Acquiring Bitcoin (BTC) in Italy without needing to resort to bank transfers or credit cards is a reality, thanks to the diversity of options available to the user.
From the Bitcoin automated teller machines (ATMs), which allow the direct exchange of cash for cryptocurrencies, to the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) exchange platforms or the specialized currency exchange (cambiavalute) services.
However, one of the most accessible and expanding avenues is the purchase through coupons or vouchers at physical points of sale. It is important to highlight that this article has a merely informational character and does not constitute a recommendation or investment advice. Its objective is to guide the reader through the different alternatives, focusing especially on the operation of Bitnovo coupons; by the end of this updated guide, the reader will understand how to use this system as a simple and secure option to convert cash into BTC.
Forms of buying Bitcoin with cash in Italy
Buying Bitcoin with cash in Italy is possible through various established channels, ranging from automated solutions to exchanges between individuals. The goal is to provide an overview of the available options.
- Bitcoin ATM / Bancomat per Criptovalute: Physical machines that allow users to insert euro cash and receive Bitcoin directly in their wallet. They function similarly to a traditional automated teller machine.
2. P2P Purchase (Peer-to-Peer) / Between individuals: Direct exchanges of cash for Bitcoin agreed between two individuals. These transactions are usually facilitated through online platforms or local groups that offer a security or reputation framework.
3. Exchange houses and physical counters (Cambiavalute): Retail establishments or specialized counters where cash can be exchanged for cryptocurrencies with an operator in person.
4. Crypto coupons and vouchers in Tabaccheria and Points of Sale: This is a popular method where a digital code or voucher is purchased with cash at thousands of authorized retail points of sale (like tobacco shops or tabaccherie). Subsequently, that code is redeemed online through a platform (like Bitnovo) to receive the Bitcoin directly in the user’s wallet.
Why some people want to use cash to buy BTC
People use Bitcoin for many reasons: to make fast payments, to avoid the transaction fees charged by traditional banks, or because they offer some anonymity. Other people might acquire and hold BTC as an investment, hoping its value increases. So, why buy Bitcoin with cash?
- Privacy and anonymity.You avoid linking your identity and traditional bank accounts to the purchase.
- Total control.You have no need to depend on banks or centralized platforms.
- Access and convenience.Bitcoin ATMs allow buying BTC with physical bills quickly.
- It’s a way to participate in the crypto economy without going through the traditional financial system.
- Adds a layer of independence to your portfolio, as BTC is not subject to the same dynamics as traditional assets.
- One of the easiest ways to get Bitcoin.
Buy Bitcoin with cash using Bitnovo coupons
The use of crypto coupons and vouchers, with Bitnovo as one of the main providers, is one of the most accessible and widespread methods to convert euro cash into Bitcoin in Italy. This system allows users to utilize the existing retail infrastructure without the need for a cryptocurrency ATM or a P2P exchange.
By the way, a coupon, giftcard, voucher, buono or coupon Bitnovo is a solution offered by Bitnovo to buy cryptocurrencies with cash. You can acquire coupons at physical points of sale (tabaccheria, store) paying in cash, then redeem them on the website or App and receive the cryptocurrency you want in the wallet you prefer or in Bitnovo’s own.
There are currently 40,000 points of sale throughout Southern Europe to buy coupons with cash or by card. You can find your nearest punti vendita on the Bitnovo website or App. You surely have a point of sale much closer than you imagine. Once you have the coupon you can redeem it in the Bitnovo App or website. In both cases, the procedure is the same.
Where to use Bitnovo in Italy? The list of giants
There is no single “biggest store” that sells the cards, but a network of large distributors and brands where you can use Bitnovo coupons. The largest chains and platforms associated with Bitnovo in Italy are:
- Carrefour: One of the largest hypermarket and supermarket chains in the country.
- IKEA: The multinational home furnishings and decoration company.
- Q8 e IP: Large networks of service stations and gas stations nationwide.
