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How does a Bitcoin ATM machine work?
While they’re simple to use, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make your buying experience so seamless. Moreover, if you’re not familiar with the technology, you might have some questions about how you can make your first purchase.
We’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn all about Bitcoin ATMs, how they work, and how you can begin your crypto journey with Bitcoin Depot.
So, how does a Bitcoin ATM machine work?
While these convenient cash-to-coin machines have come quite a long way since they first hit the market, they still offer a simple and straightforward way to purchase Bitcoin with cash.
Basically, a Bitcoin ATM is a standalone, self-service kiosk designed for cryptocurrency transactions.
It’s kind of like a crypto vending machine:
Easy right?
That’s just a basic overview; we’ll get into more detail later. For now, just remember that Bitcoin ATM machines are your go-to choice for purchasing Bitcoin with cash.
While they share a similar name and appearance, Bitcoin ATMs and traditional ATMs are quite different:
That last reason is quite important.
For many users, a Bitcoin ATM machine is one of the only ways to purchase Bitcoin. With Bitcoin, they can do a lot of financial activities, like sending payments.
There are over 5 million U.S. households* (as mentioned on fdic.gov) who don’t have a checking or savings account. With Bitcoin and Bitcoin ATMs, those users can now do things like send payments easily without the need for a bank account or debit card.
For more information on this topic, be sure to explore our blog on crypto remittance.
Let’s take a look at what you might see the next time you visit your local Bitcoin ATM:
Let’s talk about how to use a Bitcoin ATM machine to make a purchase.
We’ve covered this in-depth in other articles about buying Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM, so we’ll keep it brief and just go over the basics here.
The first step is finding a nearby Bitcoin ATM. Lucky for you, we make that part easy.
Bitcoin Depot operates the largest Bitcoin ATM network across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia. With over 8,400 (as of March 2025) locations, you’re never too far away from a seamless cash purchase of Bitcoin.
To find your nearest location, use our handy Bitcoin ATM locator tool.
Once you find your nearest Bitcoin ATM, the rest is just as easy:
That’s it!
Once completed, you’ll need to wait a bit to receive your Bitcoin. This will depend on things like how busy the Bitcoin network is and other factors. You can track your transaction using a blockchain explorer (learn more by clicking the link).
Note: If you decide to enter your address manually at the kiosk, be very careful. Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, meaning if you make a mistake, you won’t get your coins back. That’s why we always recommend customers take advantage of the QR scanning feature.
Bitcoin ATM machines take the digital world of cryptocurrency into the physical world of finance. But that certainly doesn’t mean these convenient machines aren’t safe — far from it.
Bitcoin ATM operators like Bitcoin Depot work hard to create a safe and secure experience for customers like you. That means both physical and digital security features. For example, Bitcoin ATMs often come with secure, tamper-proof enclosures, security cameras, and are often placed in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
On the software side, there’s a whole host of security features:
There’s also the fact that Bitcoin ATM machines interact with the Bitcoin blockchain.
In many ways, Bitcoin is the most secure of all the blockchain networks* (learn more at river.com). That’s part of the reason why so many consider it the king of crypto. Since inception, there has been virtually no network downtime or major security breaches.
Before we move on, let’s touch on transaction limits and verification requirements for Bitcoin ATMs.
First off, transaction limits are meant to keep you safe.
They exist in accordance with compliance requirements like Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. Basically, if you want to purchase Bitcoin, you have to verify your identity and meet certain requirements based on the amount of Bitcoin you want to purchase and local and federal regulations.
Learn more about Bitcoin ATM limits on our blog.
What will the future hold for Bitcoin ATMs?
Well, based on the trajectory of growth over the last few years, it looks bright! Not only are more and more people engaged in the crypto space, but Bitcoin ATMs are starting to pop up all over the world. In fact, there are over 37,000 Bitcoin ATM machines worldwide* (data from coinatmradar.com).
Around 8,400 of those locations (as of March 2025) are Bitcoin Depot’s.
Moreover, as the crypto industry grows and gains more adoption, so will Bitcoin ATMs. These days, everyone from the Federal government and individual states in the U.S. to countries all across the globe are looking to add Bitcoin to their balance sheets. That’s big news.
There’s also the fact that Bitcoin ATMs themselves are only getting more advanced, adding new security features like biometrics and expanding to every corner of the world.
The future is bright for Bitcoin ATM machines.
Sold on Bitcoin ATM machines? These convenient kiosks put the power of crypto in your hands without the need for a bank account. It’s just you, your cash, and your coins.
Simple, right?
If you’re looking to make your first transaction or just need to top off your wallet, we’ve got you covered.
Bitcoin Depot is your go-to hub for all things Bitcoin. You can find one of our over 8,400 locations (as of March 2025) across the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Use our easy-to-use locator tool to find your nearest Bitcoin ATM today.
*The information provided above is for informational purposes only. The inclusion of any particular 3rd party site does not imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or partnership between Bitcoin Depot and the 3rd parties listed above. While Bitcoin Depot endeavors to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided, we do not guarantee the reliability of any 3rd party’s information.