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Bitcoin ATMs have come quite a long way in just under a decade.
While once a crypto novelty, these days, they’re an integral part of the Bitcoin economy, giving users like you an easy way to purchase Bitcoin with cash. In that time, we’ve seen quite a flurry of innovation and industry advancements.
That’s what we’ll talk about today.
Understanding the evolution of Bitcoin ATMs can not only help us appreciate these convenient cash-to-coin machines but give us a glimpse into what the future holds for the industry and everyday customers.
Let’s take a step back into the past.
In the early days of Bitcoin, the idea of a machine that you could use to purchase crypto with cash was breaking new ground. The first Bitcoin ATM found a home in Vancouver, Canada in 2013. This lonely machine gave people a brand new way to interact with Bitcoin, and started a brand-new industry.
Back then, the hurdles toward widespread Bitcoin ATM adoption were great:
Even with these headwinds, the industry persisted. In just under five years, there were around 2,000 Bitcoin ATMs worldwide* (as mentioned on coinatmradar.com).
So, what happens next in our story?
Well, it’s time for Bitcoin ATMs to see their rapid growth phase — and that means technological innovation needs to match the speed of adoption.
At first, it started with improved hardware.
Bitcoin ATMs evolved with better user interfaces, faster transaction times, and enhanced security features like biometric identification and QR code scanning capabilities. There were also software and business developments:
Security was a big part of this equation.
These days, machines are built to keep customers safe and secure. This means more rugged encryption and data security. This all coincides with financial security and regulatory compliance innovations as well
Bitcoin ATMs have to comply with rigorous security standards like Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
The industry has worked tirelessly to not only meet or exceed these standards, but to also work with financial regulators and governments to build better systems to limit illicit use while keeping users like you safe.
All this Bitcoin ATM evolution has delivered significant industry growth.
Remember that stat from earlier about the number of Bitcoin ATMs worldwide? Well, as of March 2025, there are over 37,000* (data from statista.com) all over the globe.
While many of these machines are in North America and Europe, their international presence is growing.
Additionally, they’re not just in big cities and tech hubs anymore — they’re everywhere.
For example, you can find a Bitcoin ATM in virtually every corner of the United States. Don’t believe us? Use our Bitcoin ATM locator tool to find your nearest Bitcoin Depot machine and check it out yourself.
While we’re the largest Bitcoin ATM network in the world, with over 8,500 locations (as of June 2025), there are all kinds of businesses who operate machines.
Bitcoin ATMs are much more than a place to buy Bitcoin with cash. Sure, that’s their main purpose, but fulfilling that goal means a lot more than you might think.
For one, many people were left out of the crypto revolution.
That’s because the steep learning curve of how to navigate the digital space and buy from an online exchange was a bit too complicated. Bitcoin ATMs offer a simplified approach to buying, opening up crypto accessibility to everyone.
Additionally, there is a whole population of people that don’t have access to a bank account.
These users simply don’t have the option to use a debit or credit card to purchase Bitcoin. For them, Bitcoin ATMs are one of the only ways to buy Bitcoin. In the U.S. alone, the number of unbanked households is around 4% (as mentioned on fdic.gov).
If crypto is the future of finance, shouldn’t it be open to everyone?
There’s the evolution of Bitcoin ATMs from the start to where the industry stands today. Quite the story!
From those early days when a single machine was all the world had to today where 37,000 plus machines dot the globe, it’s easy to see why this industry is so excited for the future. Along the way, Bitcoin Depot has been here for users like you.
Our mission is simple: take Bitcoin mainstream.
Starting out in 2016, the landscape was a lot different. Even so, as interest in Bitcoin and crypto in general grew, so did we. These days, you’d be hard pressed not to find one of our Bitcoin ATMs in your neighborhood if you live in the U.S., Canada, or Australia.
Use our convenient locator tool to find your local Bitcoin ATM 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.