Tag Archive for: atm 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 Do ATM Machines Work?

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An ATM machine is a self-service banking terminal that allows users to perform basic financial transactions without the need for a human teller. Anyone can own and operate an ATM machine, not just banks. But how do ATM machines work?

Aside from the actual technical functions of an ATM machine, you might be wondering how an ATM can work to make you money. In this article, we’ll not only explain the inner workings of ATM machines but also how they can work for you.

How Do ATM Machines Work: Technical Components

Most ATM machines are composed of 5 main components: card reader, keypad, display screen, cash dispenser, receipt printer. If you’ve ever used an ATM before, you’re probably familiar with most of these parts. However, as the owner and operator of an ATM machine, they can take on a new meaning as it is your responsibility to keep them functioning smoothly. 

Card Reader

The card reader reads the magnetic stripe or chip on a debit/credit card to access the user’s account information. Card readers must meet certain compliance standards, and they change periodically as technology and security measures evolve. 

Keypad

The 3×4 (standard numeric) keypad is where users enter their PIN and select transaction options. There are a few keypad variations to support different security standards, user needs, and regulatory environments. However, most keypads in the United States have standard features. 

For example, metal keypads are common because they are more difficult to tamper with and overlay. Privacy shields help prevent “shoulder surfing”. And ADA compliance requires that the keys have tactile symbols (like a raised dot on the 5 key), high contrast markings, and auditory output.

Finally, Encrypting PIN Pads (EPPs) are the industry standard. EPPs are tamper-resistant keypads that encrypt the PIN internally before sending it to the ATM processor. They are required by PCI PTS standards to maintain compliance. If tampered with, the self-destruct feature automatically erases encryption keys.

Display Screen 

The display screen shows the instructions and transaction details. ATM display screens come in a variety of types and configurations, depending on the machine’s age, purpose, location, and technology level. These screens serve not just as user interfaces but also as a platform for branding, advertising, and accessibility.

Older screens are monochrome LCD screens. They display in black-and-white or grayscale, have low resolution, and do not have touchscreen capability.

Color LCD screens are the most common type in modern ATMs. They range from 7-15 inches in size. They can support simple graphics, animations, and branding. And resolution might vary from basic VGA to high-definition.

Touchscreens allow users to interact directly with the screen without the need for physical navigation buttons. Touchscreens are common in newer ATMs and can only be used for navigation; PIN entry must still go through a certified EPP unless the screen is PCI-certified.

Outdoor ATMs or drive-up terminals might have sunlight-readable or anti-glare screens. They use transflective LCDs, anti-glare coatings, or high-brightness backlights and help ensure visibility in direct sunlight.

Privacy screens are made of integrated filters that narrow the viewing angle. This allows only the user directly in front of the ATM to read it. These are often used at walk-up indoor ATMs in high-traffic areas.

Finally, voice-assisted screen interfaces combine a visual screen with audio prompts via a headphone jack (for ADA compliance). These are used by visually impaired users to navigate via voice and tactile keypad input.

Cash Dispenser 

The cash dispenser presents cash to the user based on their requested amount. It draws from secure containers called cassettes, each of which holds a single denomination of currency (e.g., $20 bills, $50 bills).

Most ATM machines have only one or two cassettes, so they can only offer one or two denominations in withdrawals. This is why you might see withdrawal options on some machines only in $20 increments—those machines have one cassette that only dispenses twenty dollar bills.

The cash dispenser uses rollers, sensors, and error-checking systems to ensure the correct number of bills is dispensed, bills are not stuck together, and counterfeit or damaged notes are rejected. If there’s a jam or error, the transaction is logged, and the cash is typically returned to a reject bin inside the ATM rather than being lost.

Receipt Printer

The receipt printer prints a paper record of the user’s transaction. Details might include the transaction type, date and time, location, account balance, and a confirmation number. ATMs can also be programmed to print custom messages (like a thank you) and/or include location-specific offers, coupon codes, or branded ads to drive customer engagement or encourage repeat transactions.

Most ATM receipt printers use thermal printing technology. No ink is required, just special heat-sensitive paper. This helps reduce maintenance but requires the correct thermal paper rolls. As the owner/operator of an ATM machine, it is your responsibility to purchase the receipt paper and make sure the machine is always stocked and free of paper jams. 

