Does Cash App Charge ATM Fees?

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With over 50 million users, Cash App is one of the most popular mobile payment apps. It allows users to send money, make payments, and invest. It’s especially popular with lower-income adults and young people, making ATM fees an important consideration for users on a tight budget. 

You can use a Cash App Cash Card at an ATM. But since it’s not tied to a bank account, you might be interested to know how this affects ATM fees: does Cash App charge ATM fees? Keep reading to find out more about how to use Cash App with ATMs.

ATM Fees Explained

Generally, when you use your debit card at an ATM, you will be charged two fees: one by your bank and one by the ATM owner. If you use an in-network ATM, you are only charged one fee since your bank owns that ATM. 

Some banks offer different fee structures and waive certain fees as a benefit of purchasing certain accounts. Check with your bank for more information on ATM fees for your account.

Cash App isn’t a bank, though. So does Cash App charge ATM fees?

Does Cash App Charge ATM Fees?

According to Cash App support, you can use your Cash Card at any ATM for a $2.50 fee. You will also pay any out-of-network fees charged by the ATM operator. This is similar to how your bank might charge for debit ATM withdrawals from out-of-network ATMs. Cash App is the “bank”, and you will still pay the surcharge fee imposed by the ATM itself. 

However, Cash App offers ATM benefits if you set up direct deposit. Customers who get $300 (or more) in paychecks directly deposited into their Cash App in a given calendar month qualify for unlimited free withdrawals at in-network ATMs. One out-of-network withdrawal per 31 days will also be instantly reimbursed. Each time you receive another $300 (or more) in paycheck direct deposits in a given month, free withdrawals will be extended for an additional 31 days.

But what ATMs are considered in-network for Cash App? 

Cash App primarily uses the AllPoint ATM Network. ATMs within this network are referred to as its in-network ATMs. AllPoint ATMs are commonly found at gas stations, convenience stores, and retail stores like Target, CVS, and Walgreens. Cash App has also partnered with 7-Eleven to provide free ATM withdrawals at select locations.

While not officially confirmed, experts believe that Cash App has partnered with several ATM networks to offer free withdrawals at select locations. And most commercial banks in the US (banks that have consolidated assets of at least $300 million), including major institutions like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank, allow Cash App users to withdraw funds for free. 

How to Find In-Network Cash Card ATMs

ATMs with fee-free Cash Card withdrawals will be branded with the Cash App or MoneyPass logo. But there are a few ways you can search for in-network Cash Card ATMs, too.

First, you can search by network. For example, if you know ATMs that connect to the AllPoint ATM network offer free withdrawals, you can search for AllPoint ATMs near you. Or, if you know that Cash Card withdrawals are free at certain commercial banks, you can search by bank name for ATMs near you. 

But the easiest way is to simply check within the Cash App itself. By using the “Find an ATM” option within the Cash App, you can quickly identify in-network ATMs and avoid unnecessary fees. Just open the app, select the Cash Card icon, and click “Find an ATM”. 

Before getting started, you will be informed that you can withdraw from any ATM in the world and pay lower fees at the ATMs listed on their map. It also explains that all in-network withdrawal fees and 1 out-of-network withdrawal fee each month you direct deposit $300+ will be instantly reimbursed.

Once you allow Cash App to use your location, icons will appear on your map indicating locations with in-network ATM machines. Clicking an icon will provide you with the associated fees for using that ATM. Keep in mind that you will still be charged $2.50 unless you receive direct deposits to your Cash App. 

Why Does Cash App Charge ATM Fees?

Cash App isn’t a bank, so why does Cash App charge ATM fees? Well just like a bank, Cash App incurs costs to process transactions, which are passed on to users in the form of fees. Cash App has to pay fees to connect your card to the processing networks. This is how communication takes place to let the ATM machine “know” that you have funds available to withdraw. In most cases, this fee is passed on to the card user.

How Does a Cash App Card Compare to a Debit Card?

A Cash App Card is similar to a debit card in that it is linked to an account balance and you can use it for purchases, ATM withdrawals, and direct deposit. 

Cash App does not require a traditional bank account which makes it particularly convenient for low-income individuals and young adults. Plus, there are no overdraft fees; with a Cash App account, you can only spend what’s available. However, debit cards from banks typically offer stronger fraud protections and customer service than Cash App.

