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How to buy Bitcoin with cash: the best ways

07 Sep, 2023 12 min read
How to buy Bitcoin with cash

Almost everybody in the whole world knows about Bitcoin today. It was the first cryptocurrency and the project that started the financial revolution. BTC is listed on 90% of all exchanges and is even officially recognised as a payment method in some countries, such as Japan.

More and more countries are thinking about regulating cryptocurrencies. They are creating many legislative proposals for this. It's important to note that most laws acknowledge Bitcoin as the main cryptocurrency, and, as such, the demand for Bitcoin grows every day.

People believe that cryptocurrencies can become an alternative to fiat. Although there are many digital assets, most people want to buy BTC first, simply because this cryptocurrency will likely be the first that is officially allowed in most countries.

We know how to buy Bitcoin online. The question is: how do you buy Bitcoin with cash?

Ways to buy Bitcoin with cash

Cryptocurrencies are fully digital assets, and up until a few years ago, it was impossible to buy them with cash. However, change is the only constant. The cryptocurrency community thus made some upgrades and developments whilst Bitcoin was being recognised by many countries. Today, we have several ways to buy Bitcoin with cash.

Crypto exchanges

When speaking about exchanges, many people think about platforms such as Kraken, Huobi and StormGain. All of them provide good opportunities for buying cryptocurrencies. The most important thing, however, is that they are reputable. StormGain, Huobi and Kraken have never been hacked.

We'll be using one of the oldest exchanges, LocalBitcoins, to explain the process of buying BTC.

This exchange has offered the purchase of cryptocurrencies since 2012. At the very beginning, it was the only one to offer the purchase of Bitcoin using USD, but today, you can purchase different cryptocurrencies using many different fiat currencies, from USD to RUB:

  1. Create an account and verify it.
  2. Go to 'Trades' or just fill in the form on the home page.
  3. Find a seller in your city who wants to get cash for BTC.
  4. Contact them through their order.
  5. Get their payment information and deposit cash in their account.
  6. Send a receipt.

LocalBitcoins

Moreover, you can place an order for BTC and point out that you can only pay with cash. Sometimes, people can find sellers on a nearby street, so they can make a deal on the spot.

However, you won't get full privacy in some countries. For example, the FSA of Finland controls all BTC trades in the country, so it's quite difficult to buy BTC there.

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Important! Contact sellers who have a positive trading history. This provides a guarantee that you won't be a victim of fraud.

There's another exchange called Wall of Coins. This exchange is concentrated on Bitcoin, and depositing cash is its most popular method of payment. There are more than 100,000 deposit locations for Wall of Coins around the world. Here, you can get BTC within 20 minutes of depositing because it's sent from Wall of Coins' reserves.

This way is very simple and only requires your phone number. That being said, Wall of Coins only operates in 22 countries.

The third exchange that allows Bitcoin to be bought with cash is Bitquick. It has the same structure as LocalBitcoins. You can buy BTC with this service within 2 hours. The main disadvantage is that Bitquick only works in the US. That means you won't be able to buy cryptocurrency if you live in another country or, for example, go on a trip.

Pros and cons

This method is very simple, and you can buy Bitcoin without even needing to divulge your personal information (although some sellers may request it). There's also a chance for you to find a seller in your own town, meaning you can meet them in person.

However, there are many conmen on such services. Additionally, Bitcoin is a very expensive cryptocurrency, so it's hard to buy a lot of coins with cash. If you pay with cash without meeting, instead choosing to go through an exchange service, you'll have to pay huge fees. They're even higher than regular cryptocurrency exchanges.

 

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Cryptocurrency wallets

Because cryptocurrency is just gaining mainstream popularity, there aren't many opportunities to buy Bitcoin with cash through cryptocurrency wallets. Bitcoin Core, Green Address, Blockchain Wallet, Exodus, Jaxx and other reputable wallets don't offer this ability.

Nevertheless, there is currently one programme that allows BTC to be purchased with cash: the Mycelium wallet. The 'Mycelium Local Trader' option tracks all users of the programme. You can activate it and try to find sellers in your area.

Mycelium Local Trader
Mycelium Local Trader

It's very possible that you can find many traders in big cities like New York, London or Milan. On the other hand, it's almost impossible to find sellers in small towns.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the Mycelium wallet.
  2. Open 'Local Trader'.
  3. Allow the app to access your location.
  4. Choose a seller.

As with the previous method, you have to check the comments about every trader if you don't want to deal with a conman.

Pros and cons

This app allows you to find a seller very quickly in your city or chosen area. However, Mycelium is not a very popular wallet, so it doesn't feature many sellers. Moreover, there have been many reports of fraud and robberies. You have to be very careful when meeting a seller from 'My Local Trader'.
 

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Exchange services

You may be amazed to learn that there are many online exchanges with good rates and options. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts have created dozens of services to make using Bitcoin and altcoins easier. You might want to take a look at platforms such as:

  • SmartPays
  • BitCash
  • TransCoin
  • WealthPay
  • Buy-Bitcoins.

More services are available on BestChange, most of which have positive feedback, so you can be sure that you'll get the correct amount of BTC for your cash. How do you buy crypto with such services?

  1. Go to one of the exchanges and fill in the form.
  2. Follow the instructions and create an order.
  3. Wait for a courier or pay the cash at a cash machine.

