Published Nov, 08 2024

BDCheckout™: Bitcoin Depot's In-Person Buying Experience

Imagine buying Bitcoin (BTC) as easily as picking up your groceries. No special trip required — just you, your cash, and your favorite store. Welcome to the convenient world of BDCheckout™. If you’re unfamiliar with BDCheckout™, this article is for you. Let’s explore BDCheckout™ and how it compares to the Bitcoin ATM (BTM) experience. By […]
A close-up photo showing hands holding a smartphone displaying a BDCheckout™ payment screen with a barcode.

Imagine buying Bitcoin (BTC) as easily as picking up your groceries. No special trip required — just you, your cash, and your favorite store. Welcome to the convenient world of BDCheckout™.

If you’re unfamiliar with BDCheckout™, this article is for you.

Let’s explore BDCheckout™ and how it compares to the Bitcoin ATM (BTM) experience. By the end of this article, you’ll know not only about BDCheckout™ but also why this convenient Bitcoin purchasing experience might be the perfect fit for your crypto needs.

BDCheckout™ 101

What is BDCheckout™? Let’s break it down.

At its core, BDCheckout™ is a service from Bitcoin Depot that allows you to purchase Bitcoin with cash at regular store registers. No need to hunt down your local Bitcoin ATM — just walk into a participating store, generate your unique barcode through the Bitcoin Depot mobile app, scan at the register, hand over your cash, and voilà!

Of course, there’s a little more to it than that. But we’ll get to the full process in just a bit. For now, just remember that BDCheckout™ opens up new, convenient purchase options of BTC at stores you already know and love. 

Why Use BDCheckout™?

The BDCheckout™ experience offers some unique advantages that could make it the right fit for your personal needs. Let’s explore:

From Cash to Bitcoin: Navigating Your In-Person Transaction

Picture this: you’re waiting in line at your favorite store. But wait. Didn’t you want to make a cash purchase for BTC?

You pull out your phone, tap the Bitcoin Depot app icon, and check to see if your store offers BDCheckout™. Lo and behold, they do! In a few taps, you’ve created a unique barcode to scan at the register.

When it’s your turn, you hand over your phone, the cashier scans it, and you pay in cash.

Boom! Like magic, you’ve made a cash purchase of BTC without a crypto exchange or even a BTM. But it’s not magic; it’s just BDCheckout™. Considering that pretty much every store you can think of offers BDCheckout™ (depending on your state), you can see why so many people prefer the BDCheckout™ experience.

The Step-by-Step Process

Okay, that was all fun and informative, but if you’re looking to make a purchase now, what do you need to know? 

Here are the steps you need to follow to make your first BDCheckout™ transaction:

  1. Download the Bitcoin Depot App: Everything happens in the app or at the register. So, be sure to install the Bitcoin Depot mobile app first. 
  2. Select Your Location: Scan the Bitcoin Depot network and find your closest retail location. When you’re ready, tap Load Cash.
  3. Select Purchase Amount: After you hit Load Cash, you’ll need to enter the exact amount and select your Bitcoin wallet. The minimum purchase amount is $20 with a maximum daily limit of $1,000. 
  4. Generate the Barcode: The app will generate a barcode for the retailer to scan. After this, you’ll need to head to the cashier to scan and pay.
  5. Scan at Checkout: At the register, show the clerk the barcode from the app. They’ll know exactly what to do; you don’t even need to mention the word “Bitcoin.”
  6. Complete the Transaction: Once you pay with cash, your account will be credited the purchase amount. From there, you’ll need to click the “Buy BTC now” button to finish things up.

Note: You’ll still need to purchase BTC through the Bitcoin Depot mobile app. The BDCheckout™ process will credit your account. You’ll still need to make the final purchase transaction in the app. You can do this manually or wait 24 hours, and it will happen automatically. 

BTM or Cashier? Comparing BDCheckout™ to Bitcoin Kiosks

Whether you purchase at a Bitcoin kiosk or a BDCheckout™ location, you’re still getting the same convenient and streamlined Bitcoin Depot experience. So, why choose one over the other?

Let’s start with Bitcoin kiosks. 

These convenient machines offer quick transactions at physical kiosk locations. But, there are some roadblocks in terms of purchase limits. For example, in California, due to state law SB401* (learn more about SB401 at legislature.ca.gov), customers can only purchase $1,000 per day at a BTM. 

Of course, these limits will vary depending on your state’s local laws and regulations.

With BDCheckout™, customers can purchase larger amounts of BTC using a dual-buying strategy. Again, you’ll want to check up on your state’s regulations to see if there are any transaction limit restrictions.

The best part about it all is that no matter where you purchase, you’re still using the same secure Bitcoin Depot platform. Let’s cover the pros of BDCheckout™ compared to Bitcoin kiosks:

Many customers use the two methods in tandem. They use BTMs for their initial purchase, then switch to BDCheckout™ to purchase more when they hit their BTM’s daily limit. In some cases, these purchases can happen at the same location.

Want more information? Be sure to explore our article on common questions about Bitcoin ATM limits.

Getting Started with BDCheckout™

So, there you have it: a crash course of BDCheckout™. 

This service from Bitcoin Depot allows users like you to purchase Bitcoin right at the register in your favorite stores. As of October 2024, BDCheckout™ is live in 29 states. This means that over half the country has access!

While it shares many similarities with the Bitcoin ATM experience, some users might prefer BDCheckout™. 

This could be because they just like talking with a real person when they make a purchase, or they might need to make a larger BTC purchase that a BTM might not be able to accommodate. Either way, we want to make sure you have plenty of options when it comes to making a cash purchase of Bitcoin.

If you count all the Bitcoin Depot BTMs and BDCheckout™ locations, the Bitcoin Depot network is over 14,000 locations strong. Talk about convenience.

Ready to get started? Find your nearest BDCheckout™ or BTM location today.

* While Bitcoin Depot strives to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided, be sure to check your state’s individual regulatory websites to stay informed with current rules and regulations.