Slowly but surely, Bitcoin is entering the mainstream. It is now common to be able to pay for Bitcoin with many different types of transactions, but this is not the only way that they are becoming prominent in society. In recent years, Bitcoin ATMs have started appearing all over the US that allow you to both buy and sell Bitcoin. As of January 1st, 2025, there were 38,768 Bitcoin ATMs, which account for about 81% of the global share. You can expect this number to keep growing in the years to come as more and more people use Bitcoin for their daily expenses.

Where You’ll Find Them: Retailers, Gas Stations, & More

So, where exactly are these ATM machines popping up? They can be hard to spot as they look similar to a traditional ATM. They are also appearing in similar places, so you can expect to find them at many retailers, gas stations, and similar areas. Retail chains like Circle K have partnered with Bitcoin ATM operators, which has resulted in many kiosks being installed in malls and neighborhoods, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states where cryptocurrency adoption is growing and higher than other regions.

Fees, KYC, Limits: What Investors Should Know

Bitcoin ATMs bring a high level of convenience for investors with the ability to make quick withdrawals, but there are a few important considerations before you start using them. First, you should know that services can be high and tend to range between 4% and 25% – these are much higher than online exchanges, but they do provide ease and convenience. This means if you’re near a convenience store with a bitcoin ATM, you can quickly convert cash into BTC – but be sure to check the posted fee rate before you proceed.

In addition to service fees, you need to be prepared that all ATM users must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations imposed by FinCEN and state regulators. This means that you must often provide ID verification and personal information before completing transactions.

Regulation & Recent U.S Rules

It is also important to be aware of new laws and regulations that are being introduced to protect consumers with the rapid growth in Bitcoin ATMs. For example, states like Illinois and Vermont have enacted new laws that require operators to obtain licenses, impose transaction limits, and display fraud warnings clearly.

It is exciting to observe the sharp rise in the number of Bitcoin ATMs in the States in recent years, which signifies that cryptocurrency is becoming more mainstream. While there are benefits to these ATMs for investors, it is also important to be aware of key considerations before you use these machines to buy/sell Bitcoin.