide, we’ll cover the different Bitcoin ATMs around, their pros and cons, and also show you how to find a Bitcoin ATM near you.
Bitcoin ATMs: Summary
Bitcoin ATMs, also known as BTMs, are machines that accept cash and dispense Bitcoin in return. Some ATMs also buy Bitcoin from you and dispense cash in return.
Due to their anonymous nature, most Bitcoin ATMs have strict buying limits, with some even requiring a KYC process. Here are the top Bitcoin ATMs around:
What is a Bitcoin ATM?
A Bitcoin ATM acts like a physical Bitcoin exchange where you can buy and sell Bitcoin with cash. The world’s first Bitcoin ATM was opened on October 29, 2013, at Waves Coffee Shop in Vancouver, Canada.
Bitcoin ATMs often consist of a scanner, a cash dispenser, and a computer to manage the transactions.
How Bitcoin ATMs Work?
Bitcoin is dispensed either to the buyer’s own Bitcoin wallet (via scanned QR code on the buyer’s mobile device or paper wallet) or to a paper wallet generated and printed by the ATM at the time of purchase.
The price of the purchase is dependent on the current Bitcoin exchange rate, which the ATM retrieves from the internet in real-time. An additional percentage fee is charged by the ATM for the service, which is also factored into the price. All that’s left to do is to withdraw your Bitcoin to a cryptocurrency wallet. Speaking of crypto wallets, make sure to check out our list of the best cryptocurrency wallets out there.
Do Bitcoin ATMs Give Cash?
Some BTMs work both ways, meaning they can dispense Bitcoin in exchange for cash, and they can also dispense cash in exchange for Bitcoin. That means some ATMS allow you to both buy Bitcoin using your fiat while also allowing you to sell your Bitcoin and withdraw cash. However, most models work only for buying Bitcoin.
How Much Fee do Bitcoin ATMs Charge?
Bitcoin ATMs typically charge fees in the range of about 10–25% per transaction. Many machines cluster around 12–15%, though fees can climb higher (or be lower) depending on the operator, payment method, and location. Always check the rate displayed on the screen before you proceed
The Evolution of Bitcoin ATMs: Trends, Risks, and Things to Keep an Eye On
Bitcoin ATMs have undergone major changes over the past few years, and in 2026, the industry is shifting faster than ever. With growing global adoption, tightening regulations, and new hardware capabilities, BTMs continue to expand as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.
International Growth and Regulation
As of late 2026, there are over 31,000–34,000 active crypto ATMs worldwide, depending on where you get your information. Although the number has fluctuated due to regulatory crackdowns and operator consolidation, North America still hosts roughly 85–90% of all BTMs, with the United States remaining the dominant market.
Regulation is the biggest driver of recent change:
- The U.S., U.K., EU, and Canada have introduced stricter compliance rules, pushing operators toward full KYC/AML verification for most transactions.
- Some regions now require facial verification, ID scans, or phone verification before purchasing crypto.
- In contrast, parts of Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia still offer more lenient systems, with certain machines allowing low-value cash-to-crypto purchases with minimal verification.
The result is a global patchwork of compliance: some machines operate with full regulatory oversight, while others maintain lighter verification thresholds depending on local laws.
Fee Flexibility and Openness
Bitcoin ATM fees remain on the higher end, but they have become more transparent and flexible:
- Typical fees range from 8–12%, though some premium locations may exceed that range.
- Highly competitive areas, such as major U.S. cities (Miami, NYC, LA), may offer fees as low as 6–8%, especially where several operators compete nearby.
- Smaller towns or independently run machines often charge higher premiums, sometimes over 15%, due to convenience and limited alternatives.
Most machines now display full fee breakdowns on-screen before confirming a transaction, including any network fees, spread, and service charges. Users are encouraged to carefully review these disclosures to avoid surprises.
Card Transactions vs. Cash
A notable trend in 2026 is the rise of card-enabled Bitcoin ATMs, with more machines supporting:
- Debit card purchases
- Credit card purchases (less common due to issuer restrictions)
- NFC-enabled payments such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet (in select markets)
Card-based BTMs are expanding fastest in countries moving toward cashless economies, such as parts of Europe and East Asia. Although convenient, they typically carry higher fees because card processors add extra costs and risk-management layers.
Cash purchases remain the most common and often cheapest option, but the shift toward card-capable machines is accelerating as regulations and payment preferences change.
Improved Capabilities
Modern ATMs are small-scale onramps that have evolved beyond push-button kiosks to include QR code deposits, rapid withdrawals, live exchange rates, and occasionally support for local fiat networks or stablecoins.
