How to Use a Bitcoin ATM
A step-by-step guide for first-time users. Learn how to buy and sell Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM kiosk, what identification you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What You'll Need
Gather these four items before heading to a Bitcoin ATM. Having everything ready will make your first transaction quick and straightforward.
Mobile Phone
Needed for SMS verification and to display your Bitcoin wallet QR code. Most ATMs send a one-time code to your phone number.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Required for transactions above $250–$500. A driver's license, state ID, or passport works. Some ATMs scan the barcode; others photograph the front.
Cash (US Dollars)
Bitcoin ATMs accept paper bills only — no coins, no cards at most machines. Bring the exact amount you want to spend. Bills are fed into the machine one at a time.
Bitcoin Wallet Address
A QR code from your Bitcoin wallet app (Coinbase, Cash App, Trust Wallet, etc.). If you don't have a wallet yet, some ATMs can create a paper wallet for you.
How to Buy Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM
The buying process takes about 2–5 minutes at the machine. Bitcoin typically arrives in your wallet within 10–30 minutes after you confirm.
Find a Bitcoin ATM Near You
Use our Bitcoin ATM locator map to find the closest machine. The map shows every active Bitcoin ATM in the United States with real-time operator information, hours, and supported transaction types. Filter by operator if you have a preference, or sort by distance to find the nearest option.
Select "Buy Bitcoin" on the ATM Screen
Walk up to the ATM and tap the touchscreen to begin. Select "Buy Bitcoin" (or "Purchase BTC" depending on the operator). Some ATMs also support other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Litecoin, or Bitcoin Cash — make sure you select the correct one.
Verify Your Identity
Enter your mobile phone number on the ATM keypad. You will receive an SMS with a one-time verification code — type it in to continue. For transactions above $250–$500 (limits vary by operator and state), the ATM will ask you to scan your government-issued photo ID and may require a selfie photo for facial verification.
Scan Your Bitcoin Wallet QR Code
Open your Bitcoin wallet app on your phone and navigate to "Receive" to display your wallet's QR code. Hold your phone screen up to the ATM's scanner. The ATM will read the address and display it on screen for confirmation. Double-check that the address matches your wallet before proceeding.
Insert Cash Into the Bill Acceptor
Feed US dollar bills into the machine one at a time. The screen updates with a running total of the cash inserted and the estimated amount of Bitcoin you will receive (after fees). You can insert more bills to increase the amount, or stop at any time to proceed with the current total.
Confirm the Transaction and Receive Bitcoin
Review the transaction summary on screen: the amount of cash inserted, the fee percentage, the exchange rate, and the amount of Bitcoin you will receive. Press "Confirm" or "Buy" to complete the purchase. The ATM will print a receipt with a transaction ID. Bitcoin is broadcast to the network immediately and typically arrives in your wallet within 10–30 minutes.
How to Sell Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM
Selling Bitcoin for cash works in reverse. The process involves sending Bitcoin from your wallet to the ATM's address and collecting cash once the transaction confirms.
Not all Bitcoin ATMs support selling. Only two-way ATMs dispense cash. Roughly 30–40% of Bitcoin ATMs in the US are two-way machines. Check the ATM listing on our locator map to confirm a specific machine supports selling before making a trip.
Find a Two-Way Bitcoin ATM
Use our ATM locator and filter for ATMs that support selling. Two-way ATMs are less common than buy-only machines, so you may need to travel farther. Confirm the ATM has cash available — some machines run out between servicing cycles.
Select "Sell Bitcoin" on the ATM Screen
Tap the screen and choose the "Sell Bitcoin" (or "Redeem BTC") option. Enter the dollar amount you want to receive in cash. The ATM will calculate the amount of Bitcoin you need to send, including the operator's fee.
Verify Your Identity
The same verification process applies to selling. Enter your phone number for SMS verification. For larger amounts, you will need to scan your photo ID. Some operators require full KYC for all sell transactions regardless of amount.
Send Bitcoin to the ATM's Address
The ATM will display a QR code representing its receiving address. Open your Bitcoin wallet app, select "Send," scan the ATM's QR code, and send the exact amount of Bitcoin shown on screen. Confirm the transaction in your wallet.
Wait for Blockchain Confirmations
The ATM needs to verify your Bitcoin transaction on the blockchain before dispensing cash. This typically requires 1–3 confirmations, which takes approximately 10–30 minutes. Some operators allow you to leave and return with a redemption code; others require you to wait at the machine.
Collect Your Cash
Once the required confirmations are received, the ATM dispenses your cash. Count the bills and collect your printed receipt. The receipt serves as your transaction record — keep it for your records and for any potential tax reporting purposes.
Understanding Bitcoin ATM Fees
Bitcoin ATM fees are higher than online exchanges because operators must cover hardware, cash logistics, rent, compliance, and licensing costs.
The fee is calculated as a percentage of your transaction amount and is included in the exchange rate shown on the ATM screen. For example, if Bitcoin is trading at $60,000 and the ATM charges a 20% fee, you would receive Bitcoin at an effective rate of $72,000 per BTC — meaning $100 in cash buys approximately $80 worth of Bitcoin at market price.
Fees vary by operator, location, and sometimes by transaction size. Some operators offer lower fees for larger transactions or for customers who create accounts. The fee is always displayed before you confirm the transaction — never insert cash without reviewing the rate first.
Compare operator feesTransaction Limits
How much you can buy or sell depends on the level of identity verification you complete. Higher limits require more identification.
Safety Tips
Bitcoin ATMs are a frequent target for scammers who trick victims into sending money. Protect yourself by following these guidelines.
Government Agencies Never Request Bitcoin Payments
The IRS, Social Security Administration, law enforcement, and utility companies will never ask you to make a payment via Bitcoin ATM. If someone claims you owe money and directs you to a Bitcoin ATM, it is a scam. Hang up immediately.
Never Send Bitcoin to Someone You Don't Know
Once Bitcoin is sent, the transaction cannot be reversed. There is no chargeback, no dispute process, and no bank to call. If someone you met online, on the phone, or through social media asks you to send Bitcoin to their wallet address, do not comply.
Be Suspicious of Anyone Directing You to a Bitcoin ATM
Romance scams, tech support scams, and impersonation scams commonly instruct victims to withdraw cash from their bank and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not operate this way. If someone is coaching you through a Bitcoin ATM transaction, stop and call a trusted friend or family member.
Check the Fee Before Inserting Cash
The ATM screen displays the current exchange rate and fee before you insert any money. Compare this to the market price of Bitcoin (check on your phone) to understand exactly how much you are paying in fees. If the rate seems unreasonable, try a different operator.
Only Send to Your Own Wallet
When buying Bitcoin, always scan your own wallet's QR code. Never scan a QR code provided by someone else, printed on a flyer, or sent to you via text message. Sending Bitcoin to someone else's address means you have given them your money irreversibly.