For all of these parts to function, the ATM machine must be plugged into a power source and connected to the internet. The internet connection is how the machine communicates with the user’s bank and the credit card networks to verify user information and approve or deny the transaction.

How Do ATM Machines Work: Compliance Requirements

ATM card readers must follow a set of standards and regulations to ensure security, interoperability, and fraud prevention. It’s especially important for both bank-owned ATMs and Independent ATM Deployers (IADs) to meet certain industry standards to protect users and participate in card networks (like Visa, Mastercard, etc.).

EMV Compliance

Card readers must be EMV compliant. EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa. Basically, this is the term applied to cards with chips. Chip-enabled cards are more secure than cards with only a magnetic stripe and are therefore required in most regions to reduce card-present fraud. All ATM machines have to be able to accept and read chip cards. 

PCI DSS Compliance

PCI DSS stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This applies to any system that handles cardholder data, which includes ATM machines. ATMs must encrypt card data during and after reading it and therefore must maintain compliance.

PCI PTS

PCI PTS refers to PIN Transaction Security. This compliance regulation focuses specifically on secure PIN entry and encryption. ATMs must use approved PIN entry devices (PEDs) that protect against skimming and PIN compromise. Hardware must be certified to resist tampering or keylogging to be compliant.

ADA and Accessibility Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a United States law that requires certain accommodations for citizens who would not otherwise be able to benefit from services. To comply, ATMs must include Braille instructions, voice guidance via headphone jack, and specific wheelchair reach height requirements for all keys and functions. ADA compliance is a legal compliance requirement for ATMs that handle cards.

It is important to understand that there are penalties for non-compliant ATM machines. For example, the machine could be excluded from card networks like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. The ATM owner could be held liable for any fraudulent transactions made on a non-compliant machine. And the machine can be fined and/or shut down altogether. Penalties aside, failure to comply with regulations exposes users to a higher risk of card skimming or data theft.

How Do ATM Machines Work: The Process

The process of using an ATM machine is very simple. The whole point of ATM machines is convenience, so any cardholder has to be able to use it easily. Here is how it typically works:

First, the user inserts the debit or credit card into the machine. The ATM reads the account number from the card’s chip. The user enters the card’s 4-digit PIN using the keypad. Then, the ATM encrypts this information and sends it to the user’s bank for verification. 

Once the information is verified, the user can select the desired transaction (withdraw cash, check balance, etc.). The ATM then sends a request to the bank through a secure network like Visa or Mastercard networks. At this point, the bank approves or denies the transaction based on the user’s account status and balance. If approved, the ATM performs the transaction (dispenses the withdrawal amount or prints a balance receipt).

The machine keeps a record, and the transaction updates the user’s account in real time. Finally, the machine prints a receipt and ejects the card.

How Do ATM Machines Work: Security Measures

ATMs would not be successful if consumers did not absolutely trust them with their sensitive financial data and access to their accounts. So there are a number of measures ATMs take to uphold the utmost security.

First, all PINs and data are encrypted during transmission. There are also anti-skimming tools that many machines use to protect against devices that are designed to steal card data. Timeouts also help protect users by automatically ending sessions after a certain period of inactivity. 

The cash inside the ATM machine is secured with a lock and key or an eLock with an electronic passcode. Some machines might be equipped with a GPS tracker to protect against the removal of the machine. Finally, most ATM machines are under camera surveillance and monitored to help prevent fraud, theft, tampering, and vandalism.

How to Make Money with ATM Machines

Knowing how ATM machines technically work makes it easier to understand how to make money with one. You can charge users a surcharge fee in exchange for the service your ATM provides. If a user needs cash and doesn’t want to travel to their nearest bank ATM, they can conveniently access their account from your machine for a mere 3 or 4 dollars (or whatever surcharge amount you set). 

But keep in mind, you can only make money with an ATM machine if it’s compliant and functioning properly. It is your responsibility as the owner/operator to ensure it is always stocked with cash, powered, connected to the internet, and free of any technical issues.  

How Do ATM Machines Work? Now You Know

In conclusion, for ATM machines to work seamlessly, there are a number of working parts and conditions that must all be properly in place. Furthermore, as an ATM owner/operator, the better your ATM machine works and the more often, the more money you stand to make. 

