Top 10 Cash-Only Businesses for ATM Placement

If you’ve ever searched “cash-only businesses near me” or “cash businesses near me,” you already know how surprising it is to find places in 2025 that don’t take cards. With Apple Pay, Venmo, and tap-to-pay everywhere, why are some businesses still sticking with cash?

The short answer: it works for them.

And the twist: these cash-only businesses are also some of the best locations for ATM placement. Customers who walk in without cash will need a quick way to grab it, and your ATM can be the solution.

Your ATM only makes money if people use it. That’s why choosing the right location can make the difference between $100 and $1,000 a month. Based on decades of experience in the ATM business, we’ll break down the best locations, how it’s beneficial for you and your customers, and what you need to consider before placing your first machine.

So let’s dive into the top cash-only businesses near me (and why they’re prime opportunities for ATMs).

Why Do Cash-Only Businesses Still Exist?

You might wonder why any business would say no to credit cards in 2025. After all, everyone has plastic or mobile pay on hand, right?

Not exactly. Here’s why cash-only businesses still make sense:

No processing fees: every card transaction eats into profit margins.

• No tech issues: no declined payments, no frozen POS systems, no Wi-Fi issues.
• Faster, simpler payments: cash is immediate and final.
• Better for small transactions: who wants to swipe for a $2 coffee?

And for business owners? Fewer fees = more profit. That’s why plenty of small, local, and family-run businesses still proudly hang up the “cash only” sign.

Top Cash-Only Businesses Near You

1. Marijuana Dispensaries

Due to banking restrictions, many dispensaries are still cash-only. That makes them one of the most reliable ATM business opportunities out there. Even though cannabis is legal in many states, it’s still illegal at the federal level. This creates a roadblock for dispensaries when it comes to payment processing, as most banks and card networks are hesitant to work with the industry. As a result, credit and debit card payments are rarely an option, and dispensaries can’t operate their own ATMs either. Cash has become the standard, and an on-site ATM ensures customers always have access to it.

For ATM deployers, this creates a rare opportunity. Dispensaries are cash-heavy, high-traffic environments where an ATM isn’t just convenient, it’s essential. A strategically placed ATM keeps lines moving, prevents walkouts when customers don’t have enough cash, and often increases basket sizes since shoppers can withdraw more money on the spot.

And here’s the kicker: because of these restrictions, dispensaries are one of the few retail industries left where cash isn’t just preferred, it’s practically required. That makes them a top-performing location for independent ATMs and one of the most stable long-term placements you can make.

→ Free ATM for Cannabis Dispensaries: Boost Revenue and Traffic

2. Strip clubs

While most businesses are shifting to digital wallets and card payments, strip clubs remain one of the strongest cash-first industries. Why? Because cash isn’t just convenient here, it’s part of the experience.

Patrons want discretion, dancers want immediacy, and the club itself thrives on cash flow. From tipping dancers directly to “tipping out” staff behind the scenes, cash fuels the entire internal system. Unlike electronic payments, cash allows dancers (many of whom are independent contractors) to take home their earnings instantly without losing a cut to processing fees. And let’s be honest, swiping a card doesn’t have the same energy as “making it rain.” When dollar bills are flying, the vibe in the room shifts, and everyone benefits. Dancers feel hyped, patrons are entertained, and the club sees higher overall spending.

An in-house ATM makes all of this seamless. Guests who come in short on cash, or who hit their card’s spending limits, can reload instantly without leaving the venue. That keeps the energy high, the drinks flowing, and the revenue cycling right back into your business.

For strip clubs, an ATM isn’t just a financial tool; it’s part of the show.

→ Why Strip Clubs Need an ATM Machine

3. Laundromats

Classic “quarters and cash” territory. While some laundromats have switched to prepaid cards, many still run on coin machines that require bills. An on-site ATM is a lifesaver for anyone who shows up with just a debit card. Most laundromats continue to prefer cash because it offers universal access for all customers, low installation costs, and immediate revenue collection. Unlike electronic systems, cash is reliable, simple to manage, and avoids the complexity and expense of third-party fees.

Laundromats are also a stable, recession-resistant industry. Doing laundry will always be a necessity, and as the population grows, so does the demand for laundromats, making them a consistently strong candidate for ATM placements.

→ Turn Foot Traffic Into Profit for Laundromats With ATM Placement

4. Food Trucks & Farmers Markets

Outdoor vendors like food trucks and farmer markets often don’t have the setup for card readers, or they’d rather not pay the fees. Hungry customers are more than willing to pay cash for tacos, BBQ, or fresh produce, but if they don’t have cash on hand, they’ll be hunting for an ATM nearby.

Paying with cash also comes with extra advantages for both sides. For vendors, cash means no third-party processing fees and no automatic tax deductions eating into their profits. For customers, cash sometimes opens the door to small perks: a discount, the ability to haggle, or avoiding the added cost of sales tax that gets passed along with card transactions. Many vendors are happy to knock off the taxed amount when a customer pays in cash, which makes it a win-win.

5. Nail Salons & Barber Shops

Independent beauty businesses often prefer cash payments, it keeps operations simple and avoids card fees that eat into tips. For employees, cash tips are immediately accessible. They don’t have to wait for their employer to process payroll or card settlements to access the money they’ve already earned. That instant reward makes a big difference in industries like beauty, where tips can make up a significant portion of income.

