Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Markets & Bitcoin ATMs in the US
Peer-to-peer markets let you buy Bitcoin directly from another person, usually without identity verification: RoboSats (Lightning, over Tor), Peach (mobile), and Bisq 2 (desktop). They are legal to use in the US but unlicensed, small, and require care. Bitcoin ATMs are licensed but expensive, with median all-in fees around 16%, and they are the number-one channel for elder-fraud scams. Bitcoin Depot, the largest operator, filed for Chapter 11 in May 2026. Last verified September 2026. Listings are neutral and unranked; not financial advice.
P2P & ATMs: 11 listings
Bitcoin ATM scam warning: No government agency, utility, bank, or tech-support desk will ever ask you to pay at a Bitcoin ATM. If someone on the phone is directing you to one, hang up. Bitcoin ATM transactions are irreversible.
- RoboSats — Lightning-based P2P exchange accessed over Tor. Trades are escrowed with hold invoices; no accounts, no KYC. non-custodial, Bitcoin-only, open source, Lightning, no KYC. Pricing: ~0.2% per trade plus Lightning routing. Warning: Unlicensed. Small order sizes and thin liquidity. Never share personal details with counterparties.
- Peach Bitcoin — Mobile P2P app with multisig escrow and many payment methods. Swiss company. non-custodial, Bitcoin-only, no KYC. Pricing: ~2% per trade. Warning: Not a US-licensed money transmitter. Availability of US payment methods varies.
- Bisq 2 — Decentralized desktop exchange with reputation-based trading and on-chain multisig. non-custodial, Bitcoin-only, open source, no KYC. Changed: Bisq v1 exploit disclosed May 2026. Warning: The legacy Bisq v1 client had an exploit disclosed in May 2026. Use Bisq 2 only and keep it updated.
- HodlHodl — Non-custodial P2P marketplace and lending platform. Listed for reference only. non-custodial, Bitcoin-only, no KYC. US availability: Does not serve US residents.
- CoinFlip — One of the largest US Bitcoin ATM networks with buy and sell kiosks. multi-asset. Pricing: Roughly 10–20% all-in; check the on-screen rate before inserting cash. Warning: Licensed operator, but ATM fees are the highest of any Bitcoin on-ramp.
- Coinhub — US Bitcoin ATM operator, kiosks in convenience stores and gas stations. Pricing: Roughly 10–20% all-in.
- RockItCoin — Kiosk network across most states with a companion app. Pricing: Roughly 10–20% all-in.
- Bitstop — Bitcoin ATM operator with an emphasis on compliance tooling. Pricing: Roughly 10–20% all-in.
- Byte Federal — Florida-based ATM network. Pricing: Roughly 10–20% all-in.
- Bitcoin Depot — Largest US operator by kiosk count. Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 18, 2026; kiosks continued operating during restructuring. Changed: Chapter 11 filing May 18, 2026. Warning: In Chapter 11 as of the last verification. Confirm a kiosk is live before travelling to it.
- Athena Bitcoin — ATM operator that has faced multiple state consumer-protection lawsuits over fees and scam victims. Warning: Subject to ongoing litigation in several states at the time of verification.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to buy Bitcoin without KYC in the US?
Buying Bitcoin from another individual is legal for the buyer. The platforms themselves operate in a grey area: RoboSats, Peach, and Bisq are not licensed US money transmitters. Nothing in this section is legal advice; consult an attorney if you have questions about your own situation.
How much do Bitcoin ATMs charge?
Median all-in cost is around 16% once you combine the posted fee and the price spread. Some kiosks exceed 20%. A Bitcoin-only broker or exchange typically costs under 1.5%.
Why are Bitcoin ATMs associated with scams?
Kiosks accept cash instantly and transactions cannot be reversed, so fraudsters impersonating the IRS, utilities, police, or tech support direct victims to them. Several states now cap daily ATM amounts or require refunds for first-time users defrauded within a short window.
What happened to Bitcoin Depot?
Bitcoin Depot, the largest US Bitcoin ATM operator, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 18, 2026. Kiosks stayed online during restructuring, but service continuity is not guaranteed.
Links
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