Tag Archive for: atm business owners

Who’s Starting a Side Hustle and Why?

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A side hustle is a way to generate extra money in addition to a regular salary. Whether you have a part-time job, a series of gigs, or a full-time job, a side hustle is something you can do to bring in a little more income. 

It might seem surprising, though, that so many people are looking to a side hustle even when working full-time. Shouldn’t full-time income be enough? For most people, it seems, a side hustle offers a financial boost. It’s something that can be used for those “nice-to-have” budgets while the full-time income covers the “need-to-have”. 

However, the right side hustle isn’t a grind. It shouldn’t be something that drains your battery, that you dread, or that you cut corners on. For many people, a side hustle means making money doing something they genuinely enjoy.

This article draws upon Bankrate’s recent Side Hustle Survey. The results show how some professionals are finding personal and professional gain from their side hustle, not just financial gain. And the beauty of a side hustle is that, if done right, you get to choose how you spend that time, just like other professionals have. Could an ATM business be that side hustle for you?

Why Start a Side Hustle?

The number one reason to start a side hustle is to make extra money. But what is that money for? According to Bankrate’s Side Hustle Survey, 41% of side hustlers use their extra income for discretionary purchases, 35% for regular living expenses, 28% for savings, and 20% for paying down debt.

But the rewards of a side hustle aren’t just financial. One nurse, for example, works as a school nurse in between her regular shifts to get a wider range of patient experience. She gets personal fulfillment from her side hustle. “I work with older adults who are critically sick, so seeing little kids be joyous and jovial and happy all the time is better for my mental health,” Vivian Ezugwu says.

Loan underwriter Martin de Anda started flyer distribution as a side hustle to afford the luxury of going out in his free time. He enjoys the socialization he gets from his side hustle which his desk job doesn’t offer. But after developing a strong client-base, he was able to take this flexible side hustle full time. “I have the flexibility of actually choosing when I want to take a break and just not work because I want to go to the beach or the movies,” he says.

According to Bankrate’s survey, average side hustler monthly income is $885 in 2025. While that might not sound like a lot, a side hustle can also be a way to broaden experiences, give back to your community, or monetize your hobbies. And for some people, when they realize that they can turn their side hustle into a full-time gig, the flexibility often is the biggest incentive. 

Who’s Starting a Side Hustle?

Bankrate’s survey found that younger generations are more likely to have a side job. However, no age group is excluded. Of all side hustlers, 34% are GenZ (18-28), 31% are millennials (29-44), 23% are GenX (45-60), and 22% are boomers (61-79). 

Young professionals in their 20s and 30s, like Ezugwu and de Anda, might seek extra income to pay off student loans, save for travel, or supplement entry-level wages. Mid-career workers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s might be seeking more financial security, exploring a career change, or testing a business idea before leaving their main job. 

Stay-at-home parents seek flexible income that fits around childcare schedules. Retirees use their skills and hobbies to bring in supplemental income or stay active. Creative professionals and hobbyists can turn passions like art, photography, writing, etc. into small revenue streams.

So no matter who you are, a side hustle is not out of reach. 

Why an ATM Business Is the Ultimate Side Hustle

An ATM business can also make a good side hustle for any generation. While GenZers can start an ATM business if they have the capital, Bankrate reports that 34% of GenZers don’t even have an emergency savings fund. But, with savings or financing access, an ATM business can generate income while working full time. The extra income can accelerate debt payoff or savings without adding a second demanding job.

The 30- to 50-year-old mid-career workers, on the other hand, are more likely to have the capital necessary ($2,000-$4,000) to start an ATM business. An ATM business is semi-passive once machines are installed and filled, so it can run alongside a full-time job. An ATM business creates a stable second income stream for long-term wealth building or debt payoff.

Stay-at-home parents can benefit from an ATM business because it can be managed during off-peak hours. Once machines are set up, the workload is predictable and not 9–5 dependent. It offers steady, recurring income that doesn’t require constant active selling or being tied to a desk.

An ATM business can be good for retirees due to its light physical demands (mostly cash loading and machine checks) and flexible scheduling. It can be scaled to match their desired activity level and provides supplemental retirement income without requiring daily high-effort work.

