The exact profit depends on the dollar amount of the surcharge fee, the percentage of the fee you get to keep, and the number of withdrawals.
Leasing reduces the cost upfront—many companies will transport and install the machine cheaply or for free. They’ll handle maintenance and repairs, too. When you lease, you split the surcharge fees with the service company. Depending on your ATM traffic, this could reduce your long-term profits. If you don’t mind handling maintenance, buy an ATM for bigger income. Lease if you want to take a hands-off approach for a smaller income.
Dedicated phone line for dial-up machines ($40 per month). Cash refill service ($60 per trip). Additional cash cassette to hold more bills (up to $500 for a one-time purchase). ATM vendor fees ($20 per month). Replacement receipt paper ($35 to $100 per roll). Regular and emergency maintenance and repairs (variable costs).
You regularly have customers that ask where the nearest ATM is. Hundreds of people walk by your business and could easily see an ATM or sign. Your business makes lots of credit card transactions for small amounts.
Freestanding machines ($3,500-7,000): Purchase for gas stations, drug stores, or restaurants with floor space for the machine plus a customer. Countertop machines: Choose one of these if you don’t have floor space for a freestanding ATM (they’re less expensive, too). Through-the-wall (TTW) machines ($5,000 to $10,000): These cost more since they require construction to install. Opt for one if you have heavy after-hours foot traffic. They’re more prone to theft and weather damage.
If your ATM is going outside or in a rough area, consider extra user safety features like mirrors, covered keypads, or video surveillance. [7] X Research source A simple withdrawal-only machine could be perfect for small businesses. Consider machines with additional user options like adding money to a card or checking account balances. [8] X Research source
Select a company that offers insurance and a simple, fair agreement or contract in addition to fair pricing and competitive features. Some prominent ATM sellers include ATM Money Machine, ATM Brokerage, Mobile Money, and ATM Mega Store. [10] X Research source
Other popular locations could be gas stations, clubs and bars, hotels, office buildings, and cash-only businesses. Consider wiring needs, accessibility, outlets, and door clearance when choosing the exact spot where your ATM will stand. Test your location for 3 months and relocate the ATM if its performance is low. If you’re placing an ATM at another business, be upfront about your intentions and keep your initial contract flexible in case the location isn’t profitable. Most ATM retailers will install the ATM for you (for free or for a cost, depending on your agreement). Self-installation isn’t recommended unless you have training as an ATM technician.
Some processors take a cut of your surcharge fees for their services, while others do not. Reputable ATM processors include Prineta, ATMs America, ATM Depot, and Cord Financial. Payment networks are associations of member banks that facilitate transactions between merchants and issuers (for example, VISA, Mastercard, or NYCE).
The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requires banks to monitor your ATM account activity to identify and halt suspected money laundering acts.
Some prominent ATM insurance providers include American Special Risk, Marshall & Sterling, and Marsh. Additionally, consider general liability coverage for your ATM. It runs up to $700 per year for $1 million in coverage.
Invest in an original logo and website to identify your business. Branding will help third party businesses recognize and reach out to you to install machines at their locations.
Some platforms offering ATM routes for sale include Bizbuysell, Dealstream, ATM Brokerage, and Vending Connection.
Most independent ATM operators refill their machine once a week. The frequency depends on the machine’s capacity and the number of withdrawals. Hiring a refill service also eliminates the safety risk that’s posed when you’re transporting large quantities of cash yourself. The cost depends on your purchase or leasing agreement, but often outweighs the burden of doing it yourself.
