History of Bitcoin ATM in Timeline

A Bitcoin ATM is a kiosk enabling users to buy and sometimes sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, typically using cash or debit cards. Certain ATMs are bidirectional, facilitating both buying and selling. Some providers mandate users to have a pre-existing account to use the machine.

October 29, 2013: First Robocoin Bitcoin ATM Opens in Vancouver

On October 29, 2013, the first Robocoin Bitcoin ATM opened in the Waves coffee shop in downtown Vancouver, Canada, marking an early milestone in the adoption of cryptocurrency ATMs.

December 8, 2013: Europe's First Bitcoin ATM Installed in Bratislava

On December 8, 2013, Europe's first Bitcoin ATM was installed in Bratislava, Slovakia, signaling the expansion of cryptocurrency ATMs beyond North America.

February 2014: Canada Plans Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Cryptocurrencies

In February 2014, Canada's Finance Minister announced plans to introduce anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regulations for virtual currencies like Bitcoin.

February 18, 2014: First US Bitcoin ATM Goes Online

On February 18, 2014, the first Bitcoin ATM in the United States was installed in a cigar bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico, although it was removed after 30 days.

May 2014: First Licensed Bitcoin ATM in the U.S.

In May 2014, Coinme developed and installed the first licensed Bitcoin ATM in the U.S. at the Spitfire Grill in Seattle, WA, representing a step toward regulation.

December 2017: Increase in Bitcoin ATMs in Canada

From December 2017 to February 2018, the number of Bitcoin ATMs in Canada increased by 20%.

February 2018: Bitcoin ATM Increase in Canada

From December 2017 to February 2018, the number of Bitcoin ATMs in Canada increased by 20%.

June 2018: Draft Regulations Circulated

In June 2018, the Department of Finance in Canada circulated a draft of proposed regulations for cryptocurrency businesses.

June 2019: Vancouver Considers Ban on Bitcoin ATMs

In June 2019, Vancouver considered a ban on Bitcoin ATMs due to money-laundering concerns.

July 2020: Canada Classifies Virtual Currency Businesses as MSBs

As of July 2020, businesses dealing in virtual currencies in Canada are considered Money Services Businesses (MSBs) by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.

2021: Cryptocurrency crash

In 2021, the cryptocurrency crash started and caused Cash Cloud to file for bankruptcy.

March 2022: Cryptocurrency ATMs Banned in the UK

In March 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom declared that all cryptocurrency ATMs in the country were illegal and would need to be shut down, due to non-compliance with KYC laws and high risk to customers.

2022: Bitcoin ATMs in Europe

In 2022, there were 1,459 Bitcoin ATMs in Europe, including 17 in the United Kingdom.

February 2023: Cash Cloud Files for Bankruptcy

In February 2023, Cash Cloud, the company that operates Coin Cloud ATMs, filed for bankruptcy due to exposure to Genesis Capital and the cryptocurrency crash that began in 2021.

March 2023: Arrests Made for Operating Bitcoin ATMs Illegally

In March 2023, three people were arrested for operating 51 bitcoin ATMs in Northeast Ohio. The trio were charged with multiple violations, including money laundering, licensing violations, and receiving stolen property.

November 2025: Bitcoin ATMs in the US

As of November 2025, there were approximately 28,000 ATMs accepting cryptocurrency in the United States. Over 16,000 were operated by Bitcoin Depot, CoinFlip and Athena Bitcoin.