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Last Update February 20th, 2022. Cash is a popular way to carry money around for most people and is also one of the most common methods for purchasing bitcoin.

Buying bitcoin with cash is simple if you know where to go. Let’s look at some options.

The most popular method for buying bitcoin with cash despite the high fees is to find and use a nearby Bitcoin ATM. We also recommend finding a reliable person-to-person marketplace such as LocalBitcoins or Paxful to buy bitcoin with cash.

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Bitcoin With Cash

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Bitcoin With Cash

Bitcoin has been making waves for a while now. Plus, it has disrupted several industries all over the world. Now, a lot of people are gradually jumping on the train and getting themselves some bitcoin.

So many people have been left wondering how hard it is to purchase bitcoin with the traditional fiat currency. Well, it is a straightforward process if you follow the steps and instructions you find online judiciously.

Why Should You Buy Bitcoin With Cash Or Bank Deposit

Cash In Hand

If you have been searching for how to buy bitcoin with cash alone, then you have come to the right source. However, before we go into the specifics, there are some basic things you should be aware of.

Firstly, bitcoin as we know it does not exist like every other physical asset the way cash exists. As it stands, there are some bridges between the computerized world of virtual currencies and our physical world of cash or fiat currencies.

Even more, the cryptocurrency and bitcoin market is undergoing some rapid transformations, and there are extra alternatives that will be made available soon.

Furthermore, there are vital distinctions that must be made before we can describe the diverse ways in which you can buy bitcoin with your cash. This distinction is between bank deposits and your physical money.

We are sure that you must already know that physical cash is nothing else but the usual paper cash that you hold in your hands. However, bank deposits are frequently taken to be cash because they are easily withdrawn or accessed digitally.

Why Do People Prefer Buying Bitcoin With Cash?

There are many reasons why people would prefer to buy bitcoin with cash; the primary reason being the desire to stay anonymous.

One of bitcoin’s principal purpose of existence is to enable transactions that can never be traced. Hence, most, if not all, of its users greatly value this feature and will surely want to start over on an anonymous or blank slate.

Methods For Buying Bitcoin With Cash

While this is one of the reasons why you may want to purchase bitcoin with cash, some people are deeply concerned about making use of any sort of computerized transfer on the internet.

The reason is that they fear that they might be exposing their account data to cyber hackers.

To the business of the day, there are roughly four alternatives available to purchase bitcoin with your physical cash. They include:

  • From an individual via Paxful
  • Via a Bitcoin ATM
  • Through a cash deposit at the bank
  • With cash via mail

The method you ultimately decide to use to buy bitcoin is up to you.

Why You Should Buy Bitcoin With Cash

On a general note, there are different pros to purchasing bitcoin with your hard-earned cash only if you follow the necessary steps and guidelines. However, some of the reasons why you or any other person should buy bitcoin with cash:

Privacy

Different from making use of a typical bitcoin exchange; purchases made with cash do not demand any unnecessary revelation of your personal data. You will not be asked to submit documents just for the validation of your identity.

What we are trying to say is, purchasing bitcoin with cash is much safer, especially at a time when the issue of identity theft is on a high rise. Another reason is the prevention of any crackdown by the tax entities.

Speed

Why this reason exists is because you do not have to wait for the emergence of bank transfers or any form of validation via any cryptocurrency exchange.

Woman Using A Bitcoin ATM

The deposits take roughly one to three working days, and the verification takes about one to three weeks. However, cash trades save you so much time. As Bitcoin skyrockets, a few days is equivalent to so much money.

However, the professionals of Bitcoin person to person trading have made suggestions that most of Bitcoin’s trading volume takes place off-exchange. You do not need to worry if this is a good thing or not because it is.

This is because should virtual currencies only be tradable with the approval of the state; it will be decreased to just something more than a new type of standard money. Thus, every serious Bitcoin user will gain some experience with this cash trading.