ATM fees and withdrawal limits differ as well. While ATM fees vary by bank, Cash App charges $2.50. Traditional debit card withdrawal limits generally range from $300 to $1,500 per day, depending on the bank and account type. Cash App withdrawal limits include $1,000 per transaction, $1,000 per 24 hours, and $1,000 per 7-day period.

Use a debit card if you need full banking services, direct deposits, bill pay, and higher security. Use a Cash App Card if you mainly use Cash App, want a simple spending option, and don’t need a full bank account. A traditional debit card is better if your bank offers free in-network ATMs or fee reimbursements. A Cash App Card might be preferred if you receive $300+ in direct deposits monthly to get ATM fees reimbursed.

How Does Cash App Charge ATM Fees Affect Independent ATM Owners?

Are you an independent ATM owner? Don’t worry. Fee reimbursement from Cash App (or any bank) does not directly impact independent ATM owners.

ATM operators still charge their fees. Independent ATM owners make money by charging users a surcharge fee (usually $2–$5 per transaction). Even if Cash App reimburses the user, the ATM owner still receives their fee as usual.

Cash App covers the cost for the user. When Cash App reimburses ATM fees, they credit the user’s Cash App balance after the transaction. The user still pays the fee upfront, but Cash App later refunds them, meaning the ATM owner gets paid regardless.

There is no loss to ATM owners. Unlike some bank networks that negotiate lower fees for their customers, Cash App’s reimbursement doesn’t affect what ATM owners receive. The reimbursement comes from Cash App’s funds, not the ATM operator’s earnings.

So, independent ATM owners still profit from fees, regardless of whether a user’s bank or app reimburses them later. 

Conclusion

So, does Cash App charge ATM fees? Yes. Are there ways to minimize them? Also yes.

If you have a traditional bank account and convenient access to in-network ATM machines, take advantage of fee free withdrawals with your debit card. But if you find yourself far from an ATM that is within your bank’s network, it might be easier and cheaper to find an ATM within Cash App’s network. If you don’t have a traditional bank account at all, take steps to minimize Cash App ATM withdrawal fees by using in-network ATMs and setting up direct deposit.

Interested in making money with ATM machines? Get your free ATM start-up kit today!

Setting Your Surcharge: Highest and Lowest ATM Fees

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Like everything else, ATM fees are increasing every year. So, if you are just getting started in the ATM business, you might be wondering what a fair, competitive surcharge fee is. If you’ve already been in business for a while, you might want to know if your rates are still optimal. 

Here, we offer a number of tips and considerations when it comes to setting ATM fees for your ATM machines. You might also be interested in which cities have the highest and lowest ATM fees. If you live in or near these cities, it could help you determine the right surcharge for your specific area. Keep reading to find out how to set the right surcharge for your machines.

General Tips for Setting ATM Fees

Setting an appropriate surcharge fee for an independently owned ATM involves a mix of market research, customer psychology, and profitability analysis. Here are some best practices:

Understand the Market

The first step is understanding your market. The right surcharge fee might depend on where your machine is located. For example, high-traffic areas like airports, bars, clubs, or tourist attractions might allow for higher surcharge fees as customers prioritize convenience over cost.

You also want to analyze nearby competition. If your fee is significantly higher than other ATMs nearby, customers might avoid using your machine in favor of a cheaper one. 

Consider Customer Psychology

Psychology plays a role, too. A standard, familiar, round rate can keep customers from scrutinizing the cost. Most customers are willing to pay between $2.50 and $3.50 in areas where there are many ATM/bank options. 

The condition of your machine also adds to perceived value. Clean, well-maintained, safe machines can justify slightly higher fees. New equipment (shiny), extra features (lighted keyboard), and added benefits (coupons) add to this perceived value as well. If your machine fits one or more of these categories, it could justify a higher surcharge fee.

Conduct Profit Analysis

Third, you want to weigh profit and usage. For example, lower ATM fees might attract more users therefore increasing your overall revenue despite the lower surcharge. On the other hand, higher fees can work if there is little competition. The less ATM options users have, the more convenient your machine becomes and customers have no choice but to pay the ATM fees you set.

