Bitcoin ATMs go mainstream in the U.S.

New York City bodegas are already famous for consumers being able to buy just about anything, anytime of day or night.....

and now you can add bitcoins to that list.

Bitcoin ATMs are popping up in the city and around the country in corner stores, delis, gas stations, and other easy-access consumer outlets, fueled by a frenzy in crypto trading that recently sent bitcoin prices to a record high above $60,000 a pop.

New York City Deli Owner Gamal Yehia doesn't even understand what bitcoin is but he does understand what it means for his bottom line.

"It brings a lot of people to the store, more people come into the store. People use the bitcoin, they use that device on the stuff from the store, and bring more business. So, it's very good for the business."

Kiosk operators like Coinflip and Coin Cloud have installed thousands of bitcoin ATMs, and executives say they are scouting out other spots in areas where their competitors have yet to reach.

Chris Yim is CEO and co-founder of LibertyX, which provides the software for bitcoin ATMS. He says his product is helping to bring the complex world of bitcoin to the masses.

"So, I think location is the most important thing, and what we're really trying to do is bring bitcoin to every block. So, when you look at traditional financial services, it's really hard to get people to switch because it's all about trust. And most of the online exchanges today, you have to link your bank account. You have to enter all your information and do a wire or a bank transfer, and that's just too much friction. So, what we found is actually that a lot of these local delis, convenience stores, they actually have the best locations because they are centerpieces of their neighborhood. So, they made very natural partners for us to go that extra and last mile."

Users can buy or sell bitcoins using the ATM. Can use the ATM to send money abroad, and above all can do so with anonymity. This also works for the tens of millions of so-called underbanked Americans.

But using the bitcoin ATM comes with a much steeper price than a traditional ATM.

Fees can range from 6% to 20% of a total transaction, according to cryptocurrency compliance firm CipherTrace.

Government agencies say that raises red flags and there is concern about the potential for illicit activity...

But that may not stop a bitcoin ATM from popping up at a store near you....

As of January, there were more than 28,000 bitcoin ATMs in the United States, according to independent research site howmanybitcoinatms.com....

more than one-third of those put in place in just the last five months alone.