How to Buy Ethereum With Cash (Step-by-Step Guide)

What this guide covers: How to buy Ethereum (ETH) with cash using a Localcoin crypto ATM, step by step.

Time required: 2–5 minutes at the ATM.

What you need: An Ethereum wallet (with QR code), cash, and a mobile phone for SMS verification.

ID required? Yes.

Where to find one: Localcoin operates 900+ crypto ATMs across Australia.

The fastest way to buy Ethereum with cash is at a crypto ATM. At a Localcoin ATM:

1. Complete a one-time KYC identity verification (at the ATM or online);
2. Find an ATM near you;
3. Select Ethereum and verify your phone number;
4. Scan your wallet QR code; and
5. Insert cash. ETH is sent to your wallet in minutes.

A crypto ATM is a physical kiosk that lets you buy Ethereum (ETH) and other cryptocurrencies using cash — no bank account and no exchange account required.

Instead of funding an account on a cryptocurrency exchange, a crypto ATM lets you walk up, insert cash, scan your wallet, and walk away with ETH in minutes. Localcoin operates 900+ crypto ATMs across Australia, making it one of the simplest ways to buy Ethereum with cash.

Before heading to a Localcoin ATM, make sure you have these three things ready:

You need an Ethereum wallet to receive your ETH after the ATM transaction. Here are three beginner-friendly options:

Tip: Once your wallet is installed, open it and navigate to your Dogecoin receive address. It will appear as a QR code starting with '0x’. Have this screen ready before you approach the ATM.

Find the closest Localcoin ATM near you.

All you need is your wallet address QR code and cash!

Once you're at a Localcoin ATM, select Ethereum from the list of cryptocurrencies available, then enter your phone number to begin the transaction.

Use your wallet's QR code, and hold it up to the ATM's camera.

Don't have a wallet? See below for our recommendations.

ID verification (KYC) is required for all purchases in Australia

Insert the amount of cash equivalent to the Ethereum you would like to purchase. A receipt will be sent via SMS.

Crypto ATMs charge a transaction fee, which is typically a percentage of the purchase amount. Fees vary by location and transaction size. The current fee is displayed on the ATM screen before you confirm your transaction, so there are no surprises.

Note on Ethereum gas fees: In addition to the ATM transaction fee, Ethereum transactions require a small ‘gas fee’ paid to the Ethereum network to process your transaction. This is built into the exchange rate shown on the ATM screen.

Tip: Always review the transaction summary screen before confirming. It will show you exactly how much ETH you will receive after all fees.

Yes — buying Ethereum from a regulated, trusted crypto ATM operator like Localcoin is safe. Localcoin complies with AUSTRAC anti-money laundering regulations.

Security measures built into every Localcoin ATM transaction:

• SMS phone verification on every transaction
• Blockchain transaction records that are permanent and tamper-proof
• Secure direct wallet transfers — ETH goes straight to your wallet, not through a third party

Important: Always ensure you are using a legitimate, registered crypto ATM operator. Scammers sometimes pressure people into sending crypto to unknown wallets. Localcoin will never ask you to send ETH to anyone other than your own wallet.

Buying Ethereum with cash has never been easier. With Localcoin’s network of crypto ATMs across Australia, once you’re verified you can go from cash in hand to ETH in your wallet in minutes — no exchange account and no waiting for bank transfers. Use the Localcoin ATM locator to find the nearest machine and start your Ethereum journey today.