Tag Archive for: atm machine

Where to Buy ATM Machines

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If you want to start an ATM business, you need to know where to buy ATM machines. This is the business. You can’t get started until you have one. It is one of the first and most important steps of starting an ATM business. 

But if you’ve never purchased ATM equipment before, you might have no idea where to start. And once you start shopping around, who can you trust?

In this article, we’ll offer some recommendations for where to buy ATM machines. We’ll also let you know what red flags to look for and what to avoid. This way, you can be confident that you have the perfect ATM machine for your business needs and budget.

Where to Buy ATM Machines: Our Top Recommendations

You can buy an ATM machine from a variety of sources depending on your needs and budget. Here are the most common ways and places to buy one:

ATM Manufacturers and Distributors

You can purchase ATM equipment straight from the companies that manufacture them. You can buy an ATM brand new, or distributors may have select refurbished options. The top ATM manufacturers are

  • Hyosung
  • Genmega
  • Hantle
  • Triton

You can buy directly from their websites or through authorized distributors like ATMDepot. 

ATM ISOs and Processing Companies

Independent Sales Organizations (ISOs) and processing companies like ATMDepot often bundle ATMs with transaction processing services. This can be a huge benefit because you can purchase equipment and partner with just one company. Otherwise, you still have to find a processing company after purchasing your machine from anywhere else.

ISOs and processing companies might also offer leasing options. While this can reduce your upfront cost, it will increase total cost over time.

Online Marketplaces

Finally, you might come across or even search for ATM equipment on sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or even Amazon. Local sellers sometimes list ATMs on Facebook Marketplace. You might find listings for both new and used ATMs on eBay. And some new ATMs are listed by commercial resellers on Amazon.

However, in terms of where to buy ATM machines, this is the riskiest route. Although you might find a used or refurbished machine cheaper in online marketplaces, you can’t always be sure what you’re getting.

Not Where to Buy ATM Machines: Sources to Approach with Caution

Peer-to-peer resellers like eBay or Craigslist will list older ATM models that might look like a great deal. However, looks can be deceiving. Just because an ATM machine looks legit, it might not be EMV-compliant or no longer be supported by processors. Not all listings disclose model years or software versions. So you have no guarantee that the machine functions, is compliant, or can be upgraded.

Local Buy & Sell groups like Facebook Marketplace can also advertise outdated equipment. You might even see listings for stolen equipment for sale.

Non-ATM-specific equipment liquidators can be risky, too. You might find ATM machines on general auction or surplus equipment sites like Liquidation.com, but often these are old bank ATMs that lack proper documentation. An old bank ATM might not be the kind of machine you want to start your business with anyway. They are large, outdated, hard to move, and not retail compliant.

The risk with unverified third-party sellers on sites like Amazon or Alibaba is that the machine might be shipped from overseas. This can take longer, be more expensive, and increase the risk of damage during the shipping process. Furthermore, overseas equipment might not be configured for U.S. networks and/or might not be EMV/ADA compliant without necessary upgrades.

And of course, a big drawback of purchasing from these sources is that you are left without processing services. You still have to find a company to process transactions on your machine on top of making a purchase risk.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Now, if you are on a tight budget, you might be able to find a good deal from a local peer-to-peer seller. There is nothing wrong with that. But it’s up to you to make sure the ATM machine checks all the necessary boxes.

First, check for an EMV chip reader. An ATM machine without an EMV chip reader is a red flag. If a machine only has a magstripe reader, it’s outdated. U.S. networks now require EMV for liability protection and transaction approval. Some machines, however, support an EMV upgrade. So this isn’t always a deal-breaker. But it will be an additional cost and something you will want to use in price negotiations.

Next, you want to know what operating system (OS) the machine is running. Missing Windows CE or updated operating system is a red flag. Older operating systems may no longer be supported by ATM processors.

Older models also don’t support secure network protocols and can’t connect to processors anymore. So if a machine doesn’t support TLS 1.2 encryption, it isn’t going to work.

While some models can be upgraded to become compliant and operable, discontinued models cannot. Even name-brand machines like Triton 9600 may not be upgradable. To be sure, you can check the model number against the manufacturer’s website for End-of-Life (EOL) notices.

