TDIL: LiberyX is a very convenient way to purchase Bitcoins.
Background: I read about LibertyX on r/bitcoins a couple of days ago and decided to check them out because they do not charge any fees for the first $2000 you purchase in Bitcoin. They do require verification of ID when you sign up HOWEVER it is minimal - meaning you just fill out your name, address, phone number and email address/password to create an account with them - thats it. You do need to use your real info because I read others tried to use a burner cell/google voice/text+..etc., and LibertyX was unable to verify them. I also read if they can't verify your ID, you can contact them through support and they are very helpful. The owner does have a reddit account as well and is active in the reddit bitcoin forums (just search LibertyX). Also, SEVERAL news reports about LibertyX are posted in various subs.
About LibertyX:
LiberyX has 2500+ locations across the US so to find a location in your area, go to LibertyX and check out if one of their ATM's or if a merchant with QPay is near you. Qpay is the system LiberyX is linked with which is how to purchase Bitcoins. I suggest using a computer and not a cell phone to look up locations because there were no locations shown on my cell but when I looked from my computer there was one. If no ATM is available in your area (right now, there are a few on the east coast but they are actively expanding locations and looking for partnerships with ATM's), you will probably find a local merchant who uses QPay with LiberyX. Most posts I read at r/bitcoin and others as well as the founder of LiberyX suggested that you call the merchant first to see if they 1) offer QPay and 2) ask if LibertyX shows up in their system. Someone mentioned r/bitcoins that you SHOULD NOT mention purchasing Bitcoins so I did not when I called the merchant.
NOTE: This may sound confusing, but it is one of the LEAST confusing methods to purchase Bitcoins.
How to Purchase: To purchase using the Qpay system, you go to the supporting merchant to buy Bitcoins in increments of $50, $100, $200 and I think $300. It is cash only. You tell the merchant that you want to make a purchase using QPay and it is for LibertyX. You give the merchant the money of specified and they give you a receipt with a pin # on it. Don't lose the receipt because your pin is your Bitcoins. You then log into your LiberyX account (this can be done immediately), enter the pin as well as your wallet address LibertyX DOES NOT have their own wallet and Bitcoins are transferred the exact second you send them! Mine were confirmed in less than 3 minutes. NOTE: YOU TO REDEEM THE PIN WITHIN 24 HOURS. The amount of Bitcoins you receive is based on **WHEN YOU REDEEM THE PIN, NOT WHEN YOU PURCHASE THEM. Also if you are the 1st person to purchase your Bitcoins from a participating merchant, you get a $5 credit. If there are 20 merchants in your area, theoretically, you could hit them all up and make $100.
My Experience: I called a local merchant listed on LibertyX and asked if they offered QPay and they showed LiberyX in their system. The merchant enthusiastically said "oh yes we do". I thanked him, hung up and drove to his store. Once there, I said I needed to use LibertyX though QPay. The owner said, "ABSOLUTELY"! I'm thinking - wow - this solution is great!
I did not redeem my pin that day because I had other commitments but did the following day before the 24 hours was up. I wish I did redeem immediately because the Bitcoin price had risen a bit overnight. Once I did redeem the pin, it was so simple and my Bitcoins were in my walllet within 5 minutes after entering the pin/my wallet address.
Suggestions: A few posts said, "Don't mention Bitcoins"! I followed that suggestion and was unprepared when he asked me if I was purchasing Bitcoins. So in case you encounter a merchant who does dabble in Bitcoins, be prepared to discuss them with them. I did read in r/bitcoins that someone said the only merchants that had the QPay system in his area were in the "ghetto". My experience was far from this as the merchant was in a trendy/established part of town and the merchant was really cool. I'm actually looking forward to going back to purchase more because it was really cool to talk to him. Just search LibertyX in reddit and you will find all of the posts. The only negative one I could find was from someone who could not be confirmed because they tried using an app for a texting phone number.
Rating: So this is somewhat hard for me to do because of the various views on OPSEC. Negatives/Neutrals: LibertyX is fairly new company and you do have to provide basic info (name, address, telephone number and email address). Positives: You do not have to meet up with someone you do not know or deposit money into their bank account (LocalBitcoins). Also, you don't have to deal with Coinbase's BS with shutting down several accounts in the recent weeks and/or canceled transactions when the BTC price was low plus they require even more identifying info. So here is my rating:
Fees: 10/10
Convenience: 10/10
Time From Purchase to Wallet: 10/10
Merchant: 20/10'
OPSEC: 8/10 (based solely on the minimal info I have to provide to LibertyX)
If you need instant Bitcoins and there is an ATM or QPay merchant in your area, I TRULY RECOMMEND LiberyX. Make sure that you create an account with LibertyX first. I understand this is not for everyone, but works for me.
But regardless this was a really informative and well written review.