i don't think they are really useful either, just a plus for merchant nothing else
Amph, I think you underestimate how many people will buy the coins from the atm that, without which, wouldnt purchase bitcoin/know how to purchase it at all.
Honestly,I don't know why someone would use a bitcoin Atm I'm not sure if I mentioned that in my post but if you do a little research you would find it is easier to buy over the web. I started buying bitcoin on coinbase day 1 from home.
It is easier for USA based customers to use coinbase but it's a pain in the ass for others. And some people prefer to buy bitcoins anonymously without giving out their important documents, which they fear might get misused. And Bitcoins ATMs provide them just that.
They want to know my income, how much money I have, and they want me to upload my passport.
Why?
I am not asking for credit or anything like that, I just want to buy bitcoin using cleared funds.
Coinbase just wants your Debit Card information first and last name to make the online transactions. The ATMS are what take your ID and Handprint. But I do agree on the anonymous thing,I wish I bought bitcoin from people instead of the market tbh but I was new and knew that security is ultra sensitive with bitcoin,didnt want to be ripped off for my first few purchases (like what these atms are doing)