Finally, a super-low price tag is an obvious red flag. A $500 ATM might sound like a deal, but if it’s non-compliant, it’s just a heavy paperweight—too cheap to be true.

Safe Buying Tips for Where to Buy ATM Machines

To ensure you get the best deal, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. The first thing is to buy from an ATM distributor or ISO who can confirm certain machine specs like compliance and programming. These companies are also likely to offer you tech support and product warranty to further protect yourself.

Always ask for the model number and software version before buying anything. And consult with your intended processing company before buying to make sure your machine is supported.

Where to Buy ATM Machines that Are Compliant

There are some names in the ATM industry you can trust. Some recommended ATM models for 2025 and beyond include Genmega G2500, Genmega Onyx, Hyosung Halo II (2600SE), and Hyosung Force (2800SE).

Known obsolete or risky models to avoid include all Tranax machines, Triton 9600/9700, Genmega G1900, Diebold, and NCR. Early Genmega 1900 models may not support EMV. And bank ATMs like Diebold and NCR are too large and outdated.

Where to Buy ATM Machines Refurbished

Choosing between a new and refurbished ATM machine depends on your goals, budget, and how involved you want to be with maintenance. However, if you do go the refurbished route, ensure that it is a certified refurbishment. Certified refurbished means that the machine has been repaired, updated, and good as new, just pre-owned. Some sellers advertise refurbished equipment when all they did was clean and polish it. 

Our top recommendations for where to buy ATM machines are all likely to offer select refurbished ATM machine options. The sources to approach with caution, on the other hand, are much more likely to skimp on the refurbishment.

When making the decision between new and refurbished, here’s what you need to know: 

Refurbished ATM machines are a popular route because they are sold for a much lower initial cost than a new machine. So if your location is low-traffic, this might be a wise decision since your ROI will be slower. Refurbished machines should include all EMV/ADA upgrades if sold by a reputable dealer. And refurbished machines can be suitable for DIY owners comfortable with minor repairs or part replacement.

However, refurbished machines might come with a shorter or no warranty. Upgrades not already included could add to your equipment cost. Parts may be harder to source. There could be hidden wear and tear. You don’t have as many options—you are limited to the refurbished machines on-hand. And you lose out on resale value.

If you’re considering refurbished, only buy from a vendor who guarantees that the model is compliant, is tested and certified to work with your processor, and comes with tech support or setup guidance.

Now You Know Where to Buy ATM Machines

Now you know your options for where to buy ATM machines. Equipped with the necessary knowledge, you can confidently purchase an ATM machine from anywhere. Just be vigilant about the specifications and ask the seller the right questions. 

If you want to get your ATM machine and processing service all in one place, check out ATMDepot’s equipment options! We carry the full line of Hyosung, Genmega, and Triton machines including BITCoin sidecars and crypto kiosks. We also offer new, used, and certified refurbished ATM equipment at discounted cash prices.

All ATM machines include nationwide processing services at no charge. But you don’t have to purchase equipment from us to receive free ATM processing. And if you only need equipment, we match or beat most written quotes.

You don’t have to look any further for where to buy ATM machines. Just click here!

7 Benefits of Starting a Business

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Starting a business can be scary, especially if you don’t have prior experience or formal training and education. However, none of that is really necessary to experience the benefits of starting a business. 

Now, not all businesses are created equal. Each has its own challenges. But the personal benefits each business owner earns from their business makes them uniquely qualified—they love doing it!

Here, we’ll list some benefits of starting a business you can experience. And, if you want to start now, see if our list of ATM business benefits appeals to you. If it is, we make it easy for you to get started today!

7 Benefits of Starting a Business

There are some benefits that many self-owned businesses share. These are the reasons more and more people are going into business for themselves:

1. Independence and Control

One of the biggest benefits of starting a business is the independence and control you experience. When you think about it, this kind of covers half of the benefits in this list. As the boss, you get to call the shots. You can make your business look the way you want it to. You can hire out the tasks you don’t enjoy while focusing on the ones you do. Most importantly, you don’t have anyone to report to.

2. Job Security

Independence and control are closely tied to a sense of job security. With no boss, you don’t have to worry about being let go or demoted. You control the success of your business and create opportunities that generate the revenue to keep going.