Regular customers are used to paying cash, but new walk-ins might not be. That’s where an ATM placement helps. On-site ATM encourage new customers to pay in cash since it isn’t automatically taxed. Beauty services are also highly personal, stylists, nail technicians, and barbers often build long-term relationships with their clients. Because of this trust and connection, they’re in a strong position to encourage customers to pay with cash. Clients are more likely to respond positively when their favorite technician explains how cash payments directly support the business and its staff. Over time, this creates a cycle: the more regulars a salon or barber shop has, the greater the demand for cash.

6. Coffee Shops & Local Cafés

Not the big chains, but those mom-and-pop shops where cash-only payments are part of the charm. Low-ticket transactions (like a $3 cappuccino) make cash a smarter option for both sides. Take a small café, for example. If the average order is $10 for food and drink, and the processing fee is 2.5%, that’s $0.25 gone per transaction. With 100 customers a day, the café loses $25 daily to card fees. Over a month, that adds up to hundreds of dollars, money that could instead go toward staff wages, marketing, equipment upgrades, or simply keeping the lights on.

By encouraging cash payments, small businesses can keep more of their hard-earned revenue. Beyond the financial savings, cash also creates a more inclusive environment for customers who may not have access to credit or digital wallets. Plus, paying with cash often feels more personal and connected, which aligns perfectly with the cozy, community vibe these local cafés want to cultivate.

7. Flea Markets & Craft Fairs

Vendors love cash because it’s fast and easy. Shoppers who run out of bills mid-bargain? They’ll seek the nearest ATM so they can keep shopping.

At flea markets especially, most prices are negotiable, and the promise of immediate cash is tempting to sellers. Buyers who can pay in cash often secure a better deal on the spot — making ATMs nearby even more valuable for keeping the transactions flowing.

8. Fairs, Carnivals & Seasonal Stands

Think: Christmas tree lots, fireworks stands, county fairs. Seasonal businesses don’t want the hassle of payment processors; cash just works. A portable ATM can do big business here.

Because these operations are temporary and often outdoors, setting up electronic payment systems can be more trouble than it’s worth. Business owners are often running things themselves, and the last thing they want is to lose money to credit card processing fees. Seasonal businesses also rely heavily on their peak earning months. By prioritizing cash, they can build and maintain a strong cash reserve during the busy season to cover expenses in slower months, all without piling on debt or giving away a cut of their profits to third-party processors.

9. Mom-and-Pop Restaurants

Small, family-run diners often stick to cash because the profit margins are razor-thin. An ATM in the lobby can keep customers from walking away when they see a “cash only” sign at the door.

Why do so many mom-and-pop restaurants avoid cards? Simple: they can’t afford to lose thousands of dollars each year to credit card processing fees. For a business where the average ticket might only be $12–$15, even a small percentage adds up fast. Servers also depend heavily on tips, and cash tips are especially valuable because employees can take them home at the end of each shift instead of waiting for them to trickle in with a paycheck.

There are also practical reasons. Some older restaurants aren’t set up for electronic payment systems, or they’re located in rural areas where internet connections are spotty and unreliable. In other cases, the owners may not want to deal with the hassle of new technology, or they simply prefer the traditional way of doing business.

10. Casinos

Casinos are built on cash. Whether it’s slot machines, poker tables, or blackjack, players need cash in hand to stay in the game. That’s why you’ll almost always find multiple ATMs scattered across the casino floor. For ATM deployers, this is prime real estate: demand is constant, usage is high, and customers rarely hesitate to pay withdrawal fees when they’re eager to keep playing.

Unlike other businesses, casinos actually depend on ATMs to keep cash flowing and gaming tables full. By placing your ATM in a casino, you’re tapping into one of the most consistent and profitable cash-heavy environments around.

How to Find Cash Businesses Near Me

So, how do you actually track down these businesses in your area? A few easy ways:

• Google search: Try phrases like “cash-only businesses near me” or “cash-only restaurants in [city].”
• Yelp & Yellow Pages: Many directories allow filters for “cash only.”
• Google Maps: Look up local stores and check their “payment methods.”
• Word of mouth: Ask friends, family, or local community groups.
• On the ground: Drive around and look for “cash only” signs, you’d be surprised how many you spot.

ROI of ATM Placement in Cash Businesses

Each withdrawal at your ATM generates a surcharge fee, typically $2.50 to $4.00 per transaction. In cash-heavy locations like laundromats or dispensaries, that can mean dozens (or even hundreds) of transactions per week. The result? Reliable passive income for you, while giving the business a valuable service that keeps customers spending.

That’s why cash businesses aren’t just about convenience; they’re some of the best ATM business opportunities you can find.

Why ATMs Belong in Cash-Only Businesses

For ATM owners, these businesses are goldmines. Here’s why:

• Customers need cash right now to complete their purchase.
• The business benefits from more completed sales (instead of turning away cardholders).
• You earn a surcharge fee on every withdrawal.

It’s a win-win: the business keeps running smoothly, customers get what they came for, and you profit every time.

Cash Businesses Near Me: Your ATM Opportunity Awaits

Cash isn’t going away anytime soon, and as long as “cash-only businesses near me” keep popping up in local searches, there’s a massive opportunity for ATM entrepreneurs. By targeting high-demand locations (food trucks, laundromats, nail salons, farmers markets, and more) you can place your ATMs right where customers need them most.

If you’re ready to explore ATM placement opportunities, start by making a list of the cash-heavy businesses near you. Chances are, they’re already losing sales when customers walk away without cash, and your ATM could be the solution.

Contact NationalLink today to learn how you can increase revenue, boost customer satisfaction, and secure your place in the growing ATM industry.