User guide

More and more people are using Bitcoin ATMs to quickly buy or sell cryptocurrencies for cash. However, many users wonder where the fees in Bitcoin ATMs come from and why they can sometimes amount to several or even a dozen dollars. Contrary to appearances, these are not additional costs charged by the device operator.

In this article, we explain the real source of fees at Bitcoin ATMs, how network fees work, and how to avoid overpaying.

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What makes up the fees at ATMs? Two independent sources of costs

Bitcoin ATM two types of fees at Bitcoin ATM :

1. Bitomat operator commission (hidden in the exchange rate)

This is a fee for:

• cash handling,
  
  
• technical infrastructure,
  
  
• device servicing,
  
  
• customer support,
  
  
• transaction security.
  
  

This commission is always included in the cryptocurrency rate displayed on the device.
It is not charged separately, so the customer sees the final purchase or sale price.

2. Network fee (mining fee) – the most important part of the costs

This is where the biggest misunderstanding arises.

Network fee:

• is not charged by Bitcoin ATM,
  
  
• goes entirely to miners or validators,
  
  
• depends on the load on the blockchain network,
  
  
• changes dynamically throughout the day,
  
  
• is charged for each transaction: deposit, shipment, and refund.
  
  

It is this fee that has the greatest impact on the actual fees charged by ATMs, even though the operator has no influence over it.

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Who collects fees in the blockchain network? Miners and validators.

In order for a transaction to be confirmed, it must be processed by:

✔ Miners (Bitcoin, Proof-of-Work)

They use a lot of computing power and download:

• a reward for the block,
  
  
• transaction fees from users.
  
  

✔ Validators (Ethereum, Tron, Arbitrum, Optimism – Proof-of-Stake)

In PoS networks, validators block cryptocurrencies and approve transactions, charging:

• network fee,
  
  
• staking rewards.
  
  

Conclusion:
Network fees in Bitcoin ATMs are remuneration for miners or validators – not for the device operator.

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Why do fees at ATMs sometimes "double"? A real-life example

The problem most often arises when refunding funds.

Example:
The user sends 1,000 USDT (TRC20) to Bitomat. The TRON network charges a standard fee (e.g., $1–3).
There is no cash in the ATM. The customer chooses to return the funds.

And then there is another fee – e.g., $3.50.

Why?

Because:

• the first transaction (from the customer to Bitomat) was payable,
  
  
• A refund is a new blockchain transaction that also requires payment to validators.
  
  

The Bitomat operator does not charge anything "for the return. "
It is only the cost of operating the blockchain network.

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Which cryptocurrencies have the lowest fees at Bitomats?

Lowest fees at Bitomats: Optimism, Arbitrum, Polygon, TRC-20 → TRON
Highest fees: Bitcoin Mainnet, ERC-20 (Ethereum Mainnet)

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How to reduce fees at ATMs? The simplest ways

✔ 1. Choose networks with low fees

TRC-20, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon → best for fast transactions.

✔ 2. Avoid phrases

Always check cash availability if you plan to make a withdrawal.

✔ 3. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently

Network fees make sense for larger transactions.

✔ 4. Check the network fee before confirming

Most Bitcoin ATMs the transaction cost in real time.

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Summary: Fees at ATMs result from the operation of the blockchain, not from the operator's commission.

• Fees at ATMs consist of the operator's commission (in the exchange rate) and the network fee (for miners/validators).
  
  
• The biggest impact on the final cost is the network fee, which Bitcoin ATM control.
  
  
• Returns generate a new transaction, so the network fee is charged again.
  
  
• Low-cost networks such as Arbitrum and Optimism can significantly reduce costs.