3. Financial Potential

Money is probably one of the most important benefits of starting a business. People start businesses to make money. Whether it’s to live a comfortable lifestyle, provide for a family, or generate a side income, everyone hopes to be financially compensated for their efforts. 

So while you control your own job security in your own business, you also control your financial potential. You will analyze things that are working and things that aren’t and make the necessary adjustments to reach your financial goals. Based on your success and resources, you can even scale your business when appropriate. Scaling comes with more work, but it also comes with a higher reward.

4. Flexibility

Flexibility is important to a lot of business owners. And, as your own boss, you have more flexibility than you would working for someone else. You can design your business around your lifestyle. Whether you want to spend more time with your family, travel more, work other jobs, pursue hobbies, etc., you set your working hours.

5. Skill Development

Since starting your own business doesn’t necessarily require any specific experience, training, or education, many new business owners encounter a lot of on-the-job learning. As a first-time business owner, you will develop both hard and soft skills that will benefit you in other areas of your life as well.

Hard skills are teachable and measurable. They might include things like financial management, marketing and sales, strategic planning, and technical skills. 

Soft skills are more behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal. You will have to practice time management, leadership, team management, communication, problem solving, adaptability, etc. 

You might already be good at some of these things, but others might be new. The point is that, as a business owner, you don’t just grow financially, you grow professionally, too. And these skills are transferable, so you never have to feel stuck.

6. Networking Opportunities

Networking is one of the key benefits of starting a business because it naturally expands your personal and professional connections in ways that can lead to growth, learning, and opportunity. (And it’s a soft skill…). 

Meeting other entrepreneurs, potential partners, mentors, and even investors offers access to more opportunities that might not be available in a traditional job. It can also help you learn and succeed faster, gaining insights from others’ experiences. What worked? What failed? And what strategies might you try yourself?

Networking can be good for your business by boosting your reputation and increasing referrals and recommendations. And you may find chances to collaborate on projects, bundle services with another business, or form strategic partnerships that benefit both sides.

7. Community Involvement

Networking also helps you increase your community involvement. But community involvement is one of the benefits of starting a business in and of itself. Community involvement is a valuable benefit of starting a small business because it fosters meaningful connections and long-term support.

When you engage with your community—through sponsorships, events, or local partnerships—people are more likely to support your business out of trust and shared values. Being seen as a business that “gives back” builds goodwill and enhances your reputation, which can influence buying decisions and word-of-mouth referrals. 

And many entrepreneurs find meaning in making a direct, positive impact in the place they live and work. This isn’t something as easily achieved in larger corporate environments.

Benefits of Starting a Business in the ATM Industry

Now that you know some of the benefits of starting a business, maybe you’re ready to do it. An ATM business is a good place to start for many reasons.

First, operations are simple. All you need is a location, a machine, a processing company, a bank account, and cash. You don’t need to worry about hiring or managing employees. Your technical knowledge is basically limited to the ATM machine operation. And you’ll have minimal customer service needs.

Second, overhead costs are low. You don’t have to purchase real estate, rent a storefront, pay utilities, or furnish an office. Just purchase an ATM machine and provide the vault cash.

And of course, one of the biggest benefits of starting a business in the ATM industry is its side hustle potential. An ATM business provides a semi-passive income stream offering you the flexibility to manage your business around your schedule, hobbies, other jobs, etc. An ATM machine does not require you to be on site except to refill and maintain the equipment. So, you essentially make money while you sleep or do literally anything else.

If you want to take your business from side hustle to full-time, you also have that option. An ATM business is completely scalable, allowing you to make as much money as you have bandwidth.

Are You Ready to Reap the Benefits of Starting a Business?

Now that you know what starting a business has to offer, do you think it’s for you? If it is, you can get started today. An ATM business might be that step you need to take the plunge into your dream business. Or, it could just be a way to generate some capital. Who knows? Your business goals could begin and end with ATMs! Most importantly, you can start an ATM business without disrupting your current lifestyle. It’s that simple. Check out our free ATM Business Start-Up Kit today to begin reaping the benefits of starting a business.

