The global network of Bitcoin ATMs saw a dramatic contraction in the first half of 2026, with the total number of active machines falling by 27.7% to 28,322, according to data from Finbold and Coin ATM Radar. The net reduction of 10,836 units marks a sharp reversal from the steady growth seen in prior years.
The United States accounted for 96% of all removals, with 10,380 machines taken offline between January and June. Despite this, the U.S. still holds 71.5% of the world’s active Bitcoin ATMs, maintaining its dominant market position. Outside the U.S., Canada lost 57 machines, Europe decreased by 102 units, and Australia saw the largest drop outside North America with 228 removals.
Industry observers point to regulatory uncertainty, higher compliance costs, and lower transaction volumes as key drivers. Many machines were likely underperforming or located in low-traffic areas, making them uneconomical to maintain. The reduction in physical infrastructure could slow grassroots crypto adoption, particularly among users who rely on cash-to-crypto conversion points.