An ATM machine business is low effort at first. Most new ATM business owners start with just one or two machine placements. But it is completely possible to scale to 10 or more machines making ATM operation a full-time, flexible, low-effort gig! Just like de Anda, if you find that you enjoy the flexibility of an ATM side hustle, make it your goal to replace your regular 9-5 desk job.

Benefits of an ATM Business

It’s getting harder and harder for many people to make ends meet for many people. Let alone are they able to save money or travel. For those reasons, side hustles are projected to increase. If you’ve been looking for a way to make some extra money without the demands of a second in-person job that takes you away from your family and fills all of your free time, consider operating an ATM. 

An ATM machine generates semi-passive income. That means that once it’s all set up, it will make money while you’re away. Simply keep it loaded and operational, and you’re in business. To find out exactly how much you can make with just one machine, check out our article on how much ATM business owners make.

Ready to get started? Get your free ATM start-up kit today!

First Steps to Creating a Business—ATM-Style

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A quick Google search or AI prompt will provide you with a list of some general first steps to creating a business. These steps might vary slightly based on the type of business you want to start. However, you’ll find that even an ATM business fits the mold when it comes to basic business startup.

In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most basic, general first steps to creating a business and adapt them for the ATM industry. That way, you can see how similar starting an ATM business is to any other business. Then, we’ll cover some specifics that are unique to an ATM business. When it’s all said and done, you’ll know the first steps to take to get into business in the ATM industry.

First Steps to Creating a Business—Adapted for ATMs

Creating a business involves several critical steps to move from an idea to a functioning operation. Here’s a practical breakdown of the first steps for most businesses:

1. Define Your Idea

What’s your product or service? Clearly describe what you’re offering and the problem it solves. 

As an independent ATM deployer (IAD), you’re buying or leasing ATMs, placing them in high-traffic locations, and earning revenue from surcharges users pay per transaction. You offer customers access to their bank accounts. For stores and businesses, you enhance their customer service, increase foot traffic and impulse purchases, save them money on credit card processing fees, and possibly offer an extra revenue stream.

Who is your target customer? Identify your ideal market or audience. 

As an IAD, you’re looking for locations that have a need for ATM service. Small businesses, convenience stores, bars, salons, gas stations, or events without existing ATMs are good places to start.

What is your revenue model? 

As the owner and operator of an ATM machine, your revenue comes from the surcharge fee. This is the transaction fee for using your machine and is typically $2.50–$3.50 per use. You might also possibly profit-share with business owners hosting the machine

2. Conduct Market Research

Who are your competitors? Look at businesses doing similar work and see how yours can stand out. 

For an ATM business, you want to find gaps in the market. Installing an ATM machine in a location that already has convenient access nearby is going to affect your earning potential. If there are other ATMs nearby, you want to offer a competitive surcharge rate to pull more customers from other machines with higher fees. 

When searching for a location to operate your ATM from, you might find that a store or business is already working with an ATM service provider. This can be a good opportunity to discover whether or not they are happy with the service they are receiving. If they aren’t, explain how you can solve that pain point. 

Is there demand?

Find out the potential of a location by scoping out locations in person, having conversations with location owners, and conducting online research. Visiting locations can give you a sense of how busy a location is—the busier the better. Conversations with location owners can reveal their motivations or objections which can tell you a lot about a location’s potential. And online research can provide you with a map of potential competing locations and customer reviews. 

3. Create a Business Plan

A basic business plan should include a summary of what your business is and what it will do. It might also include market analysis, a marketing and sales strategy, organization and management structure, and financial projections like basic budget and expected revenue/costs. 

A simple business plan for an ATM business might look something like this:

  • Start-up costs (ATM purchase/lease, cash to stock the machine, installation, etc.)
  • Monthly operating expenses (maintenance, communication line, armored cash refill if outsourced)
  • Expected transactions per month and projected income
  • Growth strategy (e.g., 3 machines in Year 1, 5+ in Year 2)

4. Choose a Business Structure

There are three common types of business structures: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp). All can work for an ATM business, but the most common route is sole proprietorship. 

While a sole proprietorship is simple, there is no legal separation from you and your business. An LLC, on the other hand, protects personal assets. Choose LLC for liability protection, tax flexibility, and to separate your personal and business finances. Finally, corporations are more complex and are more appropriate for large businesses or raising capital.