How Much Are Credit Card Processing Fees Costing You?

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Have you noticed signs on the counters of local restaurants offering a discounted price for cash payments? On the counters of local retail shops? What about at the pump? And maybe you’ve seen the opposite: notices that credit transactions will incur an extra fee. Maybe in the drive-thru windows of your favorite fast food joints? Why is this?

Merchants are charged credit card processing fees every time someone swipes their card. Basically, it costs money for the credit card processing company to communicate with the network and complete the transaction. To help cut costs, many companies are attempting to minimize these charges by encouraging more cash transactions. Or, they just pass the cost onto the customers.

So, cash is not becoming obsolete as some might have previously thought. This is good news for the ATM industry. It’s good news for you, too, if you are in or looking to enter the ATM machine business. 

But if you are a store owner, how much are credit card processing fees costing you? How much are they costing you as a consumer? Keep reading to learn more about credit card processing fees and how to avoid them.

What Are Credit Card Processing Fees and How Do They Work?

Credit card processing fees are the costs businesses pay to accept credit card payments. These fees cover the services of processing transactions, ensuring security, and transferring funds from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account.

When a customer makes a purchase using a credit card, the payment information is sent through a payment processor to verify the transaction. The card network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and the issuing bank approve or decline the transaction based on available funds and fraud checks. Once approved, the funds are transferred from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s account, minus processing fees.

Merchants are typically responsible for paying credit card processing fees. But while they absorb the initial cost, many try to recoup the expense by passing some or all of it onto the customer. 

How Much Are Credit Card Processing Fees Costing You?

Businesses

Credit card processing fees are generally 1.5% to 3.5% of the transaction ($1.50-$3.50 for a $100 sale). There are a number of factors that determine the cost including payment processor, card type, and transaction type.

Payment Processor

There are many different payment processors businesses can use to accept digital payments. Each processing company, such as PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc. sets its own rates and fee structures.

Card Type

Credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc. are independent companies responsible for setting their own credit card processing fee amounts. Amex, for example, is notorious for charging slightly more than the other three major card brands.

Transaction Type

Furthermore, fees vary according to transaction type: card-present (in-person) or card-not-present (online, phone, or manually entered). This is due to differences in security, fraud risk, and processing costs.

For example, swipe, chip, and tapped transactions will be charged a lower credit card processing fee because they are more secure—the card is present. EMV chip technology and PIN verification also reduce fraud, minimizing the risk.

Online, phone, or manually entered transactions will experience higher credit card processing fees due to higher fraud and chargeback potential (disputes where the customer claims fraud or purchase errors). The higher cost also helps cover extra security measures like CVV verification and fraud detection tools.

For these same reasons, debit card transactions will experience lower credit card processing fees than credit card transactions. They are lower risk and cost less to process. 

First of all, debit transactions are lower risk for banks. There is no borrowing involved. Debit transactions pull funds directly from the customer’s bank account, so there’s no risk of non-payment or defaults like there is with credit cards. And since debit purchases use the customer’s actual funds, chargebacks are less common compared to credit cards.

And debit transactions cost less to process. Because they often use a PIN-based network, they are more direct and secure which reduces fraud risks and the need for extensive fraud prevention measures. Plus, when a debit card is used, the money moves directly from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s bank, eliminating the need for a credit extension or underwriting, which adds costs to credit card transactions.

You can use this calculator provided by NerdWallet to calculate your monthly credit card processing fee cost estimate.

Consumers

Now, while there are charts and calculators to help businesses estimate how much they’ll pay in credit card processing fees each month, it isn’t so easy for consumers. The biggest reason is because there are less transparent ways that businesses can pass the cost onto the consumer such as increasing product and service prices or reducing discounts. 

However, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), swipe fees cost the average family $700 a year. Paying with cash can minimize or eliminate this extra cost.

How Can You Avoid Credit Card Processing Fees?

Businesses

If you feel like you are spending too much money on credit card processing fees, you can strategically choose a processor with lower markups or negotiate rates with a current processor. Sidestep avoidable fees by looking for a processor that doesn’t charge statement fees, minimum monthly processing fees, etc. And try to keep your chargeback rate to a minimum to reduce your perceived risk. High rates of chargebacks can cause providers to increase your transaction fees.

