Why Do You Need a Cryptocurrency Money Transmitter License?

To operate as a money transmitter, a business is legally required to be registered on a federal level and licensed in the states that it operates in.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.

Cryptocurrency has become a booming industry over the last several years, with many individuals and businesses trying to get in on the action. With virtual currency, there is excitement around its value and potential uses around the world, but it comes with some confusion for those who want to participate from a business perspective. Those currently or planning to provide services surrounding cryptocurrency may need a money transmitter license based on state or federal rules.

The current regulatory framework relating to cryptocurrency like Bitcoin is a gray area for both regulators and businesses. It can be difficult to determine if certain licensing requirements extend to virtual currency companies because laws have yet to be updated to include the new wave of money transactions around the world. However, recognizing what a money transmitter is – and is not – can help a business understand if a money transmitter license is necessary for their cryptocurrency business.

What is a Money Transmitter?

According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, a money transmitter is anyone who transmits money over certain thresholds for others as a normal part of doing business.

This may include individuals or business that:

  • Process traveler’s checks
  • Exchange or deal in currency, potentially including virtual currencies
  • Cashing checks
  • Process money orders
  • Transmit money in other ways

Although the federal government has yet to provide clear direction on what may constitute a money transmitter when it comes to virtual currencies, certain requirements must be met should a business or individual perform any of the activities listed above. Those requirements include registering as a money transmitter with FinCEN, developing and implementing an anti-money laundering (AML) program, and meeting certain state requirements along the way.

Does My Business Qualify?

When it comes to dealing with virtual currency as part of everyday business activities, a money transmitter license may be necessary, even if the laws surrounding it are a little murky. Here are a few scenarios where a money transmitter guide may be required for you to operate your cryptocurrency currency business:

  • Exchanging fiat currency for bitcoins, BitcoinSV or other virtual currencies for other types of virtual currencies, a money transmitter guide may be required
  • Accepting virtual currency from one person for the purpose of sending it another individual or business, a license may be required
  • Operating a business as a payment processor that accepts virtual currencies from customers, when payments are changed to fiat currency, a license is likely necessary

The best bet for those who are unsure if a money transmitter license is required for their virtual currency business is to check state requirements before conducting any business activities. Your state’s licensing agency will provide more direction on if a license is needed as a money transmitter, and the steps necessary to get a license if that is the case.

Related: 8 Best Crypto Savings Accounts

How to Get a Money Transmitter License for Virtual Currency

Getting a money transmitter license as a virtual currency business is not a simple task. It requires you to meet certain guidelines, including minimum net worth thresholds, business and personal financial documentation, submitting to a criminal or civil background check, and securing a money transmitter bond. Each part of the process can take time, but recognizing what is required by the state is the first step.

Once you know the state’s requirements, begin gathering the information you need to submit your money transmitter application. This will likely include documents like bank statements, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for the business. You may also need to provide details about the business structure you chose, the business location, and details on shareholders or owners of the business. Taking the time to put together an organized, accurate document list to submit with an application will save you time and money in getting your money transmitter license as a cryptocurrency business.

About the author

Brian Meiggs
Hi, I'm Brian Meiggs! A personal finance expert, entrepreneur, and the founder of My Millennial Guide. My drive is to help others unlock the wealth of freedom and pave the path to financial success. With my bachelor's degree in finance, I help millennials follow the smart money in order to increase their earning potential and start building wealth for the future. I write regularly about side hustles, investing, and general personal finance topics aimed to help anyone earn more, pay off debt, and reach financial freedom. I have been quoted in major publications including Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, GoDaddy, BiggerPockets, Fox News, Debt.com, Quick Sprout, Money Geek, MSN Money and many more!

Want An Extra $300?

Best Bank Bonus

Credit Card Bonus

Where to Invest $100

Ready to Make More Money?

Subscribe to the My Millennial Guide Newsletter to make more money, invest smarter, and start living better! Plus, get online side hustle ideas that actually work.