4 Ways To Purchase Bitcoin Using Cash

Earlier on, we mentioned some ways in which you can purchase bitcoins with your physical cash, and now we will be analyzing those steps. It goes thus:

Buying Bitcoin From An Individual via LocalBitcoins or Paxful

When you want to buy bitcoin with cash, you can make it happen with trustworthy friends who own bitcoins and are more than willing to sell them to you.

Buy Bitcoin With Cash Instantly On Paxful

In case your excuse is that you do not have trusted friends, well, we can help you with that. All that is needed is to try attending these bitcoin meetings and conferences happening around you.

You can locate such events via a search on Meetup or even Facebook for those local bitcoin groups. That aside, when you all plan to meet, you should go with the cash you have both agreed upon.

Also, do not forget to arrive at the venue with your laptop or a phone that has a bitcoin wallet installed in it. This is because, with an address alone, you will not be able to verify the receipt of the coins.

LocalBitcoins Exchange Logo

Long ago, LocalBitcoins was used for in-person trading, and now, Paxful is the best service available. The Paxful buyer and seller matching have been ongoing since the year 2015. Currently, they are in most regions and countries.

Paxful Logo

To buy bitcoin on Paxful, you will need to visit the site and of course, sign up. Next is to click on the “Buy Bitcoin” link that is positioned on the top menu. Fill in your location, the needed amount, and click on “cash” as your payment method.

What follows next is a long list of sellers; however, if none is displayed, you will need to wait for them to appear on your screen. Nonetheless, should the list appear, it will display a feedback score for all the sellers plus their exchange rates.

It is advisable to choose the seller that has the most considerable reputation that is positive. Next thing you are to do is to fill in your purchase amount, and it must be within the limits of the seller.

When you decide to make use of Paxful, it shows that you trust them and so, there is no reason to wait for network confirmations once a seller has released our coins.

Buying Bitcoin From A Bitcoin ATM

What you need to know is that the Bitcoin ATMs you have heard about actually accept physical cash. In return, it also sends the bitcoin to your specific bitcoin address. It is a very comfortable way to trade bitcoin daily.

While you may think Bitcoin ATMs are very popular, especially with their emergence for several years now, it will surprise you to know that there are regions in the world that do not have them.

If you want to find and use a Bitcoin ATM, you should make use of CoinATMRadar. Once you click on BTM on the site, you will find a display that shows exact locations, limits, fees, and even identity requirements.

Bitcoin ATM Map
Bitcoin ATM Map – Courtesy of CoinATMRadar

Furthermore, the site will offer the contact details for a particular operator. All of these details must be noted if you want to make use of BTM; Bitcoin ATM. Anytime you make use of BTM, have it in mind to take your Bitcoin address or wallet with you.

Similar to how you make use of the normal ATM, you should also be mindful of people that are acting suspiciously around you when using a BTM.

Buying Bitcoin With A Cash Deposit At The Bank

You can make use of this option with both Paxful and LocalBitcoins as they provide cash deposits as a payment method. Moreover, in the United States, there are two main services that deal with securing and arranging these bank deposit purchases.

They are none other than BitQuick and Liberty X.

BitQuick Logo

When you make use of this method, the seller will provide you with their bank details. All you have to do is pay a visit to the specific bank, fill in the deposit form as you will typically do with standard fiat currency.

Next is to make the cash deposit to the account of the seller through the bank teller. Meanwhile, this method is practically more reliable and secure physically than when you have to meet up with strangers.

Also, the seller is not aware of the bank you are making use of. However, its disadvantage is that the service can only be carried out during bank hours.

It is slower than the peer to peer transaction, most notably when the bank has a long queue or service is slow to validate the transaction.

Meanwhile, similar to face to face cash trading, you can only carry out bank deposit trades through a trustworthy escrow service. This will practically protect you from any form of fraud.

Also, you can prove to this escrow service that you have made your payment through scanning or photographing the receipt of your bank deposit. Should a dispute occur, the seller’s coins will be released to the buyer’s address after proper proof.

