Albuquerque Bans Bitcoin ATMs, Orders Removal Within 45 Days

Albuquerque bans Bitcoin ATMs — The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has banned Bitcoin ATMs, passing an ordinance that gives operators 45 days to remove the machines from the city.

The city council approved the measure on September 11, 2026, citing concerns that the kiosks are heavily used for fraudulent activity. Councilor Louie Sanchez stated that approximately 90% of transactions at the city’s crypto ATMs are linked to fraud, calling the machines a conduit for crime.

The new law prohibits the operation of any digital asset machine, defined as a kiosk that facilitates the exchange of cash for cryptocurrency. Operators who fail to comply with the removal order will face penalties.

This move makes Albuquerque one of the largest U.S. cities to enact a full prohibition on cryptocurrency ATMs, reflecting growing local government scrutiny over the physical infrastructure of the digital asset industry.