Be Transparent

Another ATM surcharge fee best practice is to be transparent. Display your surcharge fee clearly on the screen before customers complete their transaction. A clear, upfront disclosure can prevent negative reactions and encourage repeat customers.

On-screen disclosure is mandatory under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) & Regulation E. It specifies that ATM operators must provide a clear and conspicuous disclosure of any surcharge fees before the transaction is processed. Users must also be given the option to cancel the transaction if they do not wish to accept the fee.

Before a transaction is finalized, the ATM must display the exact surcharge amount being charged. There should be a message stating that the fee is in addition to any fees from the customer’s bank. Finally, there needs to be a Yes/No prompt to allow users to accept or decline the fee.

Different ATM networks (Visa, Mastercard, Pulse, etc.) may impose additional rules, including. If you connect to a specific network, it’s best to check their fee disclosure policies. Your processing company can help with this.

Act on Insights

Finally, it’s important to remember to monitor your transaction volume regularly. Find out what works and what doesn’t work to get to that sweet spot that balances customer satisfaction with profitability. 

Then, continue to monitor as the market changes. Fees might increase from year to year, or competing machines can crop up forcing you to adjust your surcharge fee again. You can, and should, adjust your ATM fees based on the patterns you observe.

Understanding ATM Fees: Flat Fees vs. Percentage-Based Fees

There are a couple of ATM fee structures you can implement: flat fees and percentage-based fees. The difference between flat fees and percentage-based fees for ATM surcharge fees lies in how the fee is calculated and how it affects customer transactions.

Flat Fees

A flat fee is a fixed amount charged per transaction, regardless of the withdrawal amount. For example, a $3.00 surcharge applies whether the customer withdraws $20 or $500.

The advantages of a flat fee structure are predictability, simplicity, and fairness. Customers know exactly how much they’re paying, it’s easier to set up and manage in the ATM system, and customers aren’t penalized for withdrawing larger amounts. 

Paying a $3.00 surcharge on a $500 withdrawal seems a lot more reasonable than for a $20 withdrawal. So, this can make your machine more appealing for those withdrawing large amounts. However, it can also deter those making smaller withdrawals. Plus, you stand to make less for more work. The more cash that’s dispensed, the more frequently you have to restock the machine. This can create more work while earning less.

You can ask your processing company about setting up tiered flat fees as well. Keep in mind, though, that this is only an option for Genmega machines on only one processing platform.

Percentage-Based Fees

A percentage-based fee is a fee calculated as a percentage of the withdrawal amount. For example, a 2% surcharge means that a $100 withdrawal incurs a $2 fee, while withdrawing $500 incurs a $10 fee.

This structure allows you to make more on higher withdrawals while offering flexibility which some customers will perceive as more reasonable. However, percentage-based fees are more complex and can be harder to explain to customers. The higher fees can discourage those withdrawing large amounts (they’ll seek a flat fee ATM machine). And some jurisdictions may regulate percentage-based fees more strictly than flat fees.

Which to Choose?

So, while a flat fee is generally preferred in the U.S. and most other regions because it’s simpler and more widely accepted by customers, a percentage-based fee might be suitable in high-value or niche markets.

If you’re targeting average customers and aiming for high transaction volume, flat fees are usually the safer choice. However, if your location attracts customers making large withdrawals, a percentage-based fee could maximize your profits.

Combining Flat Fees and Percentage-Based Fees

Now, you can also combine these two fee structures. A hybrid fee structure involves charging a base flat fee plus a percentage of the withdrawal amount and creates a tiered approach to surcharges. What this looks like is if, say, a customer withdraws $100, they would be charged either a fixed, flat fee amount ($2.00) or a percentage of the transaction (e.g., 3%), whichever is greater. In this case, the withdrawal fee for $100 would be $3.00.

This hybrid structure increases your revenue potential by earning more on larger transactions while still making a profit on smaller ones. It is also perceived by customers as fair as the fee scales with the transaction size rather than penalizing low or high withdrawals disproportionately. This also allows you to cater to a wider range of customers, both those seeking low withdrawal amounts and those seeking high withdrawal amounts.

However, customers may find the pricing harder to understand and seek a flat fee ATM for simplicity’s sake. It could also deter those needing large withdrawals. Again, high surcharge amounts for large withdrawals (e.g., $5+ on a $300 transaction) might cause some to seek a cheaper, $3.00 flat fee.