It’s important to understand at least generally how ATM machines work before you get into business with one. However, compared to many other businesses, understanding ATMs is relatively simple. Plus, if you work with a company dedicated to customer service like ATMDepot, you are never at a loss for support and resources. 

If you are interested in making semi-passive income with ATM machines, it’s easy to get started today! Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We know all there is to know about how ATMs work!

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 to Become an ATM Owner Operator

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Want to become an ATM owner operator and earn semi-passive income? Well there is more than one way to do it. And that’s great news. It means you’ve got options. This article will cover a few avenues that can get you a semi-passive income stream. Consider your situation, your resources, and your goals to determine which path to ATM ownership is right for you.

What Is an ATM Owner Operator?

“Owner” and “operator” are two distinct terms in the ATM industry. You can be one or the other or both. Here’s what each role looks like:

The ATM owner decides who shares in the revenue. This might include the equipment owner, the location owner, a referrer, a partner, a cash vaulter, etc. The ATM owner completes a payee form with a processing company, like ATMDepot. This tells them how much to deposit into whose account.

The ATM operator is typically the person who is responsible for loading it with cash (also known as the ATM vaulter). They are also responsible for handling any service issues, balancing of funds, and maintaining the relationship with the location.

The terms “ATM owner” and “ATM operator” are sometimes used interchangeably. That’s because oftentimes individuals will purchase equipment that they plan on installing and managing day-to-day. So sometimes the owner and operator are one in the same individual. However, there are situations where an ATM business owner, group of individuals, or a company own the actual ATM while someone else manages the day-to-day operations.

Keep reading to find out what each of these situations might look like.

How to Become an ATM Owner Operator as a Business Owner

If you are already a business owner and have a physical store, restaurant, salon, etc., you can become an ATM owner operator on top of that. You might find that having an ATM on site can encourage more cash transactions, impulse purchases, and tips. An ATM machine can improve customer service by offering this extra convenience. And, on top of that, you make surcharge revenue with minimal effort.

There are two routes to getting an ATM machine in your business: buy an ATM machine or get a free ATM placement.

Buying an ATM Machine

If you want to be a true ATM owner operator, you need to purchase your own machine and bear responsibility for its operation. Our ATM Start-Up Kit provides you with information about our ATM processing program, pricing and brochures for our best-selling machines, the paperwork to ensure your compliance with operating the ATM, and a bonus ATM Business Start Guide to help walk you through the paperwork and documentation.

Review the kit, send us your completed paperwork, and you’ll be ready to place your order for your very own ATM machine. It can be delivered to your business, you can install it yourself or hire a technician, and once it’s got power and connection to all networks, you’re in the ATM business! Sit back and start earning revenue from the surcharge fee that you determine.

Free ATM Placement

The free ATM placement program offers you all the benefits of having an ATM machine on site without all of the responsibility. Once you send in your ATM Placement Request, ATMDepot will search our repertoire of well-established and certified independent ATM deployers (IADs) for a representative of ours in your area. Then, once we find one, we put you in touch.

The IAD will be able to place an ATM in your store for free. In addition, they will assist you with whatever ATM services you’d like provided. This might include filling the machine with cash and/or maintaining updates and cleanliness. You will work together to draft an agreement that stipulates the responsibilities of each party and the corresponding surcharge share.

As a store owner, you have to decide how much time you’re willing to put into an ATM machine at your establishment. Are you willing to fill it with cash? Will you be able to take time out of running your business to fix an ATM error if one occurs? Do you have time to keep the machine cleaned? Are you willing to keep it up-to-date with the latest software?

If you are equipped and prepared to take on the responsibility of owning and operating an ATM machine from your store, you can reap the many benefits including the entirety of the surcharge revenue. If you decide that you want an ATM on site but don’t want to commit to the work of operating it, you can find an IAD who will take care of the parts of the operation you don’t want to do for a share of the surcharge revenue.

Independent ATM Deployers (IADs)

IADs are typically sole proprietors who purchase, place, and may or may not operate ATM machines. As an IAD, you get to choose which parts of the business you like and which you don’t.

For example, you can purchase ATM equipment, find a location to place it in, install it, maintain it, stock it with cash, and enjoy the surcharge revenue (which you set) as compensation for your hard work.