But obviously, the less credit card transactions you process, the less credit card processing fees eat into your revenue. Debit card transactions charge lower fees than credit card transactions. But you can’t really control the card type a customer uses where cards are accepted. So offer discounts for cash payments to promote cash over credit transactions.

You can also pass fees on to customers. However, there are some states (like Connecticut and Massachusetts) that have laws against credit card surcharges. In these states, it is unlawful for a retailer to add a fee to a credit card purchase to cover the processing fee. But every state allows for cash discounts. Cash discounts are protected by U.S. Code, so retailers can encourage customers to use cash over card.

Consumers

It goes without saying that if you don’t pay with a card, you, in many instances, pay less. It is not uncommon to see a discount for paying with cash or an extra charge for paying with a card. 

For example, according to a 2022 study conducted by NACS, 29% of participating convenience stores said they were offering consumers discounts for paying in cash. Convenience stores have noticed the impact the overall rising costs of goods and services have had on consumer buying behavior. “While sales and traffic have slowed as gas prices climbed, retailers continue to seek out innovative ways to provide value at the pump and inside the store to help their customers extend their paychecks and weather this period of inflated costs,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. 

Add to that the fierce gas price competition, and it’s no wonder we’ve started seeing two different prices at the pump: one for cash and one for card. KVUE reported that “NACS has repeatedly surveyed customers about their price sensitivity at the pump and has found that nearly half of all consumers would change their behavior to save 5 cents per gallon.”

According to convenience retailers surveyed by NACS, credit card processing fees average more than 10 cents per gallon. Therefore, not all businesses are passing the entire cost of credit card processing fees onto the customer but might, in some cases, simply be sharing it.

ATMs Can Help!

Want to encourage more cash transactions in your store? Want to transition to cash only? Both are possible by installing an ATM in your store or business. We make it easy to get started. 

You can purchase a machine for your location and earn the surcharge fee on withdrawals on top of avoiding credit card processing fees. Or, we can match you with a professional who will place and operate an ATM in your location hassle-free—for free! If you’re ready to save money on credit card processing fees, click here to get started today.

Buying an ATM Business vs. Starting an ATM Business

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Is buying an ATM machine business or starting an ATM machine business the best option? Are they even that different? If you want to make semi-passive income with ATM machines, these are two viable paths to take. In this article, we look at the ins and outs of each avenue of getting into the ATM business. 

Buying an ATM Machine Business vs. Starting an ATM Machine Business: How They’re Similar

First, here is what you can expect from both routes. Essentially, you are looking for the same end result. And regardless of how you get there, here is what an ATM business looks like:

Regulatory Compliance

Your ATM business will need to comply with all financial regulations, banking laws, and standards. There’s no getting out of that. 

Location Selection

No matter which path you take, the success of your ATM business is heavily dependent on the location. If your ATM machines are in high-traffic areas like convenience stores, malls, and tourist destinations, you will see more profit than in areas with less foot traffic. 

Cash Management

You will also need to determine a vaulting procedure. Who will be responsible for loading the machine with cash and when? You will need a reliable process for loading and securing cash in your machines. Otherwise, you’re out of business until you’re stocked. And being out of business gives you a bad reputation which can affect future business.

Maintenance and Servicing

ATM machines require maintenance and servicing. They have to be cleaned, monitored for tampering, fixed when they experience error codes, etc. So part of owning ATM machines includes maintenance agreements, troubleshooting knowledge, and relationships with technicians and/or reliable support from an ATM processing partner.

Processing

Speaking of which, you’ve got to have processing partners. You will need to work with a company that can connect your ATM machines to the credit card networks. Otherwise they won’t work. Your machines cannot release funds to ATM users unless they can confirm that the funds are available. This requires communication over a secure, dedicated network.

Banking Relationship

Finally, you will need a banking relationship. If you handle your own vaulting, you will have to find a bank willing to work with you to provide the regular large cash withdrawals you will need to stock your machines. If you decide to hire a vaulting company to handle your cash needs instead, you will still need a business bank account to receive earnings and manage business transactions like maintenance expenses.