- Pam Panorama: An important supermarket and hypermarket chain.
- ideaShopping: A multi-brand gift card platform.
You can acquire the Bitnovo voucher or cardand then redeem its value in cryptocurrencies to buy gift cards from these major brands, which are then used in their physical and/or online stores.
In addition to those mentioned above, other major brands are included:
- Amazon
- Decathlon
- Foot Locker
- GameStop
- Douglas(Perfumeries)
- Esselunga(Supermarkets, one of the largest chains in Italy)
- Bricocenter(Home improvement stores)
- Eataly
- Giunti al Punto(Bookstores)
How the process works: from cash to Bitcoin in your wallet
Well, it’s really easy! Take note!
- Once you find the tabaccheria, request the Bitnovo couponin cash.
- The venditorewill give you a ticket with the coupon code
- From the Bitnovo App or website, enter the code, select Bitcoin and the digital portafoglio.
- Bitnovo processes the operation and the BTC is sent to the indicated address.
EASY AND FAST!!
Now you know… if you want to buy bitcoins with cash in Italy, Bitnovo is what you need.
Identity verification, limits and regulatory compliance
The entry into force of MiCA is a real challenge, especially for companies like Bitnovo, which must ensure its operations comply with all the requirements of the new European regulations. However, Bitnovo adapts perfectly to the regulated MiCA environment by strengthening personal data protection with advanced encryption and strict GDPR compliance.
Furthermore, the identity verification process (KYC) adds security for users, while also facilitating collaboration with authorities (not to mention how easy it is to do in Bitnovo). In this way, Bitnovo guarantees regulatory compliance, transparency and maximum security for its clients in the new European framework.
Other methods to buy Bitcoin with cash
|
Method |
Description of the process |
Factors to consider |
| Bitcoin ATM | The user inserts banconote. Scans the QR code of their wallet. After confirming the exchange rate, the ATM sends the BTC to the scanned address. | Availability. They usually apply high commissioni and often require verifica documentale (KYC) for large sums. |
| Peer-to-Peer (P2P) | The buyer and seller agree on an incontro (sometimes through P2P platforms or crypto meetup). The delivery of cash to the seller is made in exchange for a transfer of BTC to the buyer’s wallet. | Physical security and trust towards the venditore are key factors, as it is a direct transaction between individuals without a central institution mediating the delivery of cash. |
| Cambiavalute and Physical Counters | The user delivers an amount of cash at the specialized counter (sportello specializzato) and provides a wallet address to receive the BTC. | They usually apply verifica documentale (KYC). They operate under specific regulations (MiCA in the future), being considered Prestatori di servizi per le cripto-attività (CASP). Commissions and availability vary. |
| Crypto coupons (Bitnovo Model) | The user buys a unique code voucher with cash at a tabaccherie. Then redeems the code online for BTC in their wallet. | Wide geographical accessibility. Resolves the issues of physical security and high ATM costs, using the existing retail network. |
Operation and use of Bitcoin ATMs
Bitcoin ATMs, commonly called ATM Bitcoin, are another excellent way to buy bitcoins with cash! In themselves, they have gradually become one of the most popular means to buy cryptocurrencies. Since the opening of the world’s first ATM in Vancouver in 2013, the market has expanded significantly and there has been a wave of ATM installations worldwide.
Although they are not as common as traditional ATMs and their availability varies by city, Italy has a network of ATMs that allow buying and selling Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using cash. ATMs are concentrated mainly in large cities and economic centers like Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Florence, Venice, and Bologna.
How to use a Bitcoin ATM
As described in the table, they allow the insertion of euro bills to buy BTC, which is sent to the user’s wallet after scanning a QR code. Often, verifica documentale (KYC) is required for transactions exceeding certain thresholds. For example, documento d’identità, phone number, etc.
