If you’re wondering how to buy Bitcoin in person, this article is for you.
It’s a common question asked by crypto users of all levels. From newcomers to veterans, understanding your options is always the first step before making a purchase.
So, what do you need to know about buying Bitcoin in person?
We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about your buying options, and the various benefits of each method.
So, you’re interested in making a crypto purchase. If digital buying isn’t your style, you’re probably wondering how to buy Bitcoin in person.
We get it.
In a world where everything seems to be online, sometimes a physical transaction is preferred. But Bitcoin is a digital currency. Lucky for you, there are a few ways to make a purchase in person with cash.
Let’s explore.
First on our list are Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs).
These are convenient cash-to-coin machines that take the digital world of Bitcoin into the physical. Essentially, they allow customers like you to purchase Bitcoin with cash.
How does it work? It’s a lot like a transaction at a traditional ATM. Well, almost. With a traditional bank ATM, you get cash out. With a BTM, you insert cash and receive Bitcoin. Fortunately, the process is just as simple:
Simple, right?
Here at Bitcoin Depot, we operate the largest BTM network in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, with over 8,400 convenient locations (as of January 2025).
You’re never too far away from an in-person Bitcoin cash purchase.
We also have another service called BDCheckout™, which we’ll get to in just a bit. For now, just know that if you want to know how to buy Bitcoin in person, finding a BTM should be your first step.
Of course, there is another option you can explore.
Still wondering where to buy Bitcoin in person? If a BTM doesn’t seem like a good fit, your only other option would be a peer-to-peer (P2P) transaction.
It’s a pretty old-school way of doing things.
If you’ve ever bought a sofa off Craigslist or an air fryer on Facebook Marketplace, the process is pretty much the same. There are a few sites that help facilitate these types of transactions. Basically, you sign up, find an offer in your area, and meet up in person for the cash trade.
You give the seller cash; they send the Bitcoin over then and there.
As you might imagine, this can add a level of danger to the buying process. Here are a few safety tips:
If a cash P2P trade sounds a bit sketchy, well, it is.
Back when Bitcoin first became popular, this was one of the only ways to make a purchase with cash. There are plenty of risks involved. Once BTMs hit the scene, though, these types of trades became less popular.
In fact, a popular P2P Bitcoin trading platform, Local Bitcoins, closed its doors* (as mentioned on blockworks.co) a few years back, citing a lack of business.
More and more users were heading to BTMs for their in-person cash purchases. Here’s why:
While BTMs bridge the gap between the digital and physical, some customers want a little more for their in-person Bitcoin purchases. That’s where BDCheckout™ comes into the picture.
BDCheckout™ is Bitcoin Depot’s enhanced in-person Bitcoin buying experience.
Instead of dealing with a BTM, you go directly to the cash register and transact with a cashier. It’s just like buying your weekly groceries. Instead of milk and eggs, you get Bitcoin sent straight to your digital wallet.
Here are some of the benefits of BDCheckout™:
For the states that support BDCheckout™, you can find this service pretty much everywhere. So, the next time you’re wondering how to buy Bitcoin in person, just use our easy-to-use locator tool to find your nearest BDCheckout™ location.
In no time, you can generate a barcode in the Bitcoin Depot mobile app and finalize your purchase in the store.
If you were wondering how to buy Bitcoin in person, now you have your answer.
These days, Bitcoin is more popular than ever. In the last decade, it’s gone from niche technology to widespread adoption. In that time, a huge industry of in-person buying options has arisen — mainly in the form of BTMs.
Moreover, innovative purchasing options, like Bitcoin Depot’s BDCheckout™ service, give customers like you even more ways to buy crypto the way you want.
No matter your purchasing preference, Bitcoin Depot is here to help.
If you’re in a state that supports BDCheckout™, be sure to explore your options. Additionally, you can find our BTMs virtually everywhere. With over 8,400 BTMs across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, buying Bitcoin with cash has never been easier.
Find your nearest BTM today to get started.
*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.