- Bitcoin Depot has begun requiring identity verification for every ATM transaction to strengthen compliance and prevent fraud.
- The change expands earlier onboarding ID checks and follows increased regulatory scrutiny and fraud concerns.
U.S. Bitcoin ATM operator Bitcoin Depot announced a new policy requiring customers to present identification for each transaction at its kiosks nationwide.
The company launched a staged rollout of the new compliance process in February 2026, extending previous first-use ID requirements to all uses. This is in a bid to improve compliance procedures and fortify measures against fraud and illegal activities at crypto ATMs. Bitcoin Depot operates thousands of kiosks across North America, enabling customers to convert cash into Bitcoin and other digital assets.
According to the company, in particular, the extended requirement improves its ability to flag suspicious patterns based on customer identity, location, or transaction amount before approving transfers. The policy comes after the initial identification checks that were rolled out in October 2025 for first-time users as part of Bitcoin Depot’s Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
Through the identification process, the company aims to limit account sharing, identity theft, and account takeover. The updated procedure marks one of the first major implementations of per-transaction ID verification in the Bitcoin ATM industry. Bitcoin Depot stated that the enhanced verification represents a proactive step toward customer protection and responsible digital asset access
Regulatory Pressure and Fraud Concerns
The increased focus on crypto ATM fraud and consumer protection by state attorneys general has led to the policy change. Recently, in early February, the Massachusetts Attorney General sued Bitcoin Depot for allegedly benefiting from scams against senior users. The lawsuits by Iowa and other states have brought attention to consumer losses and the misuse of ATMs. Based on FBI statistics, the losses due to cryptocurrency ATM fraud in the U.S. were estimated at $333 million in 2025, although this number may be understated. Legislative measures in various states have included stricter limits on ATM transactions and increased monitoring.
Industry observers believe that the increased level of compliance could have an effect on the way customers interact with physical crypto transactions. This is perceived as part of the larger changes in the industry towards more stringent KYC and anti-fraud policies. The company’s stock has experienced volatility, with significant share price drops in recent months. Despite this volatility, Bitcoin Depot reiterated its commitment to compliance and a safe user experience. The extended ID requirement is expected to be rolled out over time across the operator’s U.S. network.
Highlighted Crypto News:
Ethereum Foundation Begins Staking 70,000 ETH to Strengthen Network Security
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Bitcoin bear market lasts five months, with 74% of long-term holders' profits quickly shrinking
February 25 News, Bitcoin price has fallen approximately 50% from its all-time high, and 74% of long-term holders' profits are rapidly shrinking. CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost pointed out that as Bitcoin price approaches cost basis, the average profit of long-term holders continues to decline, a trend that usually signals the arrival of the bear market capitulation phase.
Glassnode reports that the 90-day moving average of realized profit and loss for Bitcoin has fallen below 1, indicating the market has entered an excess loss realization phase. Historical data shows that such a bear market lasts at least six months before market liquidity begins to recover. Analyst James Check noted that Bitcoin has been declining for nearly five consecutive months, with weekly volatility soaring above 150%, and the weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) also at historically oversold levels. Large amounts of Bitcoin at high price levels are flowing to new holders.
GateNewsBot2m ago
A certain whale exchanges 205 BTC for 6,973 ETH
Odaily Planet Daily reports that, according to Lookonchain monitoring, within the past 5 hours, a certain whale (0x2bd7) exchanged 205 BTC (worth $13.45 million) for 6973 ETH at an exchange rate of 0.02944.
GateNewsBot26m ago
Bitcoin Adoption Is Booming, Even If Its Price Isn't: River Report - Coinspeaker
River Financial has reported that Bitcoin Adoption metrics hit record highs in 2025, with institutional and corporate entities accumulating 829,000 BTC. “Bitcoin is down 50% from all-time highs, but adoption is compounding in ways that aren’t affecting the price, yet,” River Business Report 2025
Coinspeaker29m ago
Bitcoin price drops 50% from historical highs, but Wall Street and corporations are疯狂ly increasing holdings
On February 25, it was reported that Bitcoin's trading price in 2026 dropped to $64,492, down nearly 50% from its all-time high in October 2025. Despite the price decline triggering market panic, adoption of Bitcoin by institutions and corporations continues to accelerate.
BeInCrypto reports that retail investors have a pessimistic outlook on Bitcoin prices, with searches for "Bitcoin to zero" reaching a record high. Crypto hedge funds are increasing cash holdings, with the average cash reserve reaching 15.32%, the highest in nearly a year. Coin Bureau co-founder Nic Puckrin pointed out that this reflects a defensive strategy by institutional investors against short-term price volatility.
GateNewsBot43m ago
Sell Cardano (ADA) for Bitcoin? Here’s Why the Switch Could Make Sense Now
Crypto feels heavy again.
After months of distribution and fading rallies, the market resembles prior bear cycles. Bitcoin is down roughly 30% over the past 12 months. Cardano (ADA) is down closer to 60% over the same stretch. Liquidity is weak. ETF flows have cooled. Retail enthusiasm has fad
CaptainAltcoin53m ago