Make sure you keep your receipt. Compared to a bank transfer, it is difficult to prove that you made payments without it.

Buying Bitcoin With Cash via Mail

Sending Cash Via Mail

While you can purchase Bitcoin using cash through your mailbox, the truth is that it is not recommended. You can make use of Paxful for this; it provides the sort of service that you can use in discovering sellers who take cash via mail.

Selecting a dependable seller is the best protection you can get against fraudulent activities, and also, escrow should be used. As expected, there are disadvantages to this method.

Some of it includes the fact that the method is slow and there are risks that your envelope may likely get stolen or lost as the mail is being moved. Should your envelope not arrive or probably arrive empty, some sellers may choose to compensate you.

But, before they compensate you, you must choose to film or better still, photograph yourself as you place the money inside the envelope, as you seal it, and also as you mail it.

Moreover, for better safety, you should make use of registered mail and have the seller sign it after they receive the money.

When you use this method, it creates a proof that you have paid through escrow. However, the cash in the envelope can still be disputed.

Where To Get Cash For Purchasing Bitcoin

Are you looking for a place to trade bitcoin for cash? Here are some places you can go to get cash in exchange for bitcoin:

5 Ways To Buy Bitcoin With Cash Instantly

The following are places you can go to purchase bitcoin with cash efficiently and instantly.

Bitcoin ATM

Coin ATM Radar Homepage

Website:coinatmradar.com
Headquarters:Bulgaria
Founded:2014
Customer service:Knowledge Base

Finding a Bitcoin ATM is a great way to buy bitcoin instantly if you have cash on hand. There is a Bitcoin ATM in every region of the world.

Check out the Bitcoin ATM map on Coin ATM Radar to see if there is one near you.

Pros

  • Easily accessible
  • Convenient
  • Fun to use
  • Physical kiosk with receipt and customer service

Cons

  • Distance to travel
  • Higher fees than most exchanges

ReputationFeesPrivacyLimits
GreatHighLowHigh

Coin ATM Radar is an excellent resource for locating a Bitcoin ATM in your local area. This is one of the fastest ways you can obtain Bitcoins, and it is even possible to locate one within the same hour. The website has everything you need to know about starting a Bitcoin ATM business as well as how to search for a Bitcoin ATM in your local area to buy and sell Bitcoins.

As of October 26th, 2018, there are over 3,918 crypto ATMs listed on Coin ATM Radar in over 76 countries. If you are the owner of a Bitcoin or Crypto ATM and would like to get it listed you can submit it here.

If you want to find the closest Bitcoin ATM nearby, Coin ATM Radar has an Android and iOS app for your smartphone.

LocalBitcoins

LocalBitcoins Homepage

Website:localbitcoins.com
CEO:Sebastian Sonntag
Headquarters:Helsinki, Finland
Founders:Jeremias Kangas
Founded:2012
Customer service:Knowledge Base
More information:Read Review

LocalBitcoins is a person-to-person bitcoin trading platform that specializes in connecting buyers and sellers.

LocalBitcoins gives vendors the ability to create offers in all currencies.

Pros

  • Available in every country of the world
  • A diverse selection of buyers and sellers
  • Supports many payment methods
  • Buyers get their bitcoins fast
  • Private

Cons

  • Lack of cryptocurrency diversity
  • Both sellers and buyers have a chance of being scammed.

ReputationFeesPrivacyLimits
ExcellentLowHighHigh

LocalBitcoins is a person-to-person bitcoin trading platform that specializes in connecting buyers and sellers. With over 100+ payment options, no matter where you are in the globe, it is simple to get access to someone who wants to buy or sell bitcoin. As a seller, you are given full autonomy over how you want to create your listing, accept payment, and attract reviews. 

On LocalBitcoins registering, buying, and selling Bitcoin is completely free. Users who create advertisements are charged a 1% fee for every completed trade.

Overall, LocalBitcoins is one of the best places to get started with buying and selling bitcoins.

