Four ways to convert crypto to cash
1. Exchange + bank transfer – the cheapest and fastest option for amounts above a couple hundred dollars. Sell crypto on an exchange and withdraw via bank transfer (SEPA Instant in the EU, wire or ACH elsewhere) – funds typically arrive within minutes to a day.
2. Bitcoin ATM – thousands of machines worldwide, mostly in major cities. You deposit crypto and withdraw cash. Fees run 5–10%, with typical limits of a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars per transaction.
3. Crypto exchange kiosk – online or in-person currency-exchange-style services. Fees of 1–3%; larger amounts can sometimes be paid out in cash.
4. P2P on an exchange – Bybit and Binance run P2P marketplaces where you sell crypto directly to another user. Payment via bank transfer or local payment apps. Use only the exchange's escrow to avoid scams.
Cost comparison
Exchange + bank transfer: 0.1–0.2% trading fee plus a roughly 0.05% spread, and usually free instant transfers. Total around 0.2–0.3%. Recommended: Kraken, Bybit, Bitget.
Bitcoin ATM: 5–10% in fees. Only worth it if you need physical cash immediately and the amount is small.
Exchange kiosk: 1–3%. A middle ground between an exchange and an ATM.
P2P: platform fee around 0.1% plus a 1–3% spread. Worthwhile mainly when an exchange doesn't support withdrawals in your local currency.
Tax on converting crypto to cash
Converting crypto to fiat currency, whether as cash or a bank transfer, is generally treated as a disposal of the crypto and can trigger capital gains tax. Rates and reporting rules vary widely by country – check with your local tax authority.
Swapping crypto for crypto (for example BTC to USDT before withdrawing) is not a taxable event in most jurisdictions. The taxable event typically happens only when you convert to fiat.
Full guide: Crypto tax guide.
Summary
The cheapest way to convert crypto to cash is selling on a licensed exchange and withdrawing via bank transfer. Bitcoin ATMs only make sense for small amounts when you need physical cash.
Check our exchange ranking – all verified exchanges support fiat withdrawals.
