TL;DR: In June 2025, AUSTRAC imposed a $5,000 limit on cash deposits and withdrawals at crypto ATMs, plus scam warning signs, tighter transaction monitoring and enhanced customer checks. Why: Australia’s crypto ATMs exploded from 67 (Aug 2022) to 1,819, the third-largest fleet in the world. AUSTRAC found most users are over 50, making up almost 72% of transactions by value, and many people aged 60–70 were scam victims. If anyone tells you to go to a crypto ATM, it’s a scam.
The new rules
From Cointelegraph’s report on AUSTRAC:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cash limit | A$5,000 per deposit or withdrawal |
| Scam warnings | Warning signs on machines |
| Monitoring | Stronger transaction monitoring |
| Customer checks | Enhanced due diligence |
The limits apply to crypto ATM providers now; AUSTRAC expects exchanges taking cash to consider similar limits.
The numbers behind it
- 1,819 crypto ATMs in Australia, up from 67 in August 2022 (Coin ATM Radar).
- Australia is the third-largest crypto ATM hub after the US and Canada.
- The AFP received 150 reports of crypto ATM scams from January 2024 to January 2025, with losses over A$3.1 million, which it called "the tip of the iceberg."
- AUSTRAC’s taskforce found most users are over 50, making up nearly 72% of transactions by value, and a "large number" of 60–70-year-olds were scam victims.
From 67 to 1,819 in under three years. Those machines aren’t popping up in shopping centres because grandma suddenly got into Bitcoin.
What AUSTRAC said
CEO Brendan Thomas called the rules "absolutely necessary" and said they aim to deter criminals from directing victims to crypto ATMs. The rules will be reviewed and adjusted if needed.
How the scams use crypto ATMs
Scammers posing as police, banks, government or a romantic partner tell victims to withdraw cash and feed it into a crypto ATM, scanning a QR code that sends the money to the scammer’s wallet. Once sent, it’s almost impossible to get back. We’ve covered real cases in Tasmania and Sydney.
The simple rule
No legitimate organisation will ever ask you to pay with a crypto ATM. Not the bank, not the ATO, not the police, not your online sweetheart.
If you’ve paid
- Call your bank (if cash came from your account) and police.
- Report to ReportCyber and Scamwatch.
- Beware recovery scams promising to get the crypto back for a fee.
A free exposure check shows if your contact details are in breaches scammers use to find targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crypto ATM cash limit in Australia?
AUSTRAC set a A$5,000 limit on cash deposits and withdrawals at crypto ATMs.
How many crypto ATMs are in Australia?
About 1,819, up from 67 in August 2022, per Coin ATM Radar data reported in 2025.
Who uses crypto ATMs most in Australia?
AUSTRAC found most users are over 50 and account for almost 72% of transactions by value.
Will anyone legitimate ask me to pay at a crypto ATM?
No. Treat any request to pay via a crypto ATM as a scam.