Poland has overtaken El Salvador to become the world’s fifth-largest Bitcoin ATM hub, with 219 active machines following a four-month installation surge. On January 27, the country added 10 new Bitcoin ATMs, further solidifying its position in the global rankings, which are led by the US, Canada, Australia, and Spain.
Poland’s recent growth includes the addition of 24 crypto ATMs since October 2024, signaling the country’s commitment to expanding its cryptocurrency infrastructure. According to Bitcoin ATM Radar, other major economies such as Canada, Spain, and Australia continue to see steady growth in their local crypto ATM networks, underscoring a broader trend of increasing accessibility to digital assets.
El Salvador, once ranked as the third-largest Bitcoin ATM hub in October 2022 with 215 machines, has not expanded its network in recent years. Juan Carlos Reyes, president of El Salvador’s National Commission of Digital Assets (NCDA), acknowledged this shift, stating, “The adoption of Bitcoin continues to expand, but the way people use it has evolved.”
Reyes highlighted the seamless integration of Bitcoin into everyday transactions in El Salvador. Visitors are often surprised at how easily they can pay for goods and services using Bitcoin wallets, reducing reliance on ATMs. Reyes compared Bitcoin ATMs to landlines in the smartphone era, emphasizing that their relevance is only one aspect of a broader, evolving Bitcoin ecosystem.
While Bitcoin ATMs are a key component of cryptocurrency accessibility, they have faced scrutiny over potential misuse for money laundering and other financial crimes. Reyes clarified that in El Salvador, operators of Bitcoin ATMs adhere to global anti-money laundering (AML) standards. He noted the importance of recognizing Bitcoin’s traceable nature, which distinguishes it from other digital assets and requires a nuanced regulatory approach.
Globally, there are approximately 38,100 active crypto ATMs across 65 countries, operated by 356 entities. Australia has seen the most consistent growth in crypto ATM installations over the past three years, joining the 1,000+ ATM club in April 2024 alongside the US and Canada.