A combined, hybrid fee structure works well in a few specific location types. In premium or niche locations like airports, casinos, or upscale venues, customers are less price-sensitive. And if your ATM is located in a place where large transactions are common, the higher ATM fees are easier to justify.

Best practices for combined ATM fees are to set a reasonable rate and offer transparent disclosure. Clearly display the surcharge breakdown on the ATM screen before the transaction so customers can make an informed choice.

Fast Cash Psychology

You can maximize profits by using “fast cash” amount psychology, too. Flat rate fast cash amounts ($60, $80, $100) on the left buttons can attract the flat rate, lower withdrawal users. Then, setting greater fast cash amounts ($300, $400, $600) on the right buttons can maximize profits from percentage rate, higher withdrawal users. 

For this to work, you need to make sure you choose the right percentage. If the percentage fee is too high (e.g., 3%), customers making large withdrawals may abandon the ATM. If the percentage is too low (e.g., 0.5%), you miss out on revenue potential.

By applying flat fees to small fast cash amounts, you encourage frequent transactions. Reserving percentage fees for larger amounts maximizes revenue. This allows you to optimize profits without discouraging usage.

Highest and Lowest ATM Fees

When it comes to setting a flat fee, how do you determine the amount? There are a lot of factors to consider. 

National Averages

The average ATM surcharge fee across the U.S. typically falls between $3.00 and $3.50. According to Bankrate’s 2024 checking account and ATM fee study, the average surcharge reached a record high of $3.19. 

Of the 25 metro areas Bankrate surveyed, the three cities with the highest average ATM fees are Atlanta ($5.33), Phoenix ($5.22), and San Diego ($5.22). The lowest fees were reported in Boston ($4.16), Seattle ($4.34), and Philadelphia ($4.42).

However, smaller operators in competitive areas often charge closer to $2.50 to $3.00 to remain competitive. You’ll find higher surcharges in urban areas, often $3.50 or more, due to convenience and limited cash access. Rural areas typically have lower surcharges, ranging from $2.00 to $3.00.

Factors that Influence ATM Fees

Other factors besides competition and geographic location that influence flat fee surcharge rates include transaction volume, customer profile, operating costs, and convenience.

High-traffic locations may support higher fees without reducing usage, while low-traffic locations benefit from a lower fee to encourage transactions. In areas frequented by cost-conscious customers, such as near universities, keeping the fee closer to $2.00–$2.50 may maximize usage. If your ATM’s costs are low (e.g., rent, cash loading, maintenance), a lower fee like $2.50 might still provide a good profit margin.

ATMs in convenient or exclusive locations can justify higher surcharges since customers are willing to pay more for easy access to cash. For example, fees can go as high as $4.00 to $7.00 in locations like airports, casinos, and stadiums due to captive audiences and high convenience factors. And ATMs in bars and nightclubs are often set around $3.00 to $4.00, as people prioritize convenience over cost.

Conclusion

There is a lot to consider when it comes to setting your ATM fees. The decision will really come down to where you are located geographically, what kinds of locations your machines are in, and who your customers are and what they need. 

At the end of the day, you are the expert on determining your surcharge structure. Monitoring activity and trends on your machine as you test ATM fees will provide you with all of the insights you need.

Your ATM processing company can answer any questions you might still have. Contact us at ATMDepot.com and get started today!

How to Set Up an ATM Business: Tools You Need

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If you want to know how to set up an ATM business, you have to know what tools you will need. Starting an ATM business requires specific tools, equipment, and planning. Having this information ahead of time can help you get into business as soon as possible with minimal mistakes.

This article offers you a glimpse at the tools you will need throughout the course of setting up an ATM business. We will even let you know which tools are required, which are optional, and which are recommended. By the time we’re finished, you’ll know just how to set up an ATM business.

Business Formation

One of the first things you’ll need to do is set yourself up as a business. There are a few ways to do this. You can set up an LLC. This provides you with limited liability protection, some tax benefits, and credibility. An LLC does involve some costs and administrative tasks, so you might not consider an LLC until you’ve gotten established and started bringing in some money.