Risks of Fraud and Security
Users should be aware that Bitcoin ATMs in areas with a high volume of tourists or inadequate security may be vulnerable to skimming or tampering attempts. Use only BTMs located in reliable establishments, such as banks or trustworthy retail partners.
How to Use a Crypto ATM
While each BTC ATM is different, the buying process in all of them is the same:
- Choose Buy Bitcoin
- Scan the QR code of your Bitcoin address with the BTM scanner
- Depending on the ATM and jurisdiction, you may need to provide identification
- Enter the amount you want to purchase
- Insert cash into the BTM
- Wait for the machine to process the transaction
- Check your Bitcoin wallet for the transaction confirmation
The process of selling Bitcoin to a BTC ATM is much more diverse and depends on the specific BTM; however, these machines are pretty intuitive to use, so just follow the instructions on the screen.
Best Bitcoin ATMs
Nowadays, there are quite a few reputable Bitcoin ATM machine operators out there, meaning there are plenty of options to choose from.
General Bytes
General Bytes, a Czech-based company, is the world’s largest Bitcoin, blockchain, and cryptocurrency ATM manufacturer. The company has sold over 13,300 machines in over 143 countries.
Their crypto ATM machines support over 180 different fiat currencies and over 40 different cryptocurrencies. The company manufactures three main BTM models:
BATMTwo
The BATMTwo is their most popular model and is designed to be securely mounted on a wall or optional stand. It supports only buying cryptocurrencies and has a built-in finger scanner for AML/KYC compliance. The BATMTwo costs around $3,649 for the one-way (buy-only) model without a stand, offering a compact design with a 10-inch screen, and featuring remote management for operators.
There are also two updated versions of the BATMTwo, the BATMTwoPro ($5,199) and BATMTwoUltra ($5,299). The BATMTwo has a larger screen and updated banknote validators to flawlessly identify fake and damaged notes. The BATMTwoUltra is a more compact version of the BATMTwo but also offers bi-directional transactions, meaning that it can convert cash to crypto as well as convert crypto to cash.
BATMThree
The BATMThree has an updated design, a 23″ FullHD display, and is a fully-mounted BTM. This Bitcoin ATM offers both buying and selling of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Unlike the BATMTwo, this model can also issue users an NFC card that contains a private key, which they can use later to send or receive Bitcoin by placing the card on the NFC reader. The BATMTHREE costs around $6,899.
BATMFour
The BATMFour is the latest model from General Bytes, matching all of the BATMThree’s features in a new design. It allows both the buying and selling of cryptocurrency, plus the option of individual configuration, and retails for $7,399.
Genesis Coin
Genesis Coin Inc., based in San Diego, US, is the second most popular Bitcoin ATM machine manufacturer. The company supplies three different BTM models:
Genesis1
A 2-way Bitcoin ATM (buy and sell) packed with additional features such as a bill validator, barcode scanner, EMV card reader, fingerprint reader (optional), and a thermal printer. The Gensis1 costs $14,500.
Satoshi1
The Satoshi1 comes in both a 1-way and 2-way model. This machine is much smaller than the Genesis1 and has a 21’’ screen, a high-definition camera, and an optional fingerprint scanner. The Satoshi1 costs $7,380, with additional costs of around $2,100 if a cash dispenser is required. 
Finney3
The Finney3 is the newest and smallest BTM from Genesis Coin. This 1-way BTM has a 21’’ screen and similar features as the Satoshi1, only it’s smaller and should be mounted due to its size. The Finney3 costs $4,500.
Lamassu
Lamassu, a Swiss company, is the oldest Bitcoin machine manufacturer around (since 2013). Lamassu machines are open-source and support Bitcoin, Zcash, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Monero, and Dash. You can add additional coins manually if needed. Lamassu has four different Bitcoin ATM models:
Tejo
The latest BTM machine model from Lamassu, the Tejo, is designed for simplicity and elegance with its steel construction. This BTM comes as a 1-way (€6,700) or 2-way (€8,500).
Gaia
Designed to be wall-mounted or table-mounted and weighing only 25 kgs, Gaia can fit into a flight case. Gaia is a buy-only BTC ATM machine, and it costs €4,400.
Aveiro
Aveiro provides high-end performance while fitting into the tightest of spaces. Sporting a high-end recycler, it processes 50 notes at once, at a speed of 3 notes per second. It holds up to three recycling cassettes of 120 notes each, up to two 500 note load boxes, and one 1,500 note cashbox. The price is €15,500.
Grândola
Armed with a bank-grade recycler, it can process a commanding stack of 200 notes at a time at 8 notes per second. It has four recycling cassettes that can hold 2,800 notes each and one 2,500 note cashbox. That’s an unrivaled total of 13,700 notes. The Grândola is in a league of its own in the realm of Bitcoin ATMs and costs €32,200.
