How to convert Bitcoin to cash is one of the main questions that BTC investors have. There are many different ways to convert Bitcoin (BTC) to fiat currency. Some of the options include Bitcoin ATMs, cryptocurrency exchanges and peer-to-peer markets.
Cryptocurrency exchanges are usually the easiest way to get access to cash if you have Bitcoin. However, other options such as Bitcoin ATMs and peer-to-peer markets are also available. Despite that, they might have higher fees and might not work in the region you are located.
This guide will help you to understand which are the different options available on how to convert Bitcoin to cash. In general, these platforms would allow you to also purchase BTC and other virtual currencies. That means that you can apply this guide also to other virtual currencies in the market.
How do I Convert Bitcoin to Cash?
There are different ways in which we can convert Bitcoin to cash. When an investor wants to enter the market, they also need to be sure there is enough liquidity to leave it. This is why the question “how to convert Bitcoin to cash?” is among the most common among newcomers.
The good thing is that if you know how to convert cash to Bitcoin, then you have high chances of converting Bitcoin back to cash through the same means. For example, if you used a virtual currency exchange to convert your fiat currency into Bitcoin, then you can also use this platform (if the exchange offers this possibility) to convert the funds back to fiat.
In the next sections, you will learn how to convert Bitcoin into cash and vice-versa. You can use any of the methods listed below. Some of them might not be available in your region. Thus, you should search for the one that better adapts to your personal situation.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Cryptocurrency exchanges are usually one of the best places for buying Bitcoin and other digital assets. These platforms have been created in order to offer efficient and easy-to-use solutions to users.
There are different crypto exchanges that would allow you to exchange your BTC into cash. They usually have a guide explaining how convert Bitcoin to cash in simple steps. Take into consideration that if the exchange offers you the possibility to buy Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies with cash, then you should be able to also withdraw the funds.
If you use a crypto exchange, you would have to send your BTC to the platform you use. It can be Binance, Coinbase or Kraken. Once you send the Bitcoin to your exchange wallet, you should go to trade them for cash. You can find the BTC/USD, BTC/EUR or BTC/GBP trading pairs.
Be aware that BTC/USDT is not the same as BTC/USD. USDT is a stablecoin that is tied to the price of the dollar. That means that you are not converting your funds to fiat currency but to a stablecoin, which is not the same.
If you want to know how to convert Bitcoin to cash, then you should use these trading pairs: BTC/USD, BTC/EUR or BTC/GBP (or other trading pairs at your local exchange that would be linked to a fiat currency). Other fiat currencies include BRL, MXN, CZK, THB, JPY and many others.
Once you sell your BTC in the market, you would be able to withdraw your cash. In general, you can send the funds to your bank account. This bank account should be linked to the exchange you are using. Other platforms are allowing users to send their funds back to their debit or credit cards linked to their exchange accounts.
Coinbase is also offering the possibility for users in some jurisdictions to withdraw funds to PayPal. Once you have the funds in your bank account, you can easily withdraw them from an ATM or your local branch.
Bitcoin ATMs
Another option users have to answer the question “how do I convert Bitcoin to cash?” is to use Bitcoin ATMs. They are very easy to use and are already located in most of the countries around the world. The only negative thing about Bitcoin ATMs is that they are not located in every single city or small town.
Bitcoin ATMs look like traditional ATMs. The main difference is that you can buy and sell (sometimes) cryptocurrencies for cash. This is a fast and easy method if you are wondering how do you convert Bitcoin to cash.
The system is very simple. You should have a cryptocurrency wallet with BTC funds. When you start using the ATM you should select the “Sell” option (if available). Not all the crypto ATMs have this possibility enabled. Some of these ATMs are only allowing users to buy Bitcoin and other virtual currencies.
Once you select the “Sell” option, you should send the funds to the address displayed on the Bitcoin ATM. The transaction can take some minutes to be confirmed. We need to wait for the necessary network confirmations to receive the cash. As soon as the necessary confirmation are registered, you can withdraw your funds from the machine. This looks the same as a traditional ATM.
This is one of the easiest ways on how to convert Bitcoin to cash. It takes just a few minutes and the ATMs can be found in most of the largest cities around the world. Nonetheless, the fees are usually very high (between 3% and 12%). Thus, you should take that into account when you withdraw cash from these ATMs.
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Another way you have to learn how to convert Bitcoin to cash is to use peer-to-peer networks. These are websites that allow you to connect with users in your region and exchange BTC for cash.
These platforms work in a very easy way and are very secure. You should send your BTC funds to the person you have chosen from the platform. The BTC will be locked in escrow for a few minutes or hours until the other person sends the cash to your bank account. When the transaction is accepted, you can withdraw your cash from your local ATM or bank branch.