How to locate a Bitcoin ATM in Italy
As you have seen, Bitnovo’s Bitcoin ATMs guarantee privacy and allow for an easy, fast, and secure purchase of cryptocurrencies. You will only have to search the web and directories (coinatmradar, cryptolocalatm, shitcoins.club, coinflip, rothbard) for the nearest ATM. These show: location, available cryptocurrencies, and approximate commissions.
Costs and commissions when buying Bitcoin with cash
The purchase of Bitcoin using cash in Italy involves costs that vary according to the chosen method. It is essential for the user to understand the different fee structures, as the total operation cost is usually higher than that of a direct purchase through an online exchange.
|
Cost Component |
Fee Type | Applicable Methods |
Description (Costi e Commissioni) |
| Provider Commission | % fixed or variable | Bitcoin ATM, Cambiavalute, Coupons (Bitnovo) | Fee charged by the service operator for managing the conversion of cash to cryptocurrencies. Frequently in the range of 5% to 10% or higher. |
| Price Margin | Spread | Bitcoin ATM, Cambiavalute, Coupons (Bitnovo) | Difference between the real market price and the final selling price offered to the user. This margin increases the total cost. |
| Network Cost | Miner Fee | All (Passed on to user) | It is the fee paid to the Bitcoin network to validate and confirm the transaction on the blockchain. It varies according to network congestion. |
| Key Concepts | Italian | All | Commissioni dei Bitcoin ATM, Commissione di rete, Commissione del minatore. |
| General Conclusion | Total Cost | All cash methods | The final cost is generally higher (costo maggiore) than purchases made through online exchanges. |
Costs involved in Bitnovo coupons
There are cost components in the use of Bitnovo coupons:
- Store commission (moment of purchase): The stores that sell coupons apply a commission that can reach up to 5%of the nominal value. This commission is paid when you buy the coupon, not when you redeem it. It varies by establishment.
- Bitnovo price spread: Bitnovo applies a margin on the market price of cryptocurrencies. This spread covers operational, liquidity, and infrastructure costs. It does not appear as a separate commission but is included in the exchange rate shown on the platform at the moment of redemption.
- Blockchain network commission (moment of redemption): It is the payment to the miners or validators that process the transaction on the blockchain. It is not a Bitnovo commission— it goes directly to the decentralized network. It is variable depending on the congestion of each blockchain.
Transaction approval speed and relation to network commission
The velocità di approvazione della transazione depends on the selected cryptocurrency and the congestion of its blockchain network at the moment of redemption.
By the way, blockchain networks are not controlled by Bitnovo — they are decentralized — so times can vary according to external factors like global transaction volume at that moment.
Security, risks and anonymity when buying BTC with cash
Buying bitcoins with cash introduces specific security, risk and privacy considerations that the user must know.
- Risks related to handling cash. If you are going to perform an in-person exchange, it is better to meet in a public place to reduce the risk of scam or robbery.
- Risk of fraud in P2P transactions. If you buy bitcoins with cash through cash deposit, use an escrow service to ensure the seller sends you the bitcoins after receiving them.
- Risks with unregulated operators. Using currency exchange services that are not duly registered or regulated can expose the user to unfair business practices.
On the other hand, although purchasing with cash is often perceived as a path to anonymity, current regulations and the underlying technology of Bitcoin impose strict limits on user privacy:
- KYC/AML regulations. International regulations like KYC and AML increasingly limit the acquisto anonimo di BTC.
- MiCA regulatory framework. The future implementation of the European regulatory framework MiCA will further reinforce transparency and traceability requirements for Prestatori di servizi per le cripto-attività(CASP).
- Blockchain Traceability. Once the Bitcoin enters the user’s wallet, all future transactions are permanently and publicly recorded on the blockchain.
Self-custody: “custodia di bitcoin senza terze parti“
Bitcoin satisfies the need for a payment system without the need for trust. It grants sovereignty to its users by giving them a way to transfer money without the intervention of a trusted third party. This promise necessarily implies the storage of one’s own bitcoins. This is called “self-custody“.