The other thing you can do is set yourself up as a sole proprietorship. This is how most new independent ATM deployers (IADs) start their businesses. When you create a sole proprietorship, you operate under a fictitious business name, or a DBA—doing business as. Regardless of which route you take, you will need this information to open a business bank account and set up the vendor relationship for your business with the ATM processor. 

A business bank account is the second tool you’ll need during the business formation stage. You can’t get very far without it because the ATM company you process with will need the account information. This bank account is where you will withdraw the cash from to stock the ATM machine. It’s also where the processing company will send, or settle, the withdrawn funds so that you can continue to regularly fill your machine and operate.

ATM Equipment

Once you have your business entity and bank account set up, you can purchase equipment! You can purchase equipment earlier, it just saves a step to purchase equipment from the same company you process with. Here, you have many options. 

In short, the largest ATM manufacturing companies are Hyosung, Genmega, and Triton. There are three sizes of ATM machines: wall mount (smallest), freestanding (most common), and through-the-wall (TTW). You can purchase equipment new or refurbished.

Depending on what machine you select, you might have some options regarding features. Keep in mind that most upgrades and add-ons like extra cassettes, special locks, fancy keypads, toppers, etc. are nice to have rather than need to have. This is especially true if you are operating on a tight budget. Many of these things can always be added later once your business starts making money.   

Cash Management

One of the biggest questions about how to set up an ATM business is about the cash. Where does it come from? Whose is it? Where does it go? You have a few options when it comes to cash vaulting as well. 

Most IADs stock their machines with their own cash. You might need $2,000-$3,000 to start. This gets calculated into your startup costs. This money is yours, and after it’s withdrawn it gets redeposited into your account. However, it’s tied up in your business—you can’t use it for anything else or you will have an empty machine! And an empty machine can’t make money.

While $3,000 sounds like a lot of dough, it’s usually the wisest decision for the business. You can arrange to pay the business you set up in to handle this, or you can pay a third party vaulter or service to take care of the cash needs. But those regular bills add up. Alternatively, once you make back your own investment, you stand to profit more. So using your own cash is typically cheaper in the long run.

Location and Placement

You also need a location at which to place your machine. Typically, this would be someone else’s business: convenience store, salon, food truck park, etc. However, it could also be a space you rent in, say, a shopping mall or plaza. 

Working with another business is the cheapest way to operate. You can negotiate a share of the surcharge as incentive, but you don’t have to. An ATM offers a number of other benefits to store owners which you can leverage to help you close a deal. 

When you do, you will need a site location agreement. This is a contract between you and the location owner. It should include details like each party’s responsibilities, revenue share if applicable, termination agreement, etc. You can get a template for this or create your own. Just make sure you cover your bases and don’t neglect this necessary tool.

In terms of physically placing the machine, you’ll need a few things. First is a power supply. It is recommended that you use 110/115v 15a outlets that aren’t dedicated to other major appliances (freezers, refrigerators, etc.). It’s a good idea to use a surge protector, too, and maybe even an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) so that your machine remains operable during any outages.

Finally, you’ll want a drill and bolts to secure your machine to the ground. It’s cheap. It’s easy. And it will save you a lot of headache if someone gets the bright idea to try to steal or break into your machine!

Software and Connectivity

Now, you have your business, your equipment, and your location. You’re ready for customers, right? Wrong. Your machine needs to be connected to the card networks for it to communicate with users’ accounts and dispense cash. Therefore, you need to program the machine. You can do this with the help of your processing company. 

Make sure you have a strong, reliable internet connection. You can use the location’s internet service provider (ISP), but we recommend purchasing your own wireless device. This provides you with control over the functionality of your machine so that you aren’t at the mercy of someone else if connection is lost. The sooner you’re up and running, the more money you’ll make.

Compliance and Security

Next, you want to make sure you are compliant and secure. Your location might require that you have some sort of liability insurance. If they don’t, we’d still recommend it. You can get general liability coverage affordably. This is also something you can opt to spring for after you start making money if you so choose. 

You will also want to make sure your machine is under surveillance. This might mean purchasing security cameras if the location doesn’t have them already. There are other tools you can purchase, too, like anti-skimmer devices and GPS trackers. It just depends on your budget, how much risk your location faces, and your own comfort.

