
Key Takeaways:
Bitcoin Depot is one of the safest places to buy Bitcoin. We are a regulated, publicly traded U.S. company that has built a multi-layered security framework to protect our customers, their data, and their assets.
But, the crypto world is still very young.
While we believe the future of this industry is bright, there’s no denying that the last decade has been quite the wild west for digital assets.
Even so, as crypto and Bitcoin go mainstream, it’s companies that put safety and security at the front of all they do that will give users like you the peace of mind needed to transact, interact, and build a future on the blockchain.
In this guide we’ll walk you through all the steps we take to make sure you’re safe when you use one of our Bitcoin ATMs, BDCheckout™ (our at-the-register buying service) locations, or when you buy online.
Bitcoin Depot's safety is built on a foundation of transparency and accountability as a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq (Ticker: $BTM). We’re also a fully regulated Money Services Business (MSB) registered with FinCEN.
What does this mean for our customers? Let’s break it all down.
First, let’s explore our position as one of the only Bitcoin ATM companies in the world that’s publicly traded:
Next, why is it important that Bitcoin Depot is fully registered with FinCEN?
Combine this with the fact that we’re the largest Bitcoin ATM operator in the world, with over 9,000 kiosks (as of November 2025), and you can see why we’re the leader of the industry and trusted by thousands of customers daily.
Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin ATMs are safe because they enforce mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, use real-time advanced fraud monitoring, and are placed in secure, monitored retail locations.
Why is KYC important?
When you first use our service, you must verify your identity (usually with a phone number and a valid government-issued ID). This is a federal requirement for all compliant financial services.
This process prevents anonymous, unlawful use of our network. It deters scammers and creates a safer, more legitimate environment for all of our customers.
Moreover, our systems use sophisticated, bank-grade software to monitor transactions 24/7.
Also, you won't find our Bitcoin ATMs on a dark street corner. We partner with trusted, well-lit, and high-traffic national retail chains (like convenience stores, and gas stations) that you already know.
This ensures you are in a safe, public environment while making your transaction.
Bitcoin Depot protects your personal information by using bank-grade data encryption and adhering to a strict, public Privacy Policy, as required by U.S. data privacy and financial laws.
All sensitive information you provide (like your ID scan or phone number) is encrypted both 'in transit' (when you send it to us) and 'at rest' (when we store it in our secure servers). Additionally, as a regulated MSB, we are legally and ethically bound to protect your data. We do not sell your personal information to third-party marketers.
Our full commitment to your data privacy is outlined in our public Privacy Policy.
Bitcoin Depot actively protects users from common scams by providing direct educational resources and clear, mandatory on-screen warnings at the kiosk before you can complete a transaction.
Unfortunately, scams are widespread. It’s not just crypto either. Identity theft alone cost Americans over $12 billion in 2024* (source: experian.com).
Your best defense is staying scam smart. Here’s how Bitcoin Depot helps:
While we work hard to ensure our customers are safe, you still need to remember that if a stranger or someone you've only met online is telling you to go to a Bitcoin ATM to send them money, it is 100% a scam. Stop the transaction.
The safest way to start is by downloading the official Bitcoin Depot app (available on the Apple App Store* and the Google Play Store*), creating your own Bitcoin wallet, backing up your recovery phrase, and then using our official locator to find a trusted Bitcoin ATM.
We take your security and safety seriously.
Every feature we've discussed, from our status as a public, regulated company (Nasdaq: $BTM) to our commitment to data security, is intentionally designed with one goal in mind: to provide you with the safest, most transparent, and trustworthy way to buy Bitcoin.
Ready to get started? Find your nearest Bitcoin Depot location 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.