Two-way Bitcoin ATMs are machines that let people both make purchases and sell Bitcoin. Unlike their one-way counterparts, which limit transactions to purchases, two-way ATMs offer a more dynamic experience.
In this article we will look into two-way Bitcoin ATMs, how they work and how they differ from one-way Bitcoin ATMs.
Key Takeaways
- Two-way BTMs allow users to both buy and sell Bitcoin in a single location.
- With more people entering the crypto market, two-way BTMs offer a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- Finding a two-way BTM is becoming easier as they’re now in high demand globally.
What Are Two-Way Bitcoin ATMs?
Two-way Bitcoin ATMs are machines that let users buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Unlike one-way BTMs, which only allow you to purchase Bitcoin, two-way machines provide a full-service experience for users, supporting both buying and selling functions.
As more people explore digital assets, these ATMs provide a quick, convenient way to manage crypto holdings.

What Is The Difference Between One-Way & Two-Way BTMs?
On one-way machines, users can only buy Bitcoin with cash or credit/debit cards, meaning they are strictly cash-to-crypto machines.
These machines are simpler to install and operate, making them a popular choice for new ATM operators or locations with limited demand.
However, the functionality of one-way BTMs is limited, as users can only purchase Bitcoin but cannot sell it back for cash.
Two-way BTMs, on the other hand, provide both buying and selling options.
They support cash-to-crypto and crypto-to-cash transactions.
With two-way BTMs, users can easily enter the crypto market by purchasing Bitcoin or exit it by selling Bitcoin for cash.
This dual functionality meets the needs of both long-term holders and casual users who may want to cash out their Bitcoin at any time.
For operators, two-way BTMs often result in higher profitability, as the increased functionality tends to attract more users and generate additional revenue from both types of transactions.
If you are looking for a 2 way Bitcoin ATM for sale, some good options are Tejo, which costs €8,500($9,249) or Bitcovault, which has options ranging from different models around $8,000.
| Feature | One-Way BTMs | Two-Way BTMs |
| Transaction Type | Buy Only | Buy and sell |
| User Interaction | Limited to purchasing crypto | Allows both purchases and sales |
| Accessibility | Less flexible for users | More versatile for users |
| Market presence | Common in select locations | Increasingly becoming standard |
Why Two-Way BTMs Becoming An Industry Standard?
Data from CoinATMRadar shows that two-way machines make up about 11.6% of the worldwide market, with over 4474 machines installed.
Meanwhile, in Europe, two-way BTMs lead, accounting for around 66.2% of all Bitcoin ATMs.
Here’s why this shift to bidirectional machines is gaining momentum globally:
Higher Profit Potential and ROI
Two-way BTMs can significantly boost revenue and ROI for operators by supporting both buy and sell transactions.
Research from Prague (March-May 2022) shows that sell transactions on two-way machines contributed 33% more cash flow than buy transactions, even during market downturns.
This resulted in nearly double the profit compared to one-way machines.
Placing these machines in high-traffic locations, like airports or shopping centers, further maximizes profitability by driving higher daily transaction volumes with models optimized for frequent use, such as the BATMTwoUltra and BATMThree.
Growing Demand for Cash-Out Options
Currently, over 10 million Bitcoin wallets hold balances exceeding $1,000, and about 19 million Bitcoin addresses are active each month in 2024.
These figures indicate a strong demand for sell options, especially among users seeking to take profits or meet immediate cash needs.
Strategically placed two-way BTMs offer continuous transaction opportunities, ensuring a steady income flow for operators and meeting the practical needs of Bitcoin holders.
Flexible Fee Structuring for Increased Revenue
Operators of two-way BTMs have the flexibility to set buy fees or sell fees based on market conditions and demand.
For instance, operators can charge higher fees during periods of high volatility or adjust them based on location-specific demand.
CoinATMRadar data shows that this strategy can increase profitability by tailoring fees to match local or current market activity.

Enhanced Volatility Management and HODLing Options
Two-way BTMs allow operators to manage crypto holdings strategically.
For example, rather than immediately selling all incoming Bitcoin, operators can choose to retain a portion for long-term holding (HODLing) if they anticipate price increases.
Alternatively, they can opt to sell quickly during high-demand periods, enhancing profit margins by reducing the risk associated with holding large amounts of crypto.
Efficiency Through Banknote Recycling
Banknote recyclers in some two-way machines, like BATMTwoUltra, improve operational efficiency by reusing cash deposited by other users.
This capability significantly cuts down the number of cash collection trips by up to 50%, which reduces operational costs and downtime.
A two-way BTM with a recycler module can handle up to 180 banknotes. This means it can function longer without requiring maintenance—an important advantage in high-traffic locations.
Supporting a Flexible, Open Crypto Economy
By offering buy and sell capabilities, two-way BTMs support an economy where users can freely convert Bitcoin to cash and vice versa.
This flexibility appeals to a diverse range of users, from seasoned crypto investors to beginners.
As crypto adoption expands, this transactional freedom is key to supporting everyday use cases and facilitating broader adoption.
How To Locate a 2 Way Bitcoin ATM Near You?
If you have been searching for a “two way Bitcoin ATM near me”, there are some tools to help you locate these machines worldwide.

Here are some top resources to locate a two-way Bitcoin ATM near you:
CoinATMRadar
CoinATM Radar provides a global map of Bitcoin ATMs, with detailed information on each machine’s capabilities, including whether it supports two-way transactions.
Simply enter your location, and it will display nearby options, making it a reliable tool for finding a two-way Bitcoin ATM.
RockitCoin
RockitCoin specializes in Bitcoin ATMs across various U.S. regions and provides a locator tool to help users find machines in their area.
Their network includes numerous two-way ATMs, making it convenient for users who need both buying and selling options.
ATHENA
ATHENA provides a network of Bitcoin ATMs with an online locator tool that allows users to search for local machines.
This platform is particularly helpful for those looking for two-way ATMs in various parts of the United States.
Conclusion
The adoption of two-way Bitcoin ATMs marks a significant step forward in making crypto more accessible and practical for everyday users.
As these machines become more prevalent, they stand to redefine the convenience of cryptocurrency transactions, meeting the needs of both casual users and serious investors.
The trend towards 2 way Bitcoin ATMs is clear—flexibility and accessibility are now central to the user experience in the evolving crypto economy.
Sources
- https://www.chainbytes.com/product/chainbytes-2-way/
- https://lamassu.is/products/tejo/
- https://www.generalbytes.com/en/news/2-way-bitcoin-atm-are-becoming-the-standard-in-the-industry