Bitcoin is often referred to as digital gold and for good reason. Like gold, Bitcoin is a decentralized asset with a finite supply that can’t be increased. Gold also doesn’t have a central authority that can issue new units or manipulate the market.
However, unlike gold, Bitcoin is digital and its transactions are verified on a public blockchain. Bitcoin is also portable, divisible, and irreversible making it a perfect fit for a digital store of value.
In the early days of Bitcoin, it was possible to buy coins with cash at physical locations known as Bitcoin ATMs. However, as Bitcoin’s popularity has grown, so has the number of scams and hacks at Bitcoin ATMs.
For this reason, we don’t recommend buying Bitcoin at an ATM unless you are an experienced user and know what you’re doing.
If you still want to buy Bitcoin at an ATM, here’s a quick guide:
1. Find a Bitcoin ATM: There are several hundred Bitcoin ATMs around the world so finding one should not be difficult.
Coin ATM Radar is a good resource for finding a machine near you.
2. Buy Bitcoin: Once you’ve found an ATM, insert cash into the machine and select “buy Bitcoin”.
The machine will then dispense your coins.
3. Send Bitcoins to Your Wallet: The ATM will generate a paper wallet with a QR code for you to scan with your mobile wallet.
Once you’ve scanned the QR code, your coins will be sent to your wallet.
4. Withdraw Cash: If you want to convert your Bitcoins back to cash, you can do so at most ATMs by selecting “withdraw cash”.
You will then need to insert your paper wallet and the ATM will dispense cash.
Buying Bitcoin at an ATM is simple but comes with risks. Be sure to only use an ATM from a reputable company and always double-check that the machine hasn’t been tampered with before inserting cash.