How to Cash Out Bitcoin in 2025

Zac McClure
ByZac McClure, MBAReviewed byTynisa (Ty) Gaines, EAUpdated on July 15, 2025 · minute read
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  • Converting BTC to cash triggers capital‑gains tax in most countries, so keep cost‑basis records and plan for a percentage of proceeds to cover the bill.

  • The lowest‑friction off‑ramps for US users are Coinbase, Kraken, or Cash App. Each offers ACH withdrawal to a linked bank within 1‑3 business days.

Cashing out your Bitcoin is simple. Simply swap for fiat currency (such as USD) using a reliable exchange and transfer the dollars to your bank account. In the US, Coinbase, CashApp, and Kraken offer a reliable mix of speed, low spread, and bank connectivity.

Cash‑out Bitcoin basics

Here’s a quick look at the basics of cashing out your Bitcoin to fiat currency like USD.

How do I turn Bitcoin into cash?

  1. Send BTC from your wallet to a reputable exchange or cash‑out service.

  2. Place a market or limit sell order and wait for execution.

  3. Withdraw USD (or local fiat) to your verified bank account.

What does “cashing out” mean in crypto?

Cashing out (to fiat currency) is the moment you swap a digital asset for fiat, a stablecoin backed 1:1 with cash, or a store credit such as a prepaid debit card. This disposition is a taxable event in most jurisdictions.

Pro Tip: Crypto Taxes in 2025

Reasons for cashing out crypto or Bitcoin

  • Lock in profits after a price rally

  • Fund real‑world expenses

  • Rebalance into lower‑risk assets

  • Harvest losses to offset other gains

  • Pay an upcoming tax bill

  • Make a major purchase

  • Invest in other assets

Factors to consider before cashing out crypto

Current market conditions and timing

  • Check order‑book depth and recent volatility.

  • Avoid peak network congestion to reduce miner fees.

Crypto tax implications and reporting

  • Selling BTC creates a capital gain or loss equal to sale proceeds minus cost basis.

  • Short‑term gains may be taxed up to 37% for US filers; long‑term up to 20%.

  • Form 8949 and Schedule D (US) or equivalent local forms are required.

Security precautions

  • Use exchanges with SOC‑2 audits and mandatory two‑factor authentication.

  • Double-check wallet addresses before transacting.

Use our free crypto tax calculator.

How to cash out Bitcoin

  1. Select a platform: Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp, or a Bitcoin ATM for cash.

  2. Verify identity (KYC): Upload ID and link a bank account.

  3. Transfer BTC: Double‑check the deposit address.

  4. Sell: Choose market (instant) or limit (price‑specific) order.

  5. Withdraw: Use ACH, SEPA, or domestic wire.

  6. Confirm receipt: Funds typically settle in 1‑5 business days.

Cash‑out Bitcoin tax implications

Every sale must be reported; ignoring gains can lead to penalties plus interest. Keep exchange CSVs and blockchain proofs for at least seven years.

How much taxes do you pay when you cash out crypto?

  • US short‑term rate: ordinary income bracket (10–37%).

  • US long‑term rate: 0%, 15%, or 20%.

  • Non‑US: check local capital‑gains tables; some countries may exempt long‑term holdings.

Learn about crypto tax free countries.

Tips for a smooth crypto cash‑out process

  • Compare maker/taker fees and spreads before choosing an exchange.

  • Batch withdrawals to reduce per‑transaction banking charges.

  • Use high‑priority network fees only when rapid confirmation is crucial.

  • Keep at least one confirmation email and on‑chain TXID for each step.

  • Record fair‑market value at the exact time of disposition for taxes.

Learn how to reduce your crypto taxes.

Alternatives to traditional crypto cash‑out methods

  • Bitcoin ATMs: quick cash under $900 per day, but fees can exceed 6%.

  • Peer‑to‑peer desks (Paxful, Binance P2P): negotiate rate and payment directly with buyers.

  • Debit‑card off‑ramps (BitPay, Coinbase Card): spend BTC via Visa without manual liquidation.

How to cash out crypto FAQs

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Zac McClure
Zac McClureCo-Founder & CEO at TokenTax
Zac co-founded TokenTax after his career in international finance and accounting at JPMorgan, Imprint Capital and Bain. He has worked in more than half-dozen countries and received his MBA from the UPenn Wharton School.
Tynisa (Ty) Gaines
Reviewed byTynisa (Ty) GainesTax Expert at TokenTax
Tynisa (Ty) Gaines, EA has more than 20 years of experience as a tax professional. Ty has published numerous tax articles, two tax e-books, and an academic publication on cryptocurrency for the National Income Tax Workbook.

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