For most transactions, you need three things: cash, your mobile phone, and a crypto wallet with a receive address. No bank account, no debit card, and no pre-registration is required.
A government-issued photo ID is required for purchases of $3,000 or more in a single transaction (the threshold is $1,000 in Arizona and New Mexico). Accepted forms of ID include a U.S. driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport. The ATM's built-in scanner reads the ID directly — you don't hand it to anyone.
If you're new to crypto, install a wallet app before you go so you have your receive address ready. Exodus and Trust Wallet are both solid options that take a few minutes to set up. You'll need to scan your wallet's QR code at the machine, so make sure your phone battery is charged.
Bring enough cash for the amount you plan to purchase, plus a small buffer — Bitstop ATMs accept $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. The minimum purchase is $10. If it's your first visit, the whole process typically takes 3–5 minutes.
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