Convenience stores and gas stations are staples of everyday American life. Approximately 93% of Americans live within 10 minutes of a gas station. And 80% of gas stations are also convenience stores, ranging from 7-Eleven chain stores to local “mom-and pop” stations.
Many of these store locations are prime spots for ATM machines, and therefore are ideal for Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs). These machines are structured similar to traditional cash-based ATMs. They are housed in kiosks with a pin pad and screen and placed in convenient, heavily trafficked locations. The fundamental difference is users can purchase Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly through the machine.
Fast & Secure Bitcoin Access
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are virtual currencies that are essentially computer files stored in a digital wallet. People can buy Bitcoins through multiple methods, and send them to other people, and all these transactions are stored on a public record called the “blockchain.”
Bitcoin is attractive because it is decentralized, not controlled by a country’s banking system, and offers financial access to “underbanked” communities with limited access to traditional banking.
Bitcoin ATMs provide users with a fast, simple and secure way to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. The same firms managing traditional ATM security typically also handle BTMs. Since BTMs only process virtual currency, there are no worries about physical theft of the machine.
A Massive Potential Network
According to industry tracker Coin ATM Radar, there are more than 7,500 BTMs worldwide (as of April 2020), representing a year-over-year increase of 70%. That’s impressive growth, but it’s still early stage considering the more than 150,000 convenience store locations in the U.S. alone, along with approximately 40,000 grocery stores. The sheer number of locations and the attractive benefits of BTMs make the machines a high-value play for c-store and gas station owners.
Revenue Generation & Other Benefits
Despite the impressive growth in BTMs throughout the U.S., there’s still massive opportunity for expansion. Convenience store and/or gas station owners can set themselves apart from other area locations by installing BTMs.
Bitcoin ATMs are readily available for convenience store and gas station owners. They take up a minimal footprint inside a store and offer the owner solid monthly returns. The rental fees for Bitcoin ATMs are often tied to the monthly transaction amounts going through the machine, with many owners seeing a significant amount coming back from transactions.
The addition of a Bitcoin ATM also attracts paying customers. After the Bitcoin ATM user finishes their transaction, they still need gas in their cars, Gatorade after their workouts, or a bag of chips.
Additional benefits include:
- Visibility on various ATM map sites showcasing the location of BTMs
- Users can create an account and buy cryptocurrencies in a minute or less
- Some BTMs offer alternative coins such as Ethereum and Litecoin
- Fast transaction speed through the BTM’s network
- Users can convert bitcoin into fiat currency (dollars)
BFC Enterprises is now offering Bitcoin ATMs to a variety of locations including gas stations, convenience stores, bars, restaurants, pawn and smoke shops and more. Contact us to find out how you can get a Bitcoin ATM for your business!
Original article courtesy of Convenience Store News , Sep 9, 2020