5. Register Your Business

Choose a business name after checking its availability in your state. Register it with your state government. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS for tax and payroll purposes. 

With a sole proprietorship, you can operate under your own name or a fictitious business name, a DBA—doing business as. You may not need an EIN under a sole proprietorship, but you will if you establish an LLC. Check out Forbes’s side-by-side comparison of the best LLC filing services.

Get required licenses or permits (varies by industry and location). Set up a business bank account. Consider business insurance (especially liability or workers’ comp if hiring). 

For an ATM business, you will need a business bank account. This is where ATM surcharge profits will be deposited and where your vault cash will be settled for you to withdraw to refill the machine. You may have two business bank accounts: one for your surcharge revenue and one for vault cash.

You will also need an ATM processor agreement. This is documentation of your partnership with an ATM processing company that will handle the communication between networks and transactions.

Insurance is optional unless the location owner requires it as part of the placement deal. However, it is a good idea to invest in general liability insurance to protect your equipment and liability.

7. Set Up Operations

Location: Decide whether you’ll operate online, from home, or at a physical location.

Website: Create a basic site or landing page.

Systems: Pick tools for accounting, invoicing, communication, etc. 

With an ATM, you will probably operate out of someone else’s store, business, or other location. However, you can also rent a space in a shopping center or similar area. 

There are many ways to establish an online presence as an ATM business owner. This can be a good way to get location owners coming to you to set up placements which saves you the time spent approaching them. You can create a website if you want, but sometimes a simple social media page can be effective. 

You can also get a custom web page designed and featured on an already high-ranking website in, say, an “ATM providers near me” web directory. Borrow their search engine optimization to increase your own visibility, credibility, and lead generation.

And tools and resources you can use to help manage your finances, track profits, and record expenses include accounting software tools like QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero. You will also have access to remote online monitoring that offers reporting tools you can use to monitor transaction reports for performance insights.

Unique First Steps to Creating a Business in the ATM Industry

There are some general first steps to creating a business. These apply to almost any business, ATMs not excluded. We’ve adapted them for your convenience so that you know exactly how to apply each step to starting an ATM business. Now, it’s time to get into some specifics those basic first steps to creating a business didn’t cover:

1. Purchase Your ATM(s)

To operate an ATM business, you need to purchase the equipment. You can buy new or refurbished machines (costs range $2,000–$4,000 each). Make sure you choose EMV-compliant and ADA-compliant models that support remote monitoring and cash alerts.

2. Secure Locations and Contracts

Most IADs secure locations and contracts with existing businesses. Approach business owners and offer free machine installation and maintenance for a monthly rent (flat fee) or revenue-sharing (e.g., 30% of fees). Be sure to draft, agree on, and sign a placement agreement with each location that outlines the responsibilities of each party.

3. Stock and Monitor Your Machines

You can load cash yourself to save on armored truck service. While this adds another $2,000 or so to your startup budget, it is typically more cost effective in the long run. Install remote monitoring software to track cash levels, errors, and transactions. That way, you can manage your business off-site.

3. Market and Scale

Create a simple web page to establish credibility, generate leads, and open lines of communication. Create business cards and/or flyers to leave with  more locations and leads. Consider adding more ATMs to your route as your revenue grows.

Now You Know the First Steps to Creating a Business ATM-Style

Now that you know the first steps to creating a business in the ATM industry, you can decide for yourself whether or not it’s really for you. If you’re still on the fence, remember that an ATM business offers benefits most other businesses do not: low overhead, little to no real estate costs, no employees, flexibility, and simplicity. What other job can you think of that makes you money while you’re doing something else altogether?

If you have questions or want to know more about the first steps to creating a business in the ATM industry, contact us today! With decades of experience, ATMDepot has worked with thousands of IADs just like you. It’s our mission to help anyone earn semi-passive income from operating ATM machines.

How Does Owning an ATM Work?

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Owning an ATM is one of the best side hustles. But how does owning an ATM work? If you want to know what to expect from ATM ownership before getting started, keep reading.

Anyone can own an ATM. Literally all you have to do is purchase equipment. However, to actually operate an ATM and generate semi-passive income with it, there are some things you need to know to be successful. 

