Bitcoin ATMs in Canada Rise Despite Federal Ban Plan

TLDR

• Canada added 176 Bitcoin ATMs in 2026, raising the total to 3,904 units by May 4.
• The Bitcoin ATMs network in Canada increased by nearly 5% year to date, reaching a record high.
• The federal government proposed a nationwide ban on crypto ATMs in the Spring Economic Update 2026.
• Lawmakers said the ban would help stop scams and prevent criminals from placing illicit cash.
• Crypto ATM operators in Canada currently register as Money Services Businesses under federal rules.

Canada expanded its Bitcoin ATMs network in 2026 even as federal lawmakers advanced plans to prohibit the machines. Operators installed 176 new units this year, lifting the national total to 3,904 by May 4. The growth comes as the government moves to outlaw crypto kiosks to address fraud and crime concerns.

Bitcoin ATMs in Canada Climb Nearly 5% in 2026

Canada increased its Bitcoin ATMs count from 3,732 units on January 1 to 3,904 units on May 4. This rise represents a nearly 5% increase year to date, according to CoinATMRadar data. The latest figures mark an all-time high for the country’s crypto kiosk network.

Operators added one new machine at the start of May, which shows continued deployment activity. Companies expanded their footprint even as policymakers discussed stricter controls. The installations pushed Canada further ahead in global Bitcoin ATM rankings.

Industry data shows steady monthly additions throughout the first quarter of 2026. Firms maintained rollout plans despite regulatory discussions in Ottawa. The network therefore reached fresh records before any formal ban took effect.

Federal Proposal Targets Crypto ATM, Operators

The federal government introduced a proposal in its Spring Economic Update 2026 on April 28. The plan calls for a nationwide ban on crypto ATMs to curb fraud cases. Officials linked the machines to scams and criminal cash placement schemes.

Lawmakers, therefore, signaled direct action against kiosk operations. The measure forms part of broader financial oversight reforms.

The government also aims to expand the authority of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Center of Canada, known as FINTRAC. Officials plan to adjust FINTRAC’s ability to downplay the registration of Money Services Businesses. Crypto ATM operators currently register as MSBs under federal rules.

This classification places operators within the scope of anti-money laundering oversight. A change in FINTRAC’s mandate could restrict or revoke such registrations. The proposal, therefore, creates uncertainty for kiosk providers across Canada.

United States and Europe Report Declining Bitcoin ATM Numbers

While Canada increased installations, other regions reported declines in 2026. MarketSleek reported that the United States removed 704 Bitcoin ATMs year to date. The U.S. total fell to about 31,020 units earlier this month.

Europe also recorded a slight reduction during the first quarter. The number of crypto ATMs in Europe dropped from 1,754 units in January to 1,747 by March.

Authorities across jurisdictions have tightened scrutiny of crypto ATM pricing and fraud complaints. Regulators cited cases involving high fees and scam-related losses. These trends coincided with Canada’s proposal released on April 28, 2026.

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