But while the operation of an ATM business looks the same whether you are buying an ATM machine business or starting one from scratch, startup will look very different. Next is what you can expect from each option.

Buying an ATM Machine Business: Important Terms

Before getting into specifics, there are some terms that are used when discussing multiple ATM machines under one operator. 

Typically, when we help independent ATM deployers (IADs) get started in the ATM business, we walk them through the process of getting their first, single ATM machine placed, installed, and running. If you’re just getting started in the ATM business, it makes sense to start with just one machine. 

Learn the ins and outs. Master the process. Then you can think about purchasing, placing, and operating more machines once you gain traction and maybe even steady revenue to invest in more machines.

When talking about more than one ATM machine, you might start to hear terms like “route” and “fleet”. In the ATM business context, these terms are related but not always interchangeable.

Route vs. Fleet

An ATM route refers to a set of ATM locations managed by an operator. It emphasizes the geographic distribution and operational structure of ATMs placed in multiple locations (e.g., a route of ATMs in gas stations, hotels, or convenience stores).

An ATM fleet refers to the group of ATMs owned and managed by a single operator, regardless of their locations. It focuses more on the machines themselves rather than their placement.

While people often use the terms interchangeably, “route” is more commonly used when discussing buying or selling an ATM business because it implies an existing network of profitable locations. “Fleet” is more general and often used in discussions about ATM inventory or expansion plans.

Simply, you might have a “fleet” of ATM machines, and they may or may not be sitting in your garage waiting to be placed. Or, you may have a “route” of ATM machines that you regularly monitor, stock, and actively operate.

However, when buying an ATM machine business, the seller could be referring to a route or a fleet. So keep that in mind when determining whether the asking price is fair. Expect to pay more for a route which will have an existing customer base and earn consistent revenue.

Buying an ATM Machine Business vs. Starting an ATM Machine Business: How They’re Different

Initial Investment

Typically, the initial investment will be higher when buying an ATM machine business. ATM businesses for sale will be calculating the value of the equipment itself as well as the revenue potential. There are a number of factors that can influence the cost of buying an ATM machine business. But, for example, a route of 40 ATM machines in Houston, Texas might go for $160,000 and estimate a $90,000 annual cash flow.

When you start your own ATM business, you can purchase as many ATM machines as you can afford. ATM equipment ranges anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 plus the startup cash (~$2,000-$3,000) to vault them.

The main difference is that the existing route that you may be purchasing is already in business. So you would save the time it takes to find locations and negotiate agreements.

Buying an ATM machine business requires a higher upfront investment, but it comes with existing revenue streams. Starting an ATM business can be cheaper upfront, but it requires more leg work: finding locations, negotiating contracts, developing a customer base, etc. 

Revenue Generation

Similarly, buying an ATM machine business offers immediate cash flow from established locations. When you start your ATM business from the ground up, you have to build a client base and put in the effort to strategically place ATMs in profitable locations.

Operational Setup

Again, buying an ATM machine business comes with contracts, locations, and possibly a team in place already. Starting your own ATM business requires you to set everything up from scratch, including securing contracts.

Risk Level

You can typically expect the risk level to be lower when buying an ATM machine business as the business already has historical data. However, you have to be able to verify this for yourself or rely on the seller to provide accurate data. Be wary of sellers who are desperate to sell a route that costs more to operate than it’s worth.

Alternatively, the risk associated with starting an ATM business can be higher due to the uncertainty of how a particular location will perform, how the relationship with the location owner will pan out, etc.

Growth Potential

Typically, when buying an ATM machine business, you are limited by existing contracts unless you are able to negotiate out of them or expand further. You have less flexibility if you want to make changes to existing agreements or add more machines to a route if you are already stretched thin (in labor and funding). 

However, if you start an ATM machine business from scratch, your growth is potentially unlimited depending on your ability to secure successful, profitable locations.

Conclusion

So, buying an ATM machine business is ideal for those who want an established system with immediate cash flow. On the other hand, starting one from scratch allows for more control and flexibility but comes with higher risks and effort.

