Step-by-Step Guide to Start an ATM Business

Understanding the cost to start an ATM business requires considering two baseline expenses: the ATM itself and the cash needed to stock it. Costs will vary depending on whether you purchase a new or used ATM, with used machines offering a lower entry point.

Here’s what to consider:

• ATM purchase cost: Depending on the model, a new or used ATM can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,900 or more.
• Cash to stock the ATM: You’ll need $1,500 to $4,000 to ensure the machine has enough funds for customer withdrawals.
• Total capital required: Plan for at least $4,000 or more per location, covering both the ATM purchase and the initial cash supply.

Keep in mind that ATMs cannot be leased — you must purchase your machine outright.

Compared to other types of businesses, ATM businesses have low startup costs. Monthly expenditure is lower due to the lack of additional operating expenses like franchise fees. Most ATM businesses reach the break-even point on their machines near the six-month mark, so every dollar you earn after this point is profit.

The key to your ATM business’s success is the location of your ATMs. The most lucrative locations are high-traffic areas where people need cash, so prime locations for ATMs include:

• Casinos
• Arcades
• Shopping centers and malls
• Events like fairs and festivals
• Cash-only businesses
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment complexes
• Laundromats
• Barber shops
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Gas stations
• Car washes
• Coffee shops

Strategic locations have minimal competition and a strong need for cash. You don’t need to own the business to install an ATM there — you can partner with business owners to place ATMs in their companies.

When you’re checking out a location, explore the ATM connection options. ATMs need an Ethernet connection, phone line, or wireless router to connect to the processing server to complete cash withdrawals.

Once you have selected the location where you want to place an ATM, talk with the business owner to pitch the idea. Explain the benefits of ATMs for customer convenience, profits, and shopper spending habits. Depending on the arrangement, the location owner may want a commission — part of the surcharge from transactions. Beneficial commission rates for both parties are a sliding scale based on monthly transaction volume, where the commission increases with the number of transactions.

Once negotiations have been settled, you’re ready to start your ATM business with ATM Money Machine. You’ll need to complete and submit paperwork to establish your merchant ID to access the processing server and set up an account where profits are deposited.

ATM Money Machine is one of the leading ATM sellers in the United States, offering a wide selection of new and used models. We have ATMs from leading manufacturers like Genmega, Hyosung, and Triton. Choose between stand-alone, countertop, and wall-mount models, depending on what works best for the location.

Our ATMs come with features such as:

• High-resolution color displays ranging from 8 to 15 inches, with optional touch screen controls.
• EMV chip card readers for reliable and secure transactions.
• Accessibility-focused designs with voice-guided prompts and multilingual support.
• Flexible connection options for any location, including dial-up, Ethernet, or an optional wireless box.
• Optional Bitcoin functionality for cryptocurrency transactions and an additional revenue stream.
• 1,000-note cassettes with optional dual-capacity or larger-capacity configurations for fewer refill trips.

The exact features available vary by model, so our team can provide more details about our ATM inventory.

How much an ATM machine is going to cost depends on the model and the unit’s age. New ATMs have the latest features, compliance with industry standards, and warranty protection, so they typically cost more. Used ATMs are still reliable and have a lower price tag.

Once you’ve acquired the equipment, you’ll need to set it up and maintain it to keep your operations going. ATM installation involves:

• Having an electrical outlet ready to go.
• Connecting the equipment to the internet or phone line.
• Loading the cash and receipt paper.

We make the process simple by shipping every ATM fully pre-programmed and ready for immediate operation. When it arrives, you can have it up and running and generating revenue from day one.

Once your ATM is operational, ongoing maintenance is minimal. Simply restock the cash vault and replace receipt paper as needed to keep your machine running smoothly. As your ATM business becomes more profitable, you can expand your passive revenue streams by adding more machines.

Since 1997, ATM Money Machine has been the leading ATM partner in the industry. We have worked with many entrepreneurs to provide support and guidance on their ATM business ventures. We support ATM business owners with:

• ATM ownership program: You’ll get access to our proven program for starting an ATM portfolio, including sample contracts to present to business owners for installation and marketing tools to help you grow.
• Complete in-house ATM management: We handle every aspect of ATMs, including programming, processing, and servicing.
• Technical support: ATM Money Machine technical support comes from our people, not call centers, whether it’s troubleshooting over the phone or on-site ATM maintenance and repair services.

We’ll help you lay the foundation for a successful business and scale your ATM network in the future.

ATM Money Machine will help you launch your ATM business and guide you through all the steps. Call 609-641-7300 or contact us online to discuss your goals with our experts. For more information about how to start an ATM business, download the step-by-step guide.