This is a very easy and fast way to get access to cash with your virtual currencies. However, the process can sometimes be slow (compared to exchanges) and the funds might be frozen in escrow for some hours – which is certainly not convenient. Nevertheless, the most popular platforms such as Binance and LocalBitcoins are very secure and make sure the funds reach the other person on time.
In the past, it was possible to meet with other people and get the cash in hand. Nevertheless, due to KYC regulations, this became more difficult and this option has been disabled. Despite that, if you know people selling and buying Bitcoin in your region, you can easily get in touch with them and sell your BTC for cash. However, you should always be cautious about meetings in person.
How to Convert Cash to Bitcoin?
Now that we have seen how to convert Bitcoin to cash, we need to learn how to move our fiat currency into the crypto ecosystem. Like in the previous sections, we can purchase digital assets with cash using cryptocurrency exchanges, Bitcoin ATMs and also P2P networks.
Using a Crypto Platform
To convert cash to Bitcoin you should search for a crypto exchange that would allow you to deposit funds to their platform. The goal is goal deposit cash rather than digital assets. Some exchanges do not work with fiat currencies because local banks do not want to offer services to crypto platforms. Thus, you should find an exchange that would give you the possibility to do so.
Once you find the exchange you want to use, you should find the options you have to deposit funds. You might be able to deposit cash using a credit card, a debit card or a bank transfer. Some exchanges such as Binance have also integrated a P2P platform.
The easiest method is perhaps a debit card that would transfer the funds from your bank directly to the exchange. This takes just a few minutes and it provides you with fast access to digital assets. Nevertheless, it might be cheaper to use a bank transfer that has no fees. In Europe, some crypto exchanges work with the SEPA network. That reduces the fees for transfers.
Some platforms that are not considered to be traditional crypto exchanges are also allowing users to purchase Bitcoin. It depends on the platform that is available in your region.
Cryptocurrency ATMs
A cryptocurrency ATM would allow you to get access to Bitcoin and other virtual currencies with cash. Although not all of them would allow you to sell your coins for cash, all of them would let you buy digital assets.
Some of the crypto ATMs support several virtual currencies, while others only Bitcoin. If you are lucky enough to have a crypto ATM in your region, then they will be very useful for you to learn how to convert bitcoin to cash or vice-versa.
As soon as you deposit the cash, your funds will be transferred to your crypto wallet. You can scan it through the ATM or write it on the screen. Scanning it might be easier considering you avoid typing a wrong wallet address. Remember that if you send your funds to a different wallet, you will never recover them.
Some ATMs require you to have an ID before you are able to buy or sell your funds. Thus, have it prepared in case it is necessary. ATMs are also more expensive than traditional exchanges. These are physical machines that require maintenance. You should be prepared to get a higher price for your purchase and a lower price for your sale.
Most of the countries are implementing regulations that are making it more difficult to get access to the market. However, crypto exchanges have done an amazing job expanding their solutions and offerings. It is up to you whether you use an exchange or another platform.
Buying Crypto From Other People
We have seen how to convert Bitcoin to cash using peer-to-peer networks. Now you would be involved in purchasing digital assets from other people. Rather than selling your coins, you would be searching for a person that would accept cash for their coins.
You can find many users in crypto conferences or meet-ups. These are great places to know people that are interested in exchanging their crypto for cash. Nevertheless, it might not be as secure as using an exchange or another platform. Remember that when you use this exchange option you might have to pay a higher price for the BTC you want to purchase.
This is one of the easiest ways to convert cash to Bitcoin. You just need to find the correct people to do so. Peer-to-peer networks are the best way to connect buyers and sellers of virtual currencies. But there are other methods. Local crypto groups can also help you to connect with people that want to convert their bitcoin into cash.
Final Words on How to Convert Bitcoin to Cash
There are different mechanisms that allow users to convert Bitcoin to cash. These possibilities include crypto exchanges, peer-to-peer networks and Bitcoin ATMs. Depending on your location, it would be easier for you to use one or another of these methods.
At the same time, most of these solutions help you to invest in digital assets as well. That means that you do not only learn how to convert Bitcoin to cash but also how to get access to Bitcoin and other virtual currencies with your fiat currency.
Regulations are expanding in the crypto market. P2P networks might not be so easy to use as in the past or they would require you more information. Moreover, exchanges might face some issues with banks that do not provide services to crypto-related services.
In recent years, crypto and fiat on-ramps have been expanding and are now allowing users to get access to digital assets.
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