Crypto ATMs — also known as Bitcoin ATMs or BTMs — are now one of the fastest-growing ways to buy or sell cryptocurrency instantly using cash. By November 2025, more than 41,700 machines were active worldwide, with over 34,500 in the United States, handling billions of dollars every year. But they also come with serious risks, because scammers use them to steal more than $100 million a year, especially from older adults.
This guide gives you everything you need in one place: simple steps, easy explanations, current fees, supported coins, safety tips, and how to find a Bitcoin ATM near you without getting scammed.
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What Exactly Is a Crypto ATM?
A cryptocurrency ATM is a physical kiosk that lets you:
- Buy crypto with cash or debit card
- Sell crypto and get cash back (two-way machines only)
- Do it in under 3 minutes, often with no bank account required
They look almost identical to regular bank ATMs and are commonly found in:
- Gas stations & convenience stores
- Grocery stores & malls
- Laundromats, bars, and airports
How Do Crypto ATMs Actually Work?
- You insert cash (or scan a debit card)
- The machine instantly buys crypto from its liquidity provider at a marked-up price
- You scan your wallet QR code (or the machine prints a paper wallet)
- Crypto is sent directly to your address on the blockchain
- You get a receipt with the transaction ID
Two-way machines also let you sell: scan a withdrawal QR from your wallet → machine dispenses cash.
Top 5 operators (November 2025):
| Rank | Operator | Machines | Avg Buy Fee | Two-Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bitcoin Depot | 8,400+ | 15–20% | Yes |
| 2 | CoinFlip | 5,800+ | 8.9–12.9% | Yes |
| 3 | BitAccess | 4,900+ | 12–18% | Yes |
| 4 | Genesis Coin | 4,500+ | 11–17% | Yes |
| 5 | Coinsource | 2,700+ | 11–15% | Yes |
How to Safely Buy Crypto at an ATM
- Find a machine → CoinATMRadar.com
- Tap “Buy Bitcoin/Crypto”
- Choose coin (BTC, ETH, LTC, DOGE, USDT most common)
- Enter phone number → receive SMS code (under $900–$2,000)
- For $1,000+: scan government ID + selfie (KYC)
- Insert cash ($20 minimum, up to $10,000–$50,000 depending on operator)
- Scan YOUR wallet QR code (never one someone sent you)
- Confirm → crypto arrives in 10–60 seconds
- Take receipt
Selling (Two-Way Machines Only):
- Generate withdrawal QR in your wallet app
- Scan QR at machine
- Machine dispenses cash instantly (minus 6–14% fee)
Supported Cryptocurrencies in 2025
Most machines support:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – 99%
- Ethereum (ETH) – 96%
- Litecoin (LTC) – 89%
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH) – 70%
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – 65%
- USDT / USDC – 55%
- 50–100+ altcoins on premium machines
Fees in 2025 – Yes, They’re Still High
| Operator | Buy Premium | Sell Discount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoinFlip | 8.9–12.9% | 6–9% | Lowest fees |
| Bitcoin Depot | 15–20% | 10–14% | Most locations |
| Coinsource | 11–15% | 9% | Texas/California |
| Average | 16.4% | 12.7% | Convenience only |
Example (Nov 29, 2025): Spot BTC = $97,800 CoinFlip ATM price = $112,400 → you pay 14.9% extra
The Massive Crypto ATM Scam Problem
The FTC reports over $100 million lost per year through crypto ATM scams — and it’s getting worse.
How the scam works:
- Scammer contacts you pretending to be IRS, bank security, tech support, or romance interest
- Creates fake emergency (“Your account is hacked!” “You owe taxes!”)
- Stays on the phone and directs you to the nearest crypto ATM
- Sends you a QR code “for the safe wallet” → actually their wallet
- You scan it, insert cash → money gone forever in seconds
Red flags – hang up immediately if you hear:
- “Go to a Bitcoin ATM right now”
- “Scan this QR code to protect your money”
- “Government accepts crypto payments” (they don’t)
- “Don’t tell your family or bank”
How to protect yourself:
- Never use a crypto ATM because someone on the phone told you to
- Never scan a QR code someone sent you
- Real banks and government agencies NEVER ask for crypto ATM payments
- Talk to someone you trust before sending any money
- In some states (Iowa, California, etc.), operators must refund fraud if reported within 90 days + police report
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Pros and Cons of Crypto ATMs
Pros
- Instant – cash to crypto in minutes
- No bank account required
- 24/7 availability
- Privacy (under KYC limits)
Cons
- Extremely high fees (10–20% vs 0–1.5% on exchanges)
- Major scam vector
- Limited daily amounts
- KYC required for larger transactions
How to Find a Bitcoin/Crypto ATM Near You
CoinATMRadar.com – gold standard
CoinFlip app
Bitcoin Depot locator
Google Maps – search “Bitcoin ATM near me”
Final Thought
Crypto ATMs are perfect when you need:
- Instant privacy-focused purchase under $2,000
- No bank account
- Emergency cash-to-crypto conversion
Avoid them completely if:
- Someone is pressuring you on the phone
- You can wait 5 minutes and use Coinbase/Kraken/Cash App (0–1.5% fees)
- You’re buying more than $1,000
Stay safe, keep control of your own QR codes, and never let anyone rush you into a machine.
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