Self-custody is an approach that involves storing your bitcoins independently, without resorting to a trusted third party. In other words, self-custody means you are solely responsible for your Bitcoin wallet and the security of your funds. Specifically, self-custody means that you personally own the keys that grant you access to your bitcoins.
Particularly, you are free to make your own decisions, but you are also responsible for their consequences. If you choose self-custody, you will be solely responsible for your bitcoins. If you lose access to your keys or they are stolen, your bitcoins will be lost forever. There is no recourse, as there is no entity behind the system. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how Bitcoin works to avoid mistakes when using it.
Regardless of the method you choose to buy Bitcoin with cash in Italy (whether through Bitnovo coupons, Bitcoin ATMs, or P2P), it is vital that the user understands what type of wallet they use to store the received BTC:
|
Wallet Type |
Self-Custody |
Implication for the user |
| Non-Custodial | Yes (Self-custody) | The user owns and is solely responsible for their private keys. Maximum sovereignty, maximum responsibility. |
| Custodial | No (Trusted third party) | A third party (usually an exchange or a platform) owns the private keys. Less responsibility for the user, but they depend on the security and reliability of that third party. |
Considerations on whether it makes sense to buy with cash
The decision to buy Bitcoin with cash, instead of using bank transfers or credit cards through online platforms, depends on the priorities and specific circumstances of each user, it is only your decision.
|
Factor |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Privacy and access | Search for anonymity: The user may prioritize the acquisto anonimo di BTC, seeking to avoid directly linking their bank data or credit cards to the cryptocurrency purchase. | Anonymity is limited by KYC/AML regulations, especially for large transactions, and by the inherent traceability of the blockchain. |
| Immediate availability | Use of available cash: The user has cash available and needs to convert it to BTC quickly without going through a bank (unbanked or with cash on hand). | Restricted access: Depends on the physical location of a Bitcoin ATM, a cambiavalute or, in the case of Bitnovo, the proximity to an authorized tabaccheria. |
| Commissions and cost | Priority to accessibility: Ease and immediacy are prioritized over cost, assuming the cash method is the only viable option at that moment. | High cost: Cash methods (ATM, coupons, etc.) usually apply higher service commissions (costo maggiore) than online exchanges, in addition to the network fee. |
| Operational risk | Avoiding banking intermediaries: Preferring to avoid possible friction or scrutiny from traditional banks when making transfers to exchanges. | Physical security risk: Involves handling sums of cash, which introduces a personal security risk that does not exist with fully digital transactions. |
Frequent questions about buying Bitcoin with cash in Italy
Can you still buy BTC anonymously in Italy?
Buying BTC anonymously in Italy is increasingly difficult due to the EU’s MiCA regulation, which requires identification (KYC) in most exchanges and ATMs, controlled by authorities like Consob to prevent financial crimes.
What is the difference between Bitcoin ATM and Bitnovo coupons?
The main difference is the format and purchase method: Bitcoin ATMs are physical machines to buy with cash or card, direct and fast. While Bitnovo coupons are physical vouchers purchased in stores, which are redeemed online on the Bitnovo website or App, offering an alternative without the need for an ATM and more access points.
What happens if I make a mistake when entering the wallet address?
If you make a mistake when entering a wallet address, you will most likely lose the funds permanently, as crypto transactions are irreversible and the incorrect address could belong to someone else or simply not exist, unless it is a network error you can correct with a compatible wallet. If the address is invalid, the transaction fails and the money is not sent, but if you confirm and send it to another person or a non-existent address, there is no way to reverse it.
Finally, the ultimate security depends on you: on the wallet you choose and how you protect your private keys. A hardware wallet offers maximum security. If you are interested in this, the Bitnovo wallet (non-custodial) is secure as long as you protect your seed phrase (12-24 word recovery phrase) properly.
“If you want to explore this model, you can find your nearest Bitnovo point of sale and see how our coupons work. Your crypto, your rules.”