You will, however, want to monitor your machine and its activity. Fortunately, your ATM processor can set you up with remote online monitoring. This provides you with metrics and insights that allow you to manage your machine without having to physically be on-site. 

Marketing and Branding

Once you know how to set up an ATM business, you can focus on marketing. When you’re up and running, you will want to make efforts to bring in customers. The most important thing you can do is make passersby aware it exists! This might involve investing in signage and/or creating an online presence. You can use social media platforms and/or have a custom web page made.

Branding can help create a sense of loyalty and recognition with your customers. It also goes a long way with negotiating new locations when you’re ready to place more machines. You can use social media, a custom web page, custom graphics to display on your ATM machine, and even a custom wrap to spice up a generic machine. 

All of this is optional. However, regularly investing in your business can help generate more revenue.

Ongoing Maintenance

There are some things you’ll have to budget for regularly. For example, if something goes wrong with your machine, you’ll want to have money set aside for a technician if necessary. You will also need a supply of printer paper to refill the machine. It’s a good idea to have some light cleaning supplies on hand, too. No one wants to use a dirty machine. 

Financial Tools

To help manage your finances, you can use accounting software like QuickBooks to keep track of revenue and expenses. Use reporting tools, like those associated with your remote online monitoring system, to monitor transaction reports for performance insights.

Networking and Support

The final tool you’ll need if you want to know how to set up an ATM business is a strong network and support. Partner with an ATM company that offers ongoing support and 24/7 technical assistance. Seek out ATM industry experts and build relationships. Join ATM industry forums and groups where people are always asking questions and offering advice.

Don’t go it alone. Learn from others to minimize avoidable mistakes, share your own experiences, and celebrate successes. 

Now You Know How to Set Up an ATM Business

Now you know how to set up an ATM business, and maybe even a little more than just that! Your next step is to get in contact with an ATM processing company who can help you get all of your documentation in order so that you can get started!

ATMDepot.com is your trusted ATM vendor, processor, mentor, and technical support team. Get your FREE ATM start-up kit, or contact us with any questions you might still have. 

Grab your toolbelt—it’s time to get to work!

ATM Maintenance: How to Keep Your ATM Machine Up and Running

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ATM maintenance is an important part of owning an ATM machine. The better your maintenance, the more uptime your machine experiences, and the more revenue you earn. After all, you can’t make money if your machine is inoperable. Regular ATM maintenance ensures that your machine functions, looks good, and avoids costly repairs and replacements later on. 

Here, we will explain the different types of maintenance you can expect your machine to undergo and how to handle it. There are some tasks you’ll want to take care of monthly and others on an as-needed basis. 

Don’t worry. ATM maintenance is quite simple and even common sense. You want to take care of your ATM machine just as you would a vehicle, appliance, or firearm. Any mechanical device that involves moving parts requires regular maintenance. Here’s what that looks like for an ATM machine:

FLM vs. SLM

There are two categories of ATM maintenance: first-line maintenance (FLM) and second-line maintenance (SLM). FLM can be performed by you, the location owner, or anyone you delegate the task to. FLM includes restocking receipt paper, fixing jams, addressing certain error codes, and cleaning.

SLM will require the tools and expertise of a qualified technician. This can include replacement or repair of machine parts and software updates. You should be able to get ATM technical support by contacting your ATM processing company. When looking for an ATM company, this is one service you might want to make sure it offers.

Most Common Error Codes

There are 5 error codes that you’re most likely to encounter. These, you should be able to address and fix yourself.

The first is a dispenser error (40047). This happens when the dispenser isn’t working properly, most likely due to a cassette misfeed. There might be a bill jam or the dispenser sensors might just need to be cleaned. Worst case scenario, the cassette box will need to be replaced. 

No receipt paper (20013) happens when the receipt paper runs out and needs to be replaced or when there is a jam. There is also a paper reset switch you can use if there is paper and no jam. 

A connection error (D1500) can happen when there is a modem disconnection or timeout. This error can occur if the host doesn’t respond in 60 seconds. 

To restore the connection, verify the host phone number and modem speed to make sure they’re consistent. You might need to contact the phone company if the modem is defective. You can use an in-line filter to improve data-communication support. Or, you can check the programming including the Dual Master Key setting and Host Processor Mode.

