North Carolina HB 920 crypto ATM (BTM) regulations take effect

North Carolina's House Bill 920, which tightens oversight of Bitcoin ATMs (BTM), is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The law applies to crypto kiosks that convert cash into Bitcoin (BTC) across the state.

What is happening

HB 920, introduced by State Rep. Neal Jackson, was passed by North Carolina lawmakers this year. It requires all kiosk operators to be licensed under the Money Transmissions Act and places them under the supervision of the Commissioner of Banks. Operators must show fraud warnings and provide a receipt for every transaction, and they must keep compliance and consumer protection officers available at all times.

The bill also sets refund and spending rules. Operators must refund the full dollar amount deposited under certain conditions, including when a fraudulent transmission is reported within 30 days. Daily transaction limits are capped at $2,000 for new customers during their first 30 days and $5,000 afterward. Byte Federal's response also refers to a 12% fee cap and a 48-hour hold on transactions by brand-new customers.

Operators say they plan to comply. Byte Federal, which runs 36 kiosks in the state, says it will adjust its fraud screens, receipts and limits before January 1, 2027, but argues the 12% fee cap is unsustainable and could push some operators out of North Carolina. CoinFlip, which operates 152 kiosks, says it holds a state money transmitter license and has no plans to reduce its network.

Why it matters

Crypto kiosk fraud has been rising. The FBI received 13,460 complaints tied to crypto kiosks in 2025, with $389 million in reported losses, up from 5,500 complaints and more than $189 million in 2023. North Carolina's rules aim to add friction for scam victims, who are often pressured to deposit cash quickly.

For users, the new caps and refund provisions change how much can be bought at a kiosk and what recourse exists after a reported scam. For operators, licensing, reporting and fee limits may affect the economics of running machines in the state. The industry association has criticized the 30-day return requirement, while the state's Attorney General has questioned whether the kiosks have any legitimate use, and a federal investigation into kiosk companies is reportedly underway.

Key details

• Date: January 1, 2027
• Project: North Carolina General Assembly
• Coins: BTC
• Category: Regulatory Deadline
• Status: Confirmed
• Source: WRAL (https://www.wral.com/news/investigates/life-savings-loss-crypto-atm-scam-bitcoin-new-nc-laws-october-2026/)