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Where are the best places to buy Bitcoin fast?
Whether you’re a newcomer to the crypto world or a seasoned veteran, this is a common question that many people ask. Look, buying Bitcoin shouldn’t feel like waiting in line at the DMV.
If you’re ready to jump into the Bitcoin universe, you want speed, convenience, and true ownership.
This handy guide will break it all down.
From the best ways to buy Bitcoin fast to the other methods that may be a little less efficient, here is what you need to know.
Wondering how to buy Bitcoin fast?
We get it. Whether you’re sending payments or just trying to get some coins to make an online purchase, there are plenty of reasons why waiting might be a no-go situation.
So, without further ado, here are the best places to buy Bitcoin fast.
A Bitcoin ATM (BTM) is a convenient cash-to-coin machine that turns greenbacks into digital gold.
The process is simple:
No need for a bank account or waiting for transfers. In most cases, all you’ll need is your cash, phone, and some personal identification information for verification purposes.
The best part? BTMs are virtually everywhere.
In fact, there are around 37,000 BTMs worldwide* (data from coinatmradar.com). Oh, and Bitcoin Depot, we’re the largest BTM operator in the world, with over 8,400 locations (as of February 2025) across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Wherever you are, you’re never too far away from a quick and convenient cash purchase of Bitcoin.
Cash buying not your thing?
Don’t worry; with our buy online service, you can purchase Bitcoin with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
The best part?
You still get the same quick and convenient service you expect from our BTMs. Additionally, you can also purchase other types of cryptocurrency:
Fast, convenient, and simple — don’t you wish every purchase was like this!
Last on our list of places to buy Bitcoin fast is BDCheckout™.
What is it? BDCheckout™ is Bitcoin Depot's enhanced in-person buying experience. Instead of paying at a BTM, you pay in cash at the register, just like any other retail purchase.
You don’t even need to mention Bitcoin to the cashier.
All you have to do is create a unique barcode through the Bitcoin Depot mobile app, scan the barcode at the register, and make your purchase with cash. Simple, right? To learn more about BDCheckout™, explore our blog, which goes in-depth into the process.
So, what about the other ways to buy Bitcoin?
Well, while they might not be the best places to buy Bitcoin fast, they are still options that let you get your hands on some crypto. So, what do you need to know?
Many users interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin think a centralized exchange is their best option. Well, centralized exchanges certainly offer some additional benefits and conveniences, but speed might not be one of them.
These platforms often require lengthy signup and verification processes. In periods of high demand, some users have reported it can stretch weeks to get through verification.
Moreover, bank transfers required to purchase Bitcoin can also take some time. Some types of transfers can take days to complete* (as mentioned on experian.com).
There’s also the question of ownership.
When you buy and hold Bitcoin on an exchange, you don’t directly own it. The exchange handles the management of your coins. While this can be convenient for some users, it means you don’t really have control over your purchase.
Another way people might buy Bitcoin is through an exchange-traded fund (ETF), which they can purchase through a stock exchange.
For users who already have a stock portfolio, this can be a great way to gain exposure to crypto.
But if you’re looking to send coins or use them in other ways, this is not the best option. If you remember the direct ownership problem from before, this is the same thing. With an ETF, you own a share of managed Bitcoin. You don’t own any actual Bitcoin.
Additionally, when it comes to speed, if you don’t have a brokerage account, it can take days to get one up and running.
There’s also the fact that you can’t just purchase Bitcoin whenever you want. You’ll have to wait for the market to be open to buy an ETF.
So there you have it, the best places to buy Bitcoin fast.
Top on our list are, of course, BTMs. These convenient machines not only get you coins in a few easy steps, but they are quite fast, especially compared to centralized exchanges. You can also make a purchase through Bitcoin Depot’s online buying services or through BDCheckout™.
No matter how you want to buy, Bitcoin Depot has you covered.
Ready to get started? Get to one of our 8,400+ locations (as of February 2025) across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
*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.