All Bitcoin ATM Manufacturers
There are more than 20 crypto ATM manufacturers, and counting. Here’s a list of some of them:
- General Bytes
- Genesis Coin
- Lamassu
- BitAccess
- Covault
- Coinme
- Bytefederal
- zzBit
- wBTCb
- Bcash Greece Inc
- Intellogate
- BitTeller
- Bitstop
- ChainBytes
- Bitnovo
- Trovemat
- Open Bitcoin ATM
- CryptoMatic ATM
- CryptoGo
- BitOcean
Bitcoin ATM Near Me
Here’s a complete list of Bitcoin ATMs around the world, courtesy of CoinATMRadar. That website will even show you the Bitcoin ATM operators that run each ATM on the map. Just check out the nearest crypto ATM locations. CoinATMRadar makes finding a crypto ATM near you super easy.
If you are in the US, try out one of Coinflip’s ATMs that currently offers 10% off transaction fees when you use the promo code “99BTC”.
The map also allows you to search for Altcoin ATMs if you want to buy/sell other cryptos. Every crypto ATM takes a commission from each trade; the amount varies from one device to another, so make sure you’re aware of the fees that are usually stated on the machine.
Regulations for Operating a Bitcoin ATM in the US
Below are four key elements around which you can build your compliance strategy before launching a Bitcoin ATM:
Research money transmitter requirements in the state of operation
It’s important to understand that some states are friendlier to cryptocurrency ATMs or crypto in general than others. This could mean the difference between a comprehensive and costly state licensure process and an exemption under state money transmitter law.
The differences are vast, and they are ever-changing. States continue to evolve their application of existing and antiquated money transmission laws.
As of September 2020, 49 states share unified regulations for cryptocurrency firms so as to accommodate Bitcoin companies.
That said, it’s vital to understand the requirements in your state. You can check the latest laws that apply to your specific state here.
Register as a money services business (MSB) with FinCEN
It might be difficult to believe, but registering with FinCEN, the nation’s top money laundering watchdog, might be the easiest compliance task. It’s a “check-the-box” activity. Indeed, in contrast to the permission-based state licensure process, at the federal level, entities merely register with FinCEN via an online portal.
The process can typically be completed in under an hour. While registering with FinCEN is a simple exercise, it comes with much responsibility. By checking the boxes, so to speak, you are agreeing to be regulated by FinCEN and thus to meet certain requirements to the satisfaction of regulators.
This includes, among other things, registering at the state-level, if applicable: Developing and implementing an anti-money laundering (AML) program, retaining certain transactional information, and reporting suspicious activity and transactions over $10,000.
Implement an anti-money laundering (AML) program
FinCEN regulation requires the implementation of a written AML program. An effective AML program is one designed to prevent your Bitcoin ATM from being used to facilitate money laundering activities. Each AML program must be in writing and address, at a minimum, the “four pillars” as follows:
- Incorporate policies, procedures, and internal controls reasonably designed to assure compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)
- Designate a compliance officer responsible for day-to-day compliance with the BSA and AML program.
- Provide ongoing, targeted training to appropriate personnel concerning their responsibilities under the AML program.
- Provide for an independent review or audit of your AML program on an annual basis, at a minimum.
Test your AML program
Start by running some sample transactions from your Bitcoin wallet through the terminal(s). Be sure to test your thresholds to ensure that proper KYC requirements are triggered, as well as any “red flag” indicators of potentially suspicious or unusual activity.
Be sure to confirm that customer and transaction information is properly obtained and recorded. In so doing, document your findings, especially any subsequent changes to your AML program as a result of this testing.
Conclusion
Bitcoin ATMs are a very convenient way to buy and even sell Bitcoin very quickly, and, potentially, anonymously. While most BTMs operate more or less the same way, it’s always recommended to check for the fees on the BTM you’re planning to use.
See also:
FAQs
How do Bitcoin ATMs work?
Bitcoin is dispensed to the buyer’s wallet at the time of purchase. The price of the purchase is dependent on the current Bitcoin price.
Do Bitcoin ATMs give cash?
Only some Bitcoin ATMs work both ways, meaning they can dispense Bitcoin in exchange for cash, and they can also dispense cash in exchange for Bitcoin.
How much fee do Bitcoin ATMs charge?
Bitcoin ATMs charge an average fee of 15%. However, this will differ from to ATM to another, therefore be sure to check the fees before using them.
How to use a Bitcoin ATM?
Usually, you’re required to pay cash and show a QR code with your Bitcoin wallet addres,s which will need to be scanned for the ATM to send the purchased amount of BTC to your wallet.
Is there a Bitcoin ATM near me?
Check out Bitcoins machine locations at CoinATMRadar.
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