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a store owner, this article offers an overview of what responsibilities and benefits come with owning an ATM. Then, you can confidently purchase ATM equipment without the fear of any surprises. 

How Does Owning an ATM Work for Entrepreneurs?

ATM entrepreneurs, or solopreneurs, are individuals who work for themselves in the ATM industry. Independent ATM deployers (IADs) typically operate by purchasing ATM equipment and installing it in a store, business, or other location owned by someone else. The knowledge you have over another ATM owner may be key. It could be the reason a location owner chooses you over other ATM deployers. 

Acquisition and Location

ATM owners need two major things to operate a machine: the machine itself and a location to install it in. 

You have a few options when it comes to purchasing ATM equipment. You can find ATM machines sold by ATM manufacturers and distributors, independent sales organizations (ISOs) and processing companies, and online marketplaces. 

There are also a couple of options in securing a location. If you want to operate your machine from a shopping plaza or mall, you can rent a space similar to how each individual business within the mall does. But the most common route is to find a store or location owner who is willing to work with you to install your machine within their walls. Be prepared to negotiate, possibly offering a percentage of the surcharge revenue as an incentive.

When searching for a location, ideal spots are businesses or areas where there is a high need for cash as well as heavy foot traffic. The more people who pass by the machine and also need its services, the more money you stand to make.

Operation and Management

Owning an ATM is a great way to generate semi-passive income. What this means is that the machine makes money without you having to be there. However, it is only semi-passive because there are some responsibilities required to ensure the machine is operational. After all, you can’t make money if the machine doesn’t work.

One of the most important responsibilities is cash loading. You can stock the machine with cash yourself, delegate this to the location owner, or hire a third party vaulting service. When you stock the machine yourself, you use your own money. So calculate a couple thousand dollars of vault cash as part of your startup costs.

You also need to set up transaction processing. An ATM processing company like ATMDepot facilitates the communication between the credit card networks and your ATM machine. This is how your machine “knows” how to process transactions and transfer funds. This processing company also keeps track of the funds that are withdrawn from your machine so that they can be deposited back to your bank account. Then you withdraw those same funds again and again to restock the ATM.

Finally, you’ll need to handle maintenance, repairs, and security. Maintenance might include stocking printer paper for receipts, cleaning the equipment, and addressing any error codes that might arise. Repairs will be necessary if parts fail or become damaged. And you can use remote online monitoring to ensure your machine is secure from fraud or theft. 

Revenue and Expenses

ATM owners/operators earn their money from surcharge fees. This is the cost users pay for the convenience of accessing the funds in their accounts without having to travel to their bank. You as the ATM owner/operator get to set the surcharge rate. On average, this might be between 2 and 4 dollars, but you can check out our guide here for more specific, location-based advice.

Now, revenue is the money you generate, but profit is the amount you make after expenses are deducted. The overhead expenses for an ATM business includes the equipment itself and the vault cash. Ongoing expenses you should expect to budget for are internet service (to facilitate transaction processing), maintenance like cleaning supplies and technician calls or repairs if necessary, and insurance if you choose.

How Does Owning an ATM Work for Store Owners?

While owning an ATM can be a business on its own, store owners can also purchase their own machines to operate. There are many benefits stores and other businesses can experience from an on-site ATM.

Adding an ATM to your store increases foot traffic, attracting customers who might make impulse purchases. An ATM gives you an additional revenue stream, earning surcharge fees on each withdrawal. ATMs also promote cash transactions which can save you money on credit card transaction fees and are a particularly wise investment if you are a cash-only business.

So, if you want to add an ATM to your store or business there are two main ways: you can purchase a machine outright or find an IAD in your area. ATM companies like ATMDepot offer placement programs that match businesses and IADs. That way, you don’t have to hunt for one yourself. 

Keep in mind, though, that while you do not have to purchase the ATM equipment outright in a placement program, you therefore do not own it. IADs typically front the equipment cost in exchange for a location. You do have the leverage, though, to negotiate a portion of the surcharge revenue.

So, buying and operating an ATM yourself earns you a higher profit from the surcharge fee, but you are then also responsible for all of the associated responsibilities: cash loading, maintenance, and security monitoring. On the other hand, if you partner with an ATM processing company (which you need anyway for card network communications), the IAD helps you handle the operation while you earn commission on top of the other benefits an ATM offers your business.

