01
Every way to convert cash to Bitcoin in 2026
Cash → BTC methods compared
| Method | Fee | Speed | Privacy | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin ATM | 5–12% | 10–30 min | ID over ~$900 | ~38,000 worldwide |
| Azteco vouchers | ~3% | Seconds | No ID | Convenience stores |
| P2P (Bisq, Hodl Hodl) | 0–3% | 15 min – hours | High | Global |
| Local in-person meetup | ~0% (spot) | Minutes | High | Bitcoin meetups |
| Cash by mail (Hodl Hodl) | 0–2% | 1–3 days | High | Global |
02
Step-by-step: buy BTC at a Bitcoin ATM
- 1
Find an ATM nearby
Use CoinATMRadar — filter for ATMs that support Lightning if you want sub-cent fees. - 2
Open Lightning Pay → Receive
Tap Receive and show the on-chain or Lightning QR code. - 3
At the ATM, choose Buy Bitcoin
Scan your QR. The ATM shows the all-in price (BTC rate + ATM fee). - 4
Feed in the cash and confirm
Bills are counted in front of you. Confirm only when the displayed total looks right. - 5
Receive BTC
Lightning ATMs settle in seconds. On-chain ATMs settle in 10–30 minutes (one confirmation).
03
Cash → Bitcoin via Azteco vouchers
Azteco vouchers are sold in tens of thousands of convenience stores worldwide (similar to phone-credit vouchers). You pay cash, get a 16-digit code, and redeem it to any Lightning address in seconds. Lower fees than ATMs, zero ID for small denominations.
Open Lightning Pay → Receive → copy your Lightning address (yourname@lightningpay.info), type it into the Azteco redemption page, and the sats land in seconds.
04
P2P: trade with another human, no exchange
Bisq
Desktop app, fully decentralised, multisig escrow. Best for privacy purists.
Hodl Hodl
Web app with 2-of-3 multisig escrow. Wide payment-method coverage including cash-by-mail.
RoboSats
Lightning-native P2P over Tor. Sub-$1,000 trades typically clear in 15 minutes.
05
Safety tips for in-person cash trades
Meet in public, daylight
Coffee shops and bank lobbies are ideal. Bring a friend for trades over $500.
Verify before handing over cash
Lightning settles in seconds — use Lightning for trust-minimised in-person trades.
Use multisig escrow for large trades
Hodl Hodl's 2-of-3 multisig prevents the seller running with your cash.
Don't share your seed
Ever. Not for verification, not for 'proof of funds'. The seed is the wallet.
06
Typical limits & KYC by method
| Method | No-ID limit | With ID |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin ATM (US) | $900–$3,000/day | $15,000/day |
| Bitcoin ATM (EU) | €150–€700 | €1,000–€15,000/day |
| Azteco | $250/voucher | Higher tiers via account |
| P2P (Bisq/Hodl Hodl) | Account-by-account | Counterparty-set |
07
Cash-to-Bitcoin FAQ
Ready to own your Bitcoin?
Lightning Pay is free, open source, and non-custodial. Your keys never leave your device.