Beginner-Friendly Guide

How to Buy Bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM

Buying Bitcoin with cash is easier than you think. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process — from finding a machine to receiving crypto in your wallet.

⏱️

Under 2 minutes

💵

Cash only, no bank needed

📱

Phone + wallet required

STEP-BY-STEP

How to Buy Bitcoin at a Coinhub ATM

Follow these four steps to buy Bitcoin at any of our 2,000+ locations. The entire process takes under two minutes from start to finish.

STEP 1

Choose Your Cryptocurrency

Select from Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), XRP, Dash, or Bitcoin Cash. Tap the coin icon on the touchscreen to continue.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM screen showing cryptocurrency selection including Bitcoin, Litecoin, XRP, Dash, and Bitcoin Cash

STEP 2

Tap “Buy Bitcoins”

On the main menu, tap “Buy Bitcoins” to start your purchase. You’ll also see options to sell, redeem a ticket, or check your wallet balance.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM main menu screen with Buy Bitcoins, Sell Bitcoins, Redeem Ticket, and Check Wallet Balance options

STEP 3

Agree to Privacy & Terms

Review the privacy notice explaining what information will be collected. Tap “I Agree” to proceed or “Cancel” to exit.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM privacy notice screen explaining identity verification requirements with an I Agree button

STEP 4

Choose Your Cash Limit

Select whether you’re purchasing less than $2,000 or more. For purchases over $2,000, a government-issued photo ID will be required.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM cash limit selection screen with options for less than $2,000 or more than $2,000

STEP 5

Enter the One-Time Passcode

A verification code is sent to your phone via SMS. Enter the code on the ATM’s keypad and press OK to continue.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM one-time password entry screen with numeric keypad for SMS verification code

STEP 6

Scan Your Wallet QR Code

Open your crypto wallet app, go to “Receive,” and hold your QR code face-up under the ATM scanner. Double-check the destination address on screen.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM wallet scanning screen showing a phone with a QR code being scanned by the ATM camera

STEP 7

Insert Cash

Feed your bills into the machine one at a time. The screen shows your running total and the equivalent amount of crypto at the current exchange rate.

Coinhub Bitcoin ATM cash insertion screen showing amount inserted, Bitcoin equivalent, and destination wallet address

STEP 8

Transaction Complete!

Tap “Done.” Your cryptocurrency has been sent to your wallet. You’ll receive an SMS receipt. Allow up to 30 minutes for blockchain confirmation.

BEFORE YOU GO

What you Need to Buy Bitcoin at an ATM

Before you visit a Bitcoin ATM, make sure you have these three things ready.
That’s all it takes — no bank account, no trading experience, and no appointment.

💵

Cash

Bitcoin ATMs accept cash only — no debit or credit cards. Bring the amount you want to invest in bills. You can insert as little as $20 or as much as $50,000 per day.

👛

Crypto Wallet

You need a crypto wallet app on your phone with a "Receive" QR code ready to scan. Popular options include Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, and Exodus. Your Bitcoin is sent directly here.

📱

Mobile Phone

A phone number is required for identity verification. The ATM will send a one-time SMS code to confirm your identity before you can complete the transaction.

Buying more than $2,000? You’ll also need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport). Want to skip the ID step at the machine? Pre-register online to save time.

AFTER YOU BUY

What Happens After Your Purchase

You’ve completed your Bitcoin ATM transaction. Here’s what to expect and how to keep your crypto safe.

📋

SMS Receipt

You'll receive a text message confirming your purchase with the transaction amount, crypto received, and a reference number. Save this for your records.

⏳

Blockchain Confirmation

Your crypto is sent immediately, but full blockchain confirmation takes 30–45 minutes for Bitcoin. Once confirmed, the balance is fully available in your wallet.

🔒

Secure Your Wallet

Back up your wallet recovery phrase and store it in a safe place offline. Never share your private keys or recovery phrase with anyone.

📊

Track Your Balance

Open your wallet app anytime to check your balance. The value of your crypto will fluctuate with the market — this is normal.

SUPPORTED COINS

Cryptocurrencies Available at Coinhub ATMs

Coinhub Bitcoin ATMs support four cryptocurrencies. Select the one you want to buy at the start of your transaction.

BTC

Bitcoin

The original cryptocurrency

ETH

Ethereum

Smart contract platform

USDT

Tether

USD-pegged stablecoin

USDC

USD Coin

USD-pegged stablecoin

PRO TIPS

First-Time Bitcoin ATM Tips

Heading to a Bitcoin ATM for the first time? Keep these tips in mind for a smooth experience.

Set Up Your Wallet First

Download and set up your crypto wallet before visiting the ATM. Make sure you can access the "Receive" QR code so you're ready to scan.

Bring the Right Amount of Cash

Bitcoin ATMs accept cash only — no cards. Decide how much you want to buy beforehand and bring that amount in bills.

Double-Check Your Wallet Address

Verify the wallet address displayed on the ATM screen matches the one in your app. Crypto sent to the wrong address cannot be recovered.

Use the Right Wallet for Each Coin

If you're buying Ethereum, scan your Ethereum wallet — not your Bitcoin wallet. Each cryptocurrency requires its own correct wallet address.

Pre-Register for Higher Limits

Planning to buy more than $2,000? Register online ahead of time to unlock up to $50,000 daily without extra steps at the machine.

Save Your SMS Receipt

After every transaction, you'll get a text receipt. Keep it as a record of your purchase, especially for tax purposes.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Bitcoin ATM Buying Guide FAQ

How long does it take to buy Bitcoin at an ATM?

The entire process — from starting the transaction to receiving crypto in your wallet — takes under two minutes at a Coinhub Bitcoin ATM. Blockchain confirmations typically complete within 30–45 minutes after that.

Do I need a bank account to use a Bitcoin ATM?

No. Bitcoin ATMs accept cash only. You do not need a bank account, debit card, or credit card. All you need is cash, a crypto wallet app, and a mobile phone for verification.

What is the minimum amount I can buy?

At Coinhub Bitcoin ATMs, you can buy as little as $20 worth of cryptocurrency. There’s no maximum per transaction — the daily limit is $2,000 with phone verification only, or up to $50,000 with phone and ID verification.

What if I don't have a crypto wallet yet?

Download a free crypto wallet app on your phone before visiting the ATM. Popular options include Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, Exodus, and BlueWallet. Setup takes just a few minutes. Make sure to back up your recovery phrase.

Can I buy Ethereum or stablecoins at a Bitcoin ATM?

Yes. Coinhub Bitcoin ATMs support Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC). Select the cryptocurrency you want at the start of the transaction and scan the corresponding wallet QR code.

Is buying Bitcoin at an ATM safe?

Yes. Coinhub is a FinCEN-registered money service business that complies with federal and state regulations. Your personal data is encrypted, and your crypto is sent directly to your personal wallet — non-custodial, meaning the operator never holds your funds.

What happens if I scan the wrong wallet address?

Always double-check the wallet address displayed on the ATM screen before confirming. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible — if crypto is sent to the wrong address, it generally cannot be recovered. Take a moment to verify before tapping “Buy.”

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