How Does Owning an ATM Work for You?

Owning an ATM—whether as an entrepreneur or as a supplement to your existing business—can be a smart way to generate passive income, boost sales, and provide a valuable service to customers. The key is understanding your goals, weighing your responsibilities, and choosing the right setup to match your time, budget, and business model. 

With the right planning and partnerships, adding an ATM can be a low-maintenance investment with steady returns. ATMDepot can help. For more information about the ATM business, check out our free start-up kits designed specifically for entrepreneurs and store owners.

Where to Put ATM Machines: Installation 101

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We’ve published a few articles about where to put ATM machines in terms of the best performing locations. But what about once you’ve gotten that far? How do you know where to put ATM machines at that location? 

Here, we’ll summarize locations that have high or consistent transaction volume in case you missed it. But we’ll mostly offer tips for how and where to put ATM machines once you’ve secured a high-traffic location. Use this as a basic guide or a regular checklist as you install machine after machine. Or, if you are the location owner already, here is what you need to know to get started installing your new ATM machine!

Where to Put ATM Machines to Achieve Your Goals

Before choosing where to place an ATM, clarify your goals. Are you installing a machine to boost foot traffic and sales inside your own business? Or are you entering the ATM ownership space for passive income through transaction fees? Your purpose influences the ideal type of location and expected traffic patterns.

Are you a store or business owner increasing in-store purchases by offering convenience? Are you an independent ATM deployer (IAD) generating passive income in high-traffic or cash-heavy areas? Or are you serving a specific community like college students, tourists, or cash-only clientele? Maybe you’re just filling a market gap where banks or ATMs are scarce.

Knowing your objectives will help you prioritize the right kind of location, installation features, and revenue strategy.

If you are still in the location stage of starting an ATM business, you will want to read some of our other articles about the best locations to secure. But this article will cover some best practices for installing ATM machines with the most typical location conditions in mind.

For example, common and profitable locations for ATM placement include gas stations, convenience stores, and retail stores; bars, nightclubs, casinos, and other event spaces; hotels and tourist hubs; cannabis dispensaries and other specialty markets. However, an ATM installed at a prime location can perform poorly if it isn’t positioned strategically. So there are other factors to keep in mind.

General Guidelines for Where to Put ATM Machines

When it comes down to where to put ATM machines, it’s best to position the machine where users can easily see and access it. Typically, this helps everyone reach their goals, consumers and business owners alike. But there are some requirements and strategies that will restrict and influence your options.

First, you’re limited to the electrical set-up: wherever there is power and internet access is where to put ATM machines. Machines need consistent electricity and internet whether it’s via Wi-Fi, ethernet, or wireless modem.

Second, the machine should be visible. The ATM should be in plain sight and near natural traffic flow like checkout lanes or entrances. But the machine also legally has to be accessible. Customers, including those in wheelchairs, should easily be able to approach the ATM without obstruction.

If you have the luxury of doing so, you should consider security as well. For example, look for well-lit areas, camera coverage, and/or direct line of sight of an employee. This is especially important if you want to know where to put ATM machines for after-hours access. This doesn’t just help customers feel more safe and secure during transactions but also allows for safe and discreet cash vaulting and repairs. 

Where to Put ATM Machines Legally

Before installation, you must comply with local laws and accessibility standards. Some municipalities require a business license or permit for ATM placement. Outdoor machines may require additional zoning approvals or signage restrictions. And if you’re placing the machine on someone else’s property, make sure you draft a placement agreement clearly outlining terms, revenue split (if applicable), maintenance duties, duration, etc.

Every ATM placement must be ADA compliant. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that ATMs be accessible to all users. This means that buttons, touchscreens, and card slots must be within accessible height and depth ranges. And the space around the machine must be clear. Users in wheelchairs must be able to approach and maneuver around the ATM.

Ensure your ATM model is ADA-compliant and that installation allows for sufficient access and use. Noncompliance can lead to lawsuits or fines.

Installation Basics

Once you’ve selected the location and cleared legal requirements, the next phase is installation. Your machine will need power and network connections. The area around the ATM must allow for user access and ADA-compliant clearances. And it is recommended that you bolt down both indoor and outdoor machines to deter theft and vandalism. 

