The first government-hosted Bitcoin ATM at an airport in the U.S. is here

The City of Williston in North Dakota may be smaller than many, but it could soon become a hub of crypto in the U.S. with its exclusive installation of the first-ever “government-hosted” crypto kiosk at a U.S. airport. The city’s government, in collaboration with Coin Cloud, has installed a Digital Currency Machine (DCM) at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA). Ticketed passengers, as well as non-travellers, will now be able to buy and sell over 40 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Cardano, and Ethereum with cash. Furthermore, the DCM will also function as a crypto ATM to withdraw cash from digital wallets.

“This is an ambitious step in introducing and engaging the public towards cryptocurrency while proactively playing a role in building the digital ecosystem…Although we are a smaller rural community, we are making an impact. Taking this small step may pave the way for other government and commercial entities to follow suit”, said the Finance Director of the City, Hercules Cummings.

Bitcoin ATM does not require any intermediaries

The DCM is a rather unique technology as the investors do to require their bank accounts or debit cards, and can directly purchase and sell cryptocurrency using a digital wallet. This would further mean that the users will not have to pay additional charges. The core intent behind the installation of a DCM was to bridge the gap between “public curiosity to acceptance and portfolio adoption of a growing asset class”, noted the Finance Director.

“Traditionally, when you purchase crypto on an exchange, the transaction is directly tied to your bank via a checking account, debit card, or tied to your credit card…Converting cash to crypto through the DCM means there are no recognizable charges, bank account, or credit card. The deposit and withdrawal process happens between the DCM and your digital wallet, simply using cash.”, Cummings added.

This DCM installation came as a follow-up to the City’s former pledge towards becoming more crypto-positive. Earlier this year, in the month of May, the City of Williston began to accept cryptocurrency for utility payments, marking a landmark in crypto adoption in the US.

24 November, 2021, 5:38 pm