Bitcoin Banknote-ATM Network Pilot Launches in El Zonte, El Salvador

news.bitcoin.com 07 November 2025 09:30, UTC

Bitcoin

Satnotes to dispense 500 satoshi‑denominated banknotes via a community ATM pilot on Jan 1, 2026.

The Satnotes El Zonte Experiment announces in El Zonte, El Salvador on 6 November 2025 a pilot launch of the world’s first physical bitcoin banknote ATM network, with the inaugural dispensing of 500 “El Zonte Founding Edition” Satnotes scheduled for 00:01 local time on 1 January 2026; notes are backed 1:1 by bitcoin onchain via the RSK DAO and secured by dynamic 209‑byte QR codes, color UV strips and Schnorr signatures. The locally built smart ATM at Bitcoin Beach HQ will distribute satoshi‑denominated notes (200–20,000 sats) that require no seed phrases, cell phones or fees for on‑device use.

Organizers say the community experiment is open‑source, compliant with El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law, and funded via a live Geyser fundraiser (closes 30 November 2025), with printer partners under quote and a Salvadoran franchise competition for ATM builders (bids due 15 November). Lead John Kosanke calls Satnotes “the future of money,” and the pilot includes 500 notes bearing backer names, four top donors featured on fronts, no‑KYC standard deposits/withdrawals locally, and open code/designs on Github — availability and franchise rights limited to Salvadoran applicants and subject to local law.

🧭 FAQs

• When and where will the Satnotes pilot dispense its first banknote? The first note is scheduled for El Zonte, El Salvador at 00:01 on 1 January 2026.
• How are Satnotes secured and backed in El Salvador? Satnotes are backed 1:1 by bitcoin via RSK DAO and secured with dynamic QR codes, UV strips and Schnorr signatures.
• How can local builders apply for the ATM franchise in El Salvador? Salvadoran builders may submit bids by 15 November 2025 to win the ATM franchise and lifetime ad revenue share.
• What are the fundraising and compliance details for the El Zonte experiment? The Geyser fundraiser is live until 30 November 2025, and the project states full compliance with El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law.