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How to buy cryptocurrency with Coinme Cash - Complete guide

Updated this week

Buy cryptocurrency at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and other retail locations using Coinme Cash.

Quick start

  1. Open Coinme app → TransactBuy

  2. Select cryptocurrency → Pay with Cash

  3. Choose a nearby location

  4. Enter amount → Generate Barcode → Review quote

  5. Show barcode to cashier within 1 hour

  6. Pay with cash

  7. Receive crypto in your wallet (typically 9-15 minutes)

Limits & fees

Limit Type

Amount

Per barcode

$500 ($1,000 at Walmart)

Daily limit

$1,500

Monthly limit

$5,000

Minimum

$20

Retail fees:

  • Walmart: $4.74

  • CVS, Walgreens, others: $3.95

When to use Coinme Cash

Use Coinme Cash if you:

  • Prefer paying with cash

  • Have debit card restrictions from your bank

  • Don't have a debit card or prefer not to use it online


Step-by-step instructions

Tip: Generate your barcode when you're already at or near the store to avoid expiration issues (barcodes expire in 1 hour).

1. Start your purchase

  • Tap TransactBuy

  • Select your cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Stellar, Dogecoin, Chainlink, Solana, XRP, or Polygon)

  • Tap Pay with Cash

2. Choose location

  • Tap Find a location

  • Select a nearby store (shows distance, hours, and "Lowest Price!" indicator)

Once you've selected a location, the app will check whether you're within your daily transaction limits. Read through this information carefully and tap "I Understand" when you're ready to proceed.

Note: If you've already reached your $1,500 daily limit, you'll see an error message and will need to wait until the next day to make another purchase.

3. Enter amount

  • Enter cash amount using the keypad

  • Remember: Max $500 per barcode ($1,000 at Walmart)

  • Tap Generate Barcode

The app will generate a unique barcode for your transaction. This barcode is essentially a digital receipt that contains all your transaction information and connects your Coinme account to the retailer's system.

The barcode generation process typically takes just a few seconds, and once it's complete, you'll see the barcode wallet screen. This screen provides guidance on how to complete your purchase at the retail location, including the specific store address and retail service fee amount.

Retail service fee varies by location:

- Walmart locations: $4.74

- Other locations (CVS, Walgreens, etc.): $3.95

5. Get your barcode

  • Review the store address and instructions

  • Tap I Understand

  • Watch the countdown timer (1 hour to use)

  • Tap Tap to display barcode for this transaction

  • Review quote:

    • Amount loading to account

    • Retail service fee

    • Total to pay

    • Cryptocurrency you'll receive

Important: Quote is valid for 2 minutes. Final crypto amount depends on market price when transaction completes.

6. Complete at store

At Walmart locations only

First time loading cash at Walmart? You'll need to create a Walmart account at the Money Center or Customer Service Desk before scanning your barcode. A Walmart associate will ask for your name, phone number, and a valid ID.

  • Go to the retail location

  • Tell cashier: "I want to load cash into my account"

  • Show barcode screen

  • Let cashier scan

  • Pay cash + service fee

  • The cashier will provide you with a receipt

7. Receive cryptocurrency

  • App shows "All Done!" after scanning

  • On the home screen, you'll notice that your recent activity section now shows a "Cash Purchase - Processing" entry. This indicates that your transaction is being processed and your funds are on their way to your wallet.

  • Typical wait: 9-15 minutes (up to 1 hour)

  • You'll receive in-app notification when funds are available

  • Check your wallet to confirm

Understanding the processing period

The processing period is when Coinme waits for confirmation from the retailer that they've received your cash payment. This verification process typically takes up to one hour, though it can sometimes be faster depending on the retailer's systems and current transaction volume.

During this time, your cryptocurrency balance won't change, but you can continue using your Coinme app normally. The transaction will remain in "Processing" status until the retailer confirms receipt of your payment.


Troubleshooting

Barcode expired

  • Timer turns red when close to expiring

  • Can regenerate the same barcode or start over

  • New barcode valid for another hour

Need to cancel

  • Use Cancel Transaction button before barcode is scanned

  • After payment, contact customer support

Funds not appearing

  1. Check if transaction shows "Processing" in recent activity

  2. Wait up to 1 hour after purchase

  3. If still missing, contact support with your transaction ID

If you encounter issues at the store

If the cashier isn't familiar with the Coinme process, you can show them the instructions on your screen or ask them to contact their manager. Most participating retailers are trained on the system, but occasionally you might encounter a newer employee who needs additional guidance.

Barcode won't scan

  • Set phone brightness to maximum

  • Ensure barcode is clearly visible

  • Close and reopen barcode modal to refresh


Tips for success

Timing:

  • Best practice: Generate your barcode when you're already at or near the store

  • Factor in time needed for Walmart account creation (first-time users)

  • Don't cut it close to the 1-hour limit

Payment:

  • Count cash beforehand (purchase amount + service fee)

  • Have exact amount ready

Location:

  • Check store hours before going

  • Choose familiar stores or ones with shorter lines

  • Consider distance, hours, and convenience

Pricing:

  • Crypto prices fluctuate constantly

  • Quote amount is an estimate

  • Final amount depends on market price at completion time


Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will my cryptocurrency appear in my wallet?

Your cryptocurrency will typically appear in your Coinme wallet within 9-15 minutes, but sometimes it can take up to one hour after completing your cash purchase at the store. This processing time allows the retailer to confirm receipt of your payment and for Coinme to process the transaction.

Can I make multiple purchases in one day?

Yes, you can make multiple cash purchases up to the daily limit of $1,500.

What happens if I pay more or less than the quoted amount?

You must pay the exact amount shown in your quote, including the service fee. If you pay a different amount, the transaction may not process correctly, and you'll need to contact customer support for assistance.

Can I use this feature to buy any cryptocurrency?

You can purchase any of the cryptocurrencies available in the Coinme app using cash, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Stellar, Dogecoin, Chainlink, Solana, XRP, and Polygon. The available selection may vary over time as Coinme adds new cryptocurrencies to its platform.

Is there a minimum purchase amount?

Yes, the minimum purchase amount is 20 dollars. Keep in mind that very small purchases would result in a high percentage of your money going to fees rather than cryptocurrency.


Need help?

Contact Coinme customer support through the app if you experience any issues. Have your transaction ID ready (found in recent activity).

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