Through-the-wall (TTW) ATMs will require a little more construction. You will either need a space in a wall that faces the outside to offer 24/7 access to passers-by, or you will need a space where the interface is available to users on the wall of a locked, secured, and/or managed area where the chassis is stored. Ensure that this area is protected during cash vaulting.

However, for standalone machines, you can handle the installation yourself with the help of a simple YouTube video, the equipment manual, or a tech call. Or, if you prefer, you can hire a technician to install the machine for you. Check with your ATM company to see what services and resources they offer to help with installation.

After setup, the machine must be loaded with cash and configured to your processor. Then, it’s a good idea to run test transactions to ensure smooth operation.

Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common mistakes you can avoid to save time, money, and stress. 

First, make sure your ATM machine isn’t hidden. Low visibility reduces usage. Customers can’t use your machine if they don’t know it exists.

Customers also can’t use your machine if it’s out of order. Out-of-service machines lose money, so don’t neglect maintenance. Establish a maintenance plan for cash loading, paper replacement, and tech issues.

Be careful not to underestimate foot traffic. Just because a space looks busy doesn’t mean it is. Track actual customer flow and consider peak hours before choosing a location.

Don’t ignore ADA or other compliance regulations. ADA lawsuits and permit violations can be costly. Make compliance a non-negotiable from the beginning.

Finally, make sure you have formal documentation of your agreements with the location owner. Vague or handshake-only deals can lead to disputes. A written placement contract can ensure that each party upholds their responsibilities, is compensated accordingly, and is protected in extenuating circumstances.

Who Knows Best Where to Put ATM Machines?

If you are installing a machine in someone else’s store, the location owner might have their own preferences about where to put it. The ATM machine is your business, and you’re the expert. You want to place the machine where it will get the most usage. But the location owner is the expert of their business as well. They have their customers in mind and won’t want to risk damaging their current business. 

So if you find yourself disagreeing with the location owner about installation, just explain the reasoning behind these best practices. Work together to create the best possible user experience focused on accessibility, convenience, and safety. 

If you partner with ATMDepot.com for transaction processing, you get access to installation resources including 24/7 customer support. ATMDepot can arrange for a certified ATM technician to professionally install your first unit. During installation, technicians often provide training—demonstrating setup steps, running test transactions, and teaching upkeep best practices. And ATMDepot’s online resources include detailed guides covering everything from unpacking and leveling to anchoring and connectivity. 

For more help with DIY installation, check out our 7 ATM Installation Tips or contact us with questions. Now, you’re ready to install your machine. We’re here to help if you need it!

Are ATMs Always Open? How to Operate an ATM 24/7

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If you are thinking about starting an ATM business, you might be wondering, Are ATMs always open? The short answer is, Yes and no. You see, each ATM business is different. So, some ATMs are always open—others are not. 

If you want to make money with ATM machines, it is possible to operate an ATM 24/7. Here, we’ll provide an overview of what various business models look like. That way, you can decide for yourself how to proceed with your ATM business.

Are ATMs Always Open?—Not Always

Not all ATMs are always open. For instance, if you’ve ever passed by a store with an illuminated “ATM” sign whose doors were locked, you’ve experienced an ATM that was not open. 

Independent ATM deployers (IADs) have about three options when it comes to installing their ATM machine. They can install it in a business or store front they already own. They can rent space in a mall or plaza to operate their ATM from. Or, they can work in collaboration with an existing store or business that agrees to the installation in exchange for boosted customer service and sales.

So in that respect, an ATM’s availability depends on the location itself. If an ATM machine is installed behind the locked doors of another store or business, that ATM machine is not open 24/7—because customers can’t get to it to use it.

Then there are outdoor ATM machines. For example, ATM machines operated out of parking lots/garages, food truck parks, outlet malls and plazas, and the fronts of convenience stores can offer passers-by 24/7 access to cash and their accounts. However, just because an ATM is accessible doesn’t mean it is functional. An outdoor ATM machine still has to be connected to the networks, has to be stocked with cash, and has to not be out of order to be considered open 24/7.

Are ATMs Always Open?—They Can Be

If you want to operate ATMs 24/7, it’s totally possible. There are simply certain conditions that must be met.