When evaluating an ATM route purchase, consider the following factors:

  • Location Quality: High-traffic areas can lead to increased transaction volumes.
  • Machine Condition: Ensure ATMs are up-to-date and compliant with current regulations.
  • Existing Contracts: Review the terms with location owners to understand revenue splits and contract durations.
  • Operational Costs: Account for expenses such as maintenance, cash replenishment, and potential location fees.

Overall, remember that it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence to assess the profitability and sustainability of a route before making a purchase. And, if you come across an opportunity that is just for a fleet of ATM machines, keep in mind that you might still have to put in some effort in getting each machine established.

If you’re looking for an ATM route for sale, you can check online business marketplaces like BizBuySell or Facebook Groups like ATM Business Entrepreneurs. If you’d rather start your own ATM machine business, get your free ATM business start-up kit or contact us today!

How to Start ATM Machine Business in 2025

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How to start ATM machine business in 2025? Well, not much has changed in the past few years. The ATM machine business is a pretty stable, reliable business model that doesn’t involve a huge learning curve. You don’t need any specific education, training, or certification to get started. 

Resolving to be healthy, wealthy, and wise this new year? Don’t wait for good fortune—make it. Make the wise decision to generate some semi-passive wealth. If you want to get into the ATM industry, we can tell you how to start ATM machine business in just a few simple steps.

There is a lot of information out there about the best way to start an ATM machine business. So we’ll break it down into a few simple steps and provide you with information you’ll need to keep up with current trends and evolving technology.

How to Start ATM Machine Business in 2025 in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Choose Equipment

The first step in how to start ATM machine business is to select your machine. You can purchase your machine from anywhere, really. But you have to keep in mind that you cannot simply purchase a machine and be in business. That machine must be connected to credit card networks, and that can only happen through a processing company.

So, it might be best to purchase your equipment from an ATM company that serves as a vendor as well as a processor. That way, you know that the equipment you purchase is compliant (more on this later) and will connect to the processing networks. 

Step 2: Paperwork and Contracts

Second, you’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork and contracts. Don’t be daunted, though. It’s really quite basic and nothing more than you’d need to start any new job or business venture.

You’ll need to provide a copy of your driver’s license, complete a background check, and submit an ACH form. This ensures that you are legally allowed to own an ATM business and lets the ATM company know where to deposit your revenue!

And, just like any other “job”, you’ll need to complete a W-9 form for tax purposes as well as any other contracts or documents required by the ATM company who will process your transactions. For example, the ATM company will need documentation of what denominations you plan to dispense and how much you plan to surcharge. This can always be changed, so don’t worry. Once you’re in business, you’ll get a better idea of what you need to service your customers. 

Step 3: Find a Location

This is the fun part. We can give you all the advice in the world, but when it comes down to it, you really know best. The best locations really depend on where you’re located. Where is there a gap in the market? What businesses do you already have a good relationship with who might benefit from ATM services? What locations are convenient for you to commute to?

These are all factors when it comes to choosing locations to partner with for ATM placements. But, of course, it comes down to a little bit of research on your part. What locations need ATM service? What locations are unhappy with their current provider or just need an upgrade? These are prime opportunities for you.

Then, once you find a location that is interested in partnering with you, you will want to develop a contract that meets the needs of both parties. Part of your startup paperwork will include a placement agreement that stipulates a number of policies. Will you share the surcharge revenue? Who is responsible for vaulting? Who will be providing the internet connection? What happens if one party wants out of the contract? These are all clauses you’ll want to consider in a contract between yourself and the location owner.

Step 4: Choose Your Surcharge

A major part of operating an ATM business is setting your surcharge fee. This is the fee that users pay to use your machine out-of-network from their own bank network. This is how you make money from your machine. This fee is increasing across the country, so anywhere from $3-$5 is becoming the standard. 

However, it’s a good idea to gauge the fees in your area to make sure you’re offering a competitive rate. It doesn’t make any sense, for example, to set a $4 surcharge fee if the ATM down the street offers ATM service for $3 a transaction. Alternatively, if the ATM down the street offers a $4 surcharge fee, you stand to make a lot more in just quantity if you offer a $3 surcharge fee.

Step 5: Install Your Machine

Once you have your equipment and location chosen, you can install! Installation is fairly simple. You can do it yourself or, if you choose, can hire a technician to install it for you. The most important installation tip is to bolt your machine down! Making sure that your equipment doesn’t budge is a huge deterrent to thieves.  

