Investing in Bitcoin is the digital gold rush of our time.
In the last year alone, the Bitcoin (BTC) price has risen over 100%* (data from coinmarketcap.com). Getting in the action seems to be on everyone’s mind.
Excited? Confused? A bit of both? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. While we can’t tell you which strategy is best for your goals (we’re not financial advisors here, nor do we claim to be), we can shed some light on the crypto investment landscape.
Oh, and Bitcoin ATMs? Think of them as your go-to starting point. They can quickly and easily connect you to the decentralized world of Bitcoin.
We’ll walk you through the basics. From helping you answer the question, “Should I invest in Bitcoin?” to the role Bitcoin ATMs might play in your investment journey, here is what you need to know.
If you’re new to the world of Bitcoin, here are the basics.
Bitcoin, introduced by the anonymous entity Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009, is a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital cryptocurrency. Born in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Bitcoin aimed to create a robust and secure alternative to traditional financial systems.
Since those early days, we’ve seen Bitcoin, or BTC, soar in popularity.
Just in the last four years, the number of Americans owning cryptocurrency of some kind has more than doubled, going from 15% in 2021 to 40% in 2024 (information from security.org).
What’s the cause of Bitcoin’s popularity?
Well, just look at the price change over the last decade, and you’ll see why. In 2017 alone, BTC saw a yearly return of over 1,000% (information from statmuse.com).
But, with eye-popping returns come potential significant downsides. Here is where we introduce BTC’s other famous quality: volatility. From 2020 to 2024, Bitcoin has been three to four times as volatile as popular stock market indices like the S&P 500 (information from fidelitydigitalassets.com)
So, if you’re new to the BTC scene, you may be wondering, “Should I invest in Bitcoin?”
First, let’s start by covering what BTC isn’t:
The best way to connect Bitcoin with the world of traditional investing is to think of Bitcoin as digital gold.
Is investing in Bitcoin worth it? Here are some potential benefits of investing in Bitcoin:**
Of course, there are always downsides to investing. We touched on volatility earlier; however, while the Bitcoin network is very secure, there are potential risks for individual investors.
BTC may trade alongside index funds and individual stocks on your favorite investing app, but it’s a very different type of investment.
Since no centralized authority governs the network, it’s up to the individual to secure their BTC. This can mean keeping track of private keys for wallet access or understanding the downsides of working with a centralized exchange or traditional broker.
So, where do Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) fit into the BTC investment landscape?
Well, as we noted earlier, BTC operates on a decentralized network. That means no banks or other traditional financial institutions act as intermediaries. Every transaction is viewable on a public ledger, meaning ultimate transparency. Even so, due to its decentralized nature, there is some level of anonymity — but nothing is guaranteed.
In the past, this meant the only way to invest in Bitcoin was to use a peer-to-peer trading network, mine BTC, or buy BTC at a community meetup with cash. That was then. These days, there are centralized exchanges and even Bitcoin ETFs, or exchange-traded funds that offer BTC through traditional investment systems, which makes this journey easier.
But, this is often at the expense of a few of Bitcoin’s main draws: its decentralization and security. Bitcoin ATMs allow potential investors to purchase BTC with cash, cutting out those additional intermediaries.
Moreover, it’s fast and convenient.
Here at Bitcoin Depot, we operate the largest network of BTMs in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. No matter where you are, there’s likely a BTM right around the corner.
For potential investors searching for easy purchases or those wanting to stay true to the decentralized ethos of BTC, BTMs are the preferred purchasing option. Additionally, the Bitcoin Depot mobile app provides users with a non-custodial mobile wallet option.
That means everything happens in one place — talk about easy.
Whether you invest in Bitcoin using a BTM or another method like a centralized cryptocurrency exchange, always carefully consider your options.
In such a fast-paced environment, getting swept up in the hype is easy.
Moreover, there are many different types of investors and investments. There is no perfect strategy for everyone; it depends on your individual goals and risk tolerance.
Within the greater crypto community, there is a common saying, “Do your own research.” That means not relying on others to form an investment thesis. Here are a few tips to help you make the most informed decision:
This, of course, is a non-exhaustive list. It’s important to develop your own decision-making process and periodically reevaluate your strategy.
Investing in Bitcoin is easier than ever before.
With BTC’s rise in popularity comes simple ways to make purchases. But that doesn’t mean these types of investments are without potential risk — far from it.
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I invest in Bitcoin?” Hopefully, you now have a good idea of what it takes to make an informed investment decision. Just remember that you, and only you, should be making the final determination on whether a BTC investment is right for your goals.
Wherever you are in your journey, Bitcoin Depot is here to help.
Not only do we offer seamless cash purchases of BTC through our network of Bitcoin ATMs, but we also have a collection of resources on our blog to help you better understand the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Moreover, with the Bitcoin Depot mobile app, you have access to a non-custodial BTC wallet and our BTM network with over 8,300 locations. You can start your own Bitcoin investment journey in just a few steps.
Start today by locating your nearby Bitcoin ATM.
*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 sites 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.
*** The information provided on investing in Bitcoin (or any other cryptocurrency) is for informational purposes only. While Bitcoin Depot endeavors to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided, it does not constitute investment or financial advice, and you should seek a financial or investment advisor to better understand how purchasing any cryptocurrency can enhance your portfolio and the potential risks.