Paxful

Paxful Homepage

Website:paxful.com
CEO:Ray Youssef
Headquarters:New York, New York
Founders:Ray Youssef, Artur Schaback
Founded:2015
Customer service:Knowledge Base
More information:Read Review

Paxful is a person-to-person marketplace that supports over 300 payment methods.

Paxful gives vendors the ability to create offers in all currencies.

Pros

  • Escrow system
  • Security
  • Diverse payment methods
  • Simple user interface (UI)
  • Wide variety of sellers

Cons

  • Buyers and sellers are at risk of being scammed

ReputationFeesPrivacyLimits
ExcellentLowHighHigh

As the world’s largest peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplace, Paxful gives customers an enormous selection of payment options to choose from to purchase BTC. Paxful offers over 300+ payment methods including credit card, debit card, bank transfer, bank wire, iTunes gift card, Amazon gift card, Starbucks gift card, PayPal transfer, Western Union, and many, many more. With the Paxful platform, you essentially have your pick at how you want to redeem your money for bitcoin.

Sellers are charged a 1% fee on Paxful. Buyers are not charged any fees whatsoever for bitcoin purchases.

BitQuick

BitQuick Homepage

Website:bitquick.co
CEO:Jad Mubaslat
Headquarters:Cincinnati, Ohio
Founders:Jad Mubaslat
Founded:2013
Customer service:Knowledge Base

BitQuick is an instant bitcoin marketplace that allows buyers to connect directly to sellers and make purchases via cash deposit or SEPA transfer. Buyers are guaranteed to receive their bitcoins within 3 hours of placing an order.

BitQuick accepts deposits in all fiat currencies.

Pros

  • Get paid within 3 hours
  • 256 bit SSL encryption
  • Simple user interface

Cons

  • Lack of payment options

ReputationFeesPrivacyLimits
GoodLowHighHigh

BitQuick.co is an instant buying and selling Bitcoin marketplace that allows buyers to connect directly to sellers via cash deposit or SEPA transfer. On the platform Buy dashboard, it is easy to locate and buy bitcoin from trusted merchants that only require a minimum purchase. You are guaranteed to receive your bitcoins within 3 hours of placing an order.

BitQuick charges a 2% fee to buy bitcoin while selling bitcoin incurs absolutely no fees.

Wall Of Coins

Wall Of Coins Homepage

Website:wallofcoins.com
CEO:Robert Genito
Headquarters:Sarasota, Florida
Founders:Robert Genito
Founded:2010
Customer service:Knowledge Base

Wall Of Coins simplifies the buying and selling process of bitcoin by directly connecting merchants that are nearby one another.

Wall Of Coins accepts deposits in all fiat currencies.

Pros

  • Transparency
  • Rapid cold storage
  • Low minimum purchase requirement

Cons

  • ID Verification not necessary

ReputationFeesPrivacyLimits
GoodHighHighHigh

Wall Of Coins simplifies the buying and selling process of Bitcoin by directly connecting merchants that are nearby one another. When you go to buy bitcoin with cash on the platform it searches nearby banks that will give you the best rate. They actually have some phenomenal rates for purchasing bitcoin on their offers page, but always remember to do your due diligence before making an investment or purchase decision.

There are no fees to purchase bitcoin with cash on Wall of Coins; however, there is a $5 minimum purchase requirement. They offer professional customer support via a toll-free number, live chat, and email if you have any questions or concerns.

To Wrap It Up

For most people, they prefer to make use of a Bitcoin ATM for the mere fact that it provides a highly reliable solution for these cash purchases. Also, almost all of these Bitcoin ATMs are located in areas that are not only just central but also very secure.

Some people claim that; though purchasing Bitcoin with cash is much more anonymous and rapid, it is, however, riskier than a majority of the online methods we have available today.

Nonetheless, there are quite a lot of options you can personally select from whenever you are ready to buy bitcoin with physical cash. And, if you are not interested in using cash, you can use an online exchange to buy bitcoin with debit card or bank account.