Your equipment can come pre-programmed. But if it isn’t, this is also something you can easily take care of yourself either with the help of a user manual, technician call, or video. Once you’re installed and programmed to communicate with the network, you’re in business and ready to make money!

How to Start ATM Machine Business in 2025: What’s Changed

Every year, there are advancements in technology, innovative solutions, and regulations and laws you must abide by. Existing ATM machine business owners know that it is their responsibility to keep up with these changes from year to year. 

But as a new ATM machine business owner, you simply need to be sure that all of the information you receive regarding how to start ATM machine business is relevant, up-to-date, and compliant. Here are some areas to consider:

Regulatory Updates and Compliance

Regulations are always changing no matter what industry you’re in. For the ATM industry, this might apply to accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Or it could apply to payment card industry (PCI) which involves ATM PIN pads and data encryption. 

Furthermore, the rise of cryptocurrency ATMs has attracted regulatory attention due to concerns over money laundering and compliance with financial laws. Operating such machines requires strict adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, and non-compliance can lead to legal actions.

In other words, ATM equipment you purchase and how you set it up matters and might change from year to year. But you don’t have to worry. There are a number of trusted resources available to guide you including your ATM company. It is their job to ensure that operators they contract with are fully compliant—that is, if you work with a reputable ATM company. 

Technological Advancements

Technology is always changing, too. Newer ATM technology is typically more user friendly, both for the operator and the customer, which is a benefit of purchasing the newest equipment you can afford.

Customers trust equipment that looks sleek, clean, and, well, functional. Moreover, the more convenient ATM features are, the more likely customers are to use it over competing machines. That equates to more transactions and more revenue for you. 

The market is experiencing a shift towards smart ATMs equipped with features like mobile integration, biometric authentication, and cash recycling capabilities. These advancements enhance user experience and operational efficiency, making them a competitive choice for new ATM deployments.

There’s also a growing trend towards ATMs that support contactless and cardless transactions, allowing users to initiate withdrawals using mobile apps or biometric data. Implementing such features can attract tech-savvy customers seeking convenience. 

A decline in physical cash usage could influence your business. However, while cash usage may decline, ATM service is still something consumers need and expect. Just because there are more payment options now doesn’t mean no one uses cash. It is still necessary and convenient in a number of situations. 

And while ATM fees are rising, that just goes to show that there is more money to be made in the industry. Whether you meet the market standard or offer a competitively low surcharge fee, chances are that customers will pay it for convenience’s sake, and that’s good for business.

Security

The more safeguards that are put into place, the more creative criminals get. When one barrier arises, a new breach is invented. Therefore, it is important to remain aware of innovative ATM attacks, tampering tactics, and potential points of a breach so that you can be proactive in preventing and closely monitoring your machines. 

You can’t spot tampering if you don’t know what to look for, and you can’t protect your machine if you can’t predict how someone might attack it. Vigilance is the most important thing you can do when it comes to ATM security. So you need to remain educated about what to look for and actions to take in response.

Tips for How to Start ATM Machine Business in 2025

As you work to start your ATM machine business in 2025, follow these simple tips to ensure you minimize mistakes and maximize success:

First, keep yourself informed of changing regulations. Regularly consult with ATM industry news sources and updates from your ATM company to ensure you remain compliant with the latest standards. 

Second, if your budget allows, invest in advanced technologies. Consider deploying smart ATMs with features like contactless transactions and biometric authentication to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Third, assess market demand. This might mean finding the most lucrative location or simply understanding regional cash usage trends so that you can adapt your business model accordingly. 

Finally, never compromise on security. Implement robust security protocols to protect against fraud and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, especially if dealing with digital currencies.

By staying knowledgeable of these developments and adapting your business strategy, you can position your ATM business for success in the evolving financial landscape of 2025. Ready to get started? ATMDepot.com can help. Get your free ATM startup kit or contact us today! Check out our complete guide on how to start an ATM business for beginners here. 

Happy new year! We at ATMDepot.com wish you health, wealth, and wisdom. It’s in your hands now!