When setting up your machine, you will need to set the terminal identification number (TID) in the Host Setup. Otherwise, you will get an F000F error code indicating that the TID is missing or is incorrect.

Finally, there is the low/no cash error (20002). The low cash warning sensor on the dispenser will open when the balance reaches around $75. Simply stock the machine with more cash or consider disabling this function in the Transaction Setup menu if you typically keep a low amount of bills. 

Most Important Parts of ATM Maintenance

When planning your routine FLM, there are a few areas you want to be sure to include. Basically, you want to make sure you keep all moving parts clean as well as the outside of the machine and even the area around it.

Screen

You want to be sure the screen is always clean. This is the part of the machine your customers interact with. So to improve the user experience and keep customers coming back, you want to make sure the screen is sanitary and clear—users need to be able to see the information on the screen. This is especially important if you have a touchscreen. Fingerprints can quickly grime up a screen.

You can clean the screen with a soft, damp cloth. Use an antiseptic wipe for touchscreens to keep the area sanitary and free of germs.

Card Reader

The card reader can also fill with debris quite quickly. You will want to clean the card reader of magnetic stripe particles, dust, skin cells, oils, etc. Otherwise, the card reader can malfunction or you could experience card jams. These can both be costly and time-consuming problems if not prevented. Simply use a wet cleaning swab to clean out the card reader regularly.

Cash Dispenser

The cash dispenser will fill with dust, lint, and other particles quickly, too. You can blow all of this out with a can of compressed air. You might even want to lubricate the rollers to keep them moving seamlessly, but inquire with your ATM company or manufacturer for a recommendation.

Safe

You’ll want to maintain the ATM safe to make sure it remains secure. So check the hinges at the door and cassette lids to make sure they are moving smoothly and aren’t broken anywhere. To keep them moving smoothly, clean the hinges regularly. Lubricate the hinges and oil the cassette lids. If you think you might need to replace the safe battery, consult your ATM manufacturer first.

Operating System

You need to keep the operating system fresh and up-to-date. Otherwise, you won’t have a record of all of the data you might need. Keep memory available to record all activity by printing your journal regularly. Keep these records on-hand for at least a year. You can also refresh the ATM’s operating system by rebooting it every now and then. 

Exterior

Finally, you want to make sure the exterior of the machine is clean and free of damage or vandalism. This includes the area around the ATM machine. Don’t let dust bunnies accumulate around the base of your ATM machine; it just looks bad. And if any stickers or decals on your machine begin to peel or tear, replace them.

You want your machine to be approachable. Customers won’t feel comfortable or even all that safe using a machine that looks like it isn’t monitored or cared for. They might fear losing their card to the machine or risking a cash jam. Make it clear that your machine is under watchful eye and is well-cared for and maintained. This will increase usage and overall revenue.

Internal Function

Remember that most internal functions that require special tools and expertise will need to be handled by qualified technicians. 

Make sure you document every error code, replacement, and repair. Take note of what went wrong, what action you took, and what the result was. You might need this information later for warranties, equipment audits, or to advise employees when future troubleshooting is necessary.

Where to Find ATM Maintenance Support

As an ATM owner, you have a lot of resources to help you with your ATM maintenance. First, you can always consult your machine’s manual. If you don’t have a hard copy, just look for one online or request one from the manufacturer or your ATM vendor. 

You can also consult error code lists if you get a code not listed above. While some error codes are universal, others are specific to the manufacturer of your machine. You can search for a specific code online or request a list from the manufacturer.

And, if your ATM company offers technical support, you can call them with any questions you might have or help you might need.

7x24x365 ATM Maintenance Support

It’s important to note that most ATM machines rarely need servicing. This article covers the most basic, most common scenarios you will face when it comes to ATM maintenance. Of course, you might experience an unexpected issue or something not covered in this article. In that case, use your resources. Make a plan ahead of time by locating a phone number, manual, or other guide so that you know where to go in an emergency.

ATMDepot.com offers 24 hour support 7 days a week 365 days a year. If you work with ATMDepot, you can access support at any time through your Real-Time ATM Monitoring Portal or by entering your TID. With that kind of support, there is no need to worry about ATM maintenance. If there’s a problem you can’t solve, we’re here to help. Just make sure you take preventative care of your ATM machine by checking and cleaning the parts regularly!