History of Bitcoin ATM in Timeline

A Bitcoin ATM is a kiosk enabling users to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using cash or debit cards. Some machines support bidirectional transactions, allowing users to also sell Bitcoin for cash. Some providers require users to have an existing account to use the ATM.

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

On October 29, 2013, the first Robocoin Bitcoin ATM opened in Vancouver, Canada, located in the Waves coffee shop.

December 8, 2013: First European Bitcoin ATM Installed in Bratislava

On December 8, 2013, the first Bitcoin ATM in Europe was installed in Bratislava, Slovakia, marking a significant step in the expansion of cryptocurrency accessibility.

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

In February 2014, the Finance Minister in Canada 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; however, it was removed 30 days later.

May 2014: First Licensed Bitcoin ATM in the US

In May 2014, the first licensed Bitcoin ATM in the U.S. was developed by Coinme and installed at the Spitfire Grill in Seattle, WA.

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: Increase in Bitcoin ATMs in Canada

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

June 2018: Draft Regulations Circulated in Canada

In June 2018, the Department of Finance in Canada circulated a draft of the proposed regulations treating cryptocurrency businesses as Money Services Businesses (MSBs).

June 2019: Vancouver Considers Ban on Bitcoin ATMs

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

July 2020: Virtual Currency Businesses Considered MSBs in Canada

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

2021: Cryptocurrency crash starts

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

March 2022: UK Declares Cryptocurrency ATMs Illegal

In March 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom declared all cryptocurrency ATMs in the country illegal, citing failures in KYC compliance and high risk to customers. Coin ATM Radar listed 81 such ATMs at the time.

2022: Bitcoin ATM Statistics and Ban in the UK

As of 2022, there were 1,459 Bitcoin ATMs in Europe, including 17 in the United Kingdom. In March 2022, Crypto ATMs were banned from operating in the UK.

February 2023: Cash Cloud Files for Bankruptcy

March 2023: Arrests Made for Operating Illegal Bitcoin ATMs in Ohio

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

November 2025: Bitcoin ATM Statistics in the United States

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