24/7 Location

Although ATMs are technically designed to operate 24/7, the question of are ATMs always open depends on a number of other factors. Namely, it’s up to the owner/operator. If you want to operate your ATM 24/7, you have to find a location that facilitates that.

You can operate an ATM machine 24/7 if it is always physically accessible to customers. For example, you might install your machine in an outdoor location, through the wall of a store facing the street, or just inside the doors of a store that is also open 24/7.

ATMs are designed to operate without human supervision. They include secure cash dispensing and deposit mechanisms, card readers, PIN pads, and network connections to banks and processors. Modern ATMs have features like anti-skimming, surveillance cameras, and internal safes to operate securely 24/7. Basically, you don’t have to sit on site with your ATM to operate your ATM business.

Instead, you can use remote online monitoring to manage your machine. This management system allows you to track cash levels, detect malfunctions or tampering, and receive real-time alerts for any error codes.

Reliable Internet Connection

To operate your ATM 24/7, it needs to be reliably connected to the banking networks (Visa/Plus, Mastercard/Cirrus). This enables ATMs to validate transactions at any time, regardless of location or banking hours. So 24/7 operation requires secure internet connection. If your machine loses internet connection, it will be inoperable until it is reconnected. Until then, you’re out of business.

Little to No Downtime 

In order for your machine to always be open, it has to always be working. This means that if you want to operate your machine 24/7, there has to be no downtime. Your machine will require regular servicing like cash replenishment, error codes, and other preventative maintenance like cleaning and software updates.

Where Are ATMs Always Open? The Best 24/7 Locations

We’ve said a few times that 24/7 ATM operation depends on the location of the installation. But what are your options? If you are looking for a location that facilitates 24/7 ATM operation, you’ll need to find a location like one of the following:

Convenience Stores, Truck Stops, Gas Stations

Convenience stores, truck stops, and gas stations are at the top of the list. They’re often open 24/7, ensuring around-the-clock ATM access. They experience steady customer traffic, especially during off-hours.

Furthermore, these customers have a need for cash. Customers in these locations often make cash-based purchases and therefore have a high tendency of withdrawing cash to shop. 

Finally, indoor placement offers weather protection and enhanced security. It’s better to operate a 24/7 ATM indoors when possible for these reasons.

Hotels and Motels

Guests of hotels and motels (especially budget chains) often need quick access to cash for tips, transport, or nearby restaurants. Lobby ATMs benefit from indoor, secure placement, and front desk staff can monitor the machine and inform guests about the ATM, increasing usage.

Transportation Hubs

Transportation hubs like airports and bus or train stations are also good places to target travelers in need of cash. These locations often experience round-the-clock foot traffic, and the presence of security can deter theft and vandalism.

Liquor Stores and Smoke Shops

Liquor stores and smoke shops are businesses that prefer cash transactions. Customers who want their bad habits to go unnoticed tend to prefer spending cash in these locations, too. This increases the need for cash in these 24/7 locations making ATM service a lucrative opportunity on top of the added benefits of indoor operation.

Laundromats

Laundromats can make good locations, too, due to the need for cash to operate the machines. It is also easier to find gaps in the market—in a laundromat, there’s usually low competition for ATM services nearby.

Bars and Nightclubs

There is high cash usage for drinks, tips, and cover charges at bars and nightclubs. Plus, late-night crowds rely on ATM access when banks are closed. Even if the bar isn’t open 24/7, late-night operation equals strong transaction volume despite being open fewer hours than other locations.

Remember, the best 24/7 locations for ATM installation have high, consistent foot traffic, security, accessibility, and low downtime risk.

Are ATMs Always Open—Yes and No

When it comes to the question of are ATMs always open, the answer really depends on the owner and the location. An ATM cannot operate 24/7 if the owner does not want it to. It also cannot operate 24/7 if it is locked up in a store after hours and therefore inaccessible to customers. 

So, the bottom line is: if you don’t want to be on-call 24/7, don’t make your ATM machine operable after hours. However, if you want to maximize your revenue potential, think about investing in a 24/7 ATM machine that is always open for transactions. 

At the end of the day, the more time your machine is available, the more customers have an opportunity to use it, and the more potential you have to make money. If you’d like to know more about how to own ATMs that are always open, contact us today!