The latter depends on the service you choose. Some exchanges have their own couriers in big cities. They go to your address, take cash and send Bitcoins at the personal meeting. After the deal, you sign a cheque. It's similar to receiving a package by post.

Pros and cons

All the services listed in BestChange are verified and reliable. That's why you can choose any of them based on your preference. That being said, you do have to wait to check the order and confirmation for the deal. So, if you're impatient, this method probably isn't right for you.
 

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Personal contacts

Do you have friends? Of course, you do. Do any of them store any Bitcoin? If they do, ask them to sell you some. It's the best way to buy Bitcoin with cash.

If your friends don't recognise BTC, you can visit different Bitcoin conferences and establish relationships with delegates. Firstly, this will give you more friends in the crypto world. Secondly, you'll always have a trusted person who can sell some BTC for cash.

Pros and cons

Your friend won't cheat you, so you can make a transaction very fast. There aren't any fees between friends. But you still have to find friends who work with Bitcoin. If you have such people around you, there aren't any disadvantages to this method.

Cash machines

If you live in Germany, the US or Japan, you have no doubt seen this type of machine on the street.

Bitcoin cash machine
Bitcoin cash machine

That means you're lucky. It works the same as when you deposit funds in your bank account or on your debit card. Just go to the cash machine, enter the necessary information and deposit your cash.

If you don't know whether there are any Bitcoin cash machines in your town, you can check on Coin ATM Radar. This service collects information on all cryptocurrency cash machines, so there is a good chance you can find one nearby and check its reserves online.

Pros and cons

There are many advantages to this method. For example, this is a fully reliable way to buy Bitcoin with cash. Moreover, you can buy any amount of BTC. The only disadvantage is the high fee for the operation.

You also have to physically go to the cash machine, but we don't consider this to be a disadvantage.
 

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Cash deposit

Traders can deposit cash directly into the specified seller's bank account using the cash deposit option. This can be done through various money-sending methods such as Western Union, mobile money agents, and other cash conversion methods. The seller will provide you with the specific bank and account number (usually through chat) where you should deposit the money instead of publicly exposing it alongside the trade.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Buying Bitcoin with a cash deposit can be a relatively private transaction. It doesn't require you to disclose personal information, such as your bank account or credit card details.
  • Cash deposits are generally considered secure because they don't involve sharing sensitive financial information online, reducing the risk of identity theft or hacking.
  • Cash deposits are typically processed quickly, allowing you to acquire Bitcoin relatively fast compared to other methods like wire transfers.

Cons:

  • Some Bitcoin sellers may charge higher fees or offer less favourable exchange rates when accepting cash deposits, so you might end up paying more for your Bitcoin.
  • There is a risk of encountering fraudulent sellers when dealing with cash deposits. You must verify the credibility of the seller to avoid scams.

The fastest way to buy Bitcoin with cash

We've already mentioned 5 different ways to buy Bitcoin with cash. That's quite an achievement today, considering the fact that cryptocurrencies weren't even officially recognised as a payment method two years ago. Back then, there were only two ways: buy BTC from friends or go through LocalBitcoins.

The fastest way depends on what opportunities you have. For example, if you have trusted friends with BTC, this method will be the best. You only have to wait for the transaction to be confirmed in the Bitcoin network. If you don't have friends with BTC, using a cash machine is the fastest way.

The cheapest way

Again, buying BTC with cash through personal contacts is the cheapest way because you don't have to pay any fees. Moreover, your friend won't give you a lower exchange rate.

However, there's nothing permanent about buying Bitcoin this way. So, the second method is using the Mycelium Local Trader. You can find a seller in your area and buy BTC on favourable terms. Just be careful when choosing a seller.

The most reliable way

You might have guessed that the most reliable way to buy BTC with cash is by using personal contacts. As previously mentioned, they'll never cheat you. They'll send the cryptocurrency after you give them the cash. Moreover, they won't steal your personal data or payment information.

That's why it's worth finding some personal contacts at conferences and other meetings with cryptocurrency enthusiasts. This will provide you with the best option to buy BTC with cash on the most favourable terms, anytime, anywhere.
 

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FAQ

How to buy Bitcoins with cash

There are several options available for purchasing Bitcoin using cash. These include exchanges like StormGain, Bitcoin ATMs, cardless cash transactions, seller's bank deposits, and conducting in-person transactions independently. Bitcoin can also be purchased with cash at convenience stores, mobile phone retailers, grocery stores, electronic stores, check cashers and other independent retailers.

 

How to sell your BTC crypto with cash

You can convert Bitcoin into cash using a crypto exchange like StormGain, Coinbase, Binance, Gemini, or Kraken. Simply select the coin and amount you wish to sell, agree to the rates, and your cash will be made available to you. 

 

Where can I buy Bitcoins with cash?

You can purchase Bitcoin with cash through various methods, including reputable exchanges like StormGain, which provide secure options. 

Online exchange services such as SmartPays, BitCash, TransCoin, WealthPay, and Buy-Bitcoins can also be explored for cash transactions. 

You can buy BTC from friends who hold cryptocurrency if they're willing to sell for cash or establish connections within the cryptocurrency community through events like Bitcoin conferences to find trusted individuals for such transactions. 

In regions like Germany, the US, or Japan, Bitcoin ATMs are available, allowing you to deposit cash and receive Bitcoin in a way that's akin to traditional banking transactions.

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