Walmart Allows Customers to Buy Bitcoin at 200 Stores

Retail giant Walmart says that bitcoin can now be purchased at 200 of its stores in the U.S. The cryptocurrency is offered through Coinstar kiosks located inside Walmart stores. Coinstar is currently offering bitcoin at more than 8,000 kiosks.

Buying Bitcoin at Walmart

Bitcoin can now be purchased at 200 Walmart stores in the U.S., the company reportedly said Thursday. This is part of a pilot program with Coinstar, which operates machines that allow customers to exchange U.S. coins for paper bills or gift cards. The pilot began earlier this month, according to Walmart spokesperson Molly Blakeman.

To buy bitcoin at participating Walmart stores, customers need to visit a Coinstar kiosk located within Walmart. They must have an account with cryptocurrency exchange Coinme and each purchase carries a transaction fee of 4% and a cash exchange fee of 7%. Purchasers will receive a voucher that can be redeemed for BTC instantly at Coinme. Coinstar noted, “You can only use paper money to buy bitcoin at Coinstar,” emphasizing that coins are not accepted for BTC purchases.

Coinstar and Coinme have collaborated to offer bitcoin at more than 8,000 kiosks, including the 200 Walmart locations. Coinstar kiosks can also be found in other retail chains and grocery outlets, including CVS, Hy-Vee, Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Mas, and Harveys.

Walmart was recently a victim of a fake press release claiming that the retail giant was getting ready to accept litecoin at its stores.

Meanwhile, Walmart is investigating how cryptocurrency could fit into its business. In August, the company posted a job offer for a “digital currency and cryptocurrency product lead.” Walmart explained, “As an expert in digital currencies/ cryptocurrency and blockchain-related technologies, you will drive the vision for the product and capabilities roadmap.”