Or, you can hire out any of those tasks to someone else for a fee or share of the surcharge revenue. In most cases, IADs identify a location that has a need for ATM service, approach the location owner to discuss placement options, and upon agreement the two parties work together to establish a contract that outlines the responsibilities, surcharge share, and other specifics pertaining to the shared interest.

There are three main routes to becoming an IAD: purchase and place equipment yourself, purchase established routes, or get matched with and take over an existing location.

Purchase and Place Equipment Yourself

This route is the most common and pretty much looks like the example above. You don’t need anyone’s permission to purchase an ATM machine. However, getting it up and running takes some paperwork and documentation.

As long as you pass a background check, get the appropriate bank account set up, and find a location that wants an ATM machine on site, you can install and operate that machine that you bought and own.

You determine (sometimes with the help of the location owner) the surcharge fee. You earn the revenue minus any share you might have negotiated for the placement. And, of course, you can handle the cash needs and vaulting, or you can pay someone else to. It is your machine and you can operate it however you see fit in mutual agreement with the location owner.

Purchase Established Routes

Sometimes, entire established routes will come up for sale. This means that someone else has placed machines in a number of locations and no longer wants to operate them.

You can find ATM routes for sale with a simple internet search. Search “ATM routes for sale + zip code” or expand your search to include a whole city. It just depends on how far you are willing to travel. You can also sometimes find routes in ATM Facebook groups and communities.

The good thing about purchasing an established route is that you don’t have to spend time negotiating locations. The machines are already installed and operating, too, so there is little to no downtime when taking over control. However, this avenue requires a lot more startup capital. You need enough to cover the cost of the equipment and the cash to vault all machines on the route.

Take Over a Single Location

Businesses that want an ATM machine on site can own and operate their own or participate in an ATM placement program. The placement program pairs businesses with an IAD in their area who can take over operation of the location’s existing machine or who owns and operates their own.

So instead of researching, contacting, and pitching location owners on the prospect of an ATM placement, in some cases the locations come to you.

If you are in Facebook business groups and communities, you might come across these opportunities. ATMDepot, for example, shares opportunities on our Facebook page when an ATM owner expresses their need for an ATM operator.

If you see “ATM Operator Needed,” for example, check the city and state to ensure the opportunity is local. The ad will include the type of location (convenience store, adult store, smoke shop, etc.), the duties required, and contact information for expressing your interest.

Getting Started as an ATM Owner Operator

Regardless of which path you choose, you will want to learn everything there is to know about owning and operating an ATM machine before you get started. The knowledge you have over another ATM owner could be the reason a location owner chooses to work with you over someone else. We have a list of resources to help you get started:

ATM Machine Business Start-Up PDF

First is a free PDF about the ATM machine business. This 17-page ATM Machine Business Start-Up PDF is an informative document for those entering the ATM machine industry.

How to Start and Grown an ATM Business: The Ultimate Side Hustle

Second, How to Start and Grow an ATM Business: The Ultimate Side Hustle is ATMDepot.com CEO Noah Wieder’s latest updated version of his original best-selling ATM business book on Amazon, The Amazing Money Machine. It is an intricately detailed description of how to profit from an ATM business.

ATMDepot.com Member’s Area

A third resource is the ATMDepot.com Member’s Area. This online Member’s Area features time-saving documents, informative audio, and helpful how-to and other videos that teach, support, and help you grow your ATM business. Get access to sales scripts, videos, and an editable sample ATM Business Contract.

Here, you can find information on how the business works, what to do when your first ATM arrives, and time-saving tips on how to speak with merchants and acquire locations. The ATMDepot Member’s Area includes many more resources to assist you. We just launched the Member’s Area Pro which features a comprehensive 9-step training system to help you get started on your ATM business journey. If you’re really serious about starting an ATM business, our Member’s Area is for you.

ATM Business Facebook Groups

Finally, join the ATM Business Entrepreneurs Facebook group and/or the ATM Depot-ATM Business HQ group. In the group, we post educational content and tips about the ATM business. Join today for free inside information, free camaraderie, and free networking.

Are You ATM Owner Operator Material?

Now you know what the path to becoming an ATM owner operator can look like. Hopefully, you also have an idea about which path to pursue. Consider the potential opportunities in your area, your budget, and your overall goals to help direct you. Do your research, purchase your equipment, and get in business! Becoming an ATM owner operator is as simple as that.

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us here or on Facebook! We’re happy to welcome you to the ATM owner operator community.