How Do ATM Owners Get Paid? A Guide to ATM Ownership

If you’ve ever wondered “Should I own an ATM?” or “How does ATM ownership actually make money?” — you’re not alone. The ATM business has become a popular path for entrepreneurs who want steady, passive income with low overhead. But before you dive in, you probably want to know: how do ATM owners actually get paid?

Let’s break it down step by step.

How Do ATM Owners Make Money?

When you own an ATM, you earn money through surcharge fees. Every time a customer withdraws cash, they’re charged a small fee (usually between $2 and $4). That fee goes directly into the ATM owner’s pocket.

For example, if your ATM charges $3 per withdrawal and gets 400 transactions a month, that’s $1,200 in gross revenue from just one machine.

ATM owners may also earn interchange fees (a smaller fee paid by the cardholder’s bank), depending on their processing agreement.

Who Pays ATM Surcharge Fees?

The surcharge fee is paid by the customer using the ATM. When someone inserts their debit card and requests cash, the screen clearly shows the fee. If they accept, the fee is deducted along with their withdrawal.

So if a customer withdraws $60 and your fee is $3, their bank account is charged $63, and you earn the $3.

How Do ATM Owners Receive Their Money?

ATM owners get paid in two main ways:

1. Surcharge Revenue Deposits: The surcharge fees are tracked through your ATM processor and deposited into your business bank account, usually on a daily or weekly basis.
2. Cash Replenishment: The actual cash dispensed by the ATM comes from you (the owner) or a third-party vaulting service. When customers withdraw that cash, their bank electronically reimburses your bank account.

In short: the fees are your profit, and the cash is simply cycled back to you.

Do ATM Owners Need to Keep ATMs Stocked With Cash?

Yes, unless you hire a vault cash provider. Most independent ATM owners load their own machines with anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 at a time.

When a customer withdraws money, that amount is deducted from their bank account and electronically returned to yours within 24–48 hours. This means your cash is constantly recycling, and your main out-of-pocket cost is just the initial float to stock the machine.

How Much Can ATM Owners Make Per Month?

It depends on location, but here’s a quick formula:

• Average fee per transaction: $3
• Transactions per month: 300
• Revenue: 300 x $3 = $900/month per ATM

High-traffic locations (like convenience stores, bars, dispensaries, or strip clubs) can generate thousands in surcharge revenue each month. Many ATM entrepreneurs scale by placing multiple machines across different businesses.

What Are the Ongoing Costs of ATM Ownership?

Owning an ATM is relatively low-cost compared to most businesses, but there are ongoing expenses you’ll need to plan for. Here’s what to expect:

• ATM Machine Purchase or Lease: Buying a new ATM typically costs $2,000–$8,000, while used machines run $1,500–$3,000. Leasing is also an option, though less common.
• Cash to Load the Machine: You’ll need working capital to stock your ATM with cash. This can range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on transaction volume and location.
• Processing Fees & Connectivity: Expect $20–$50 per month for transaction processing. While you can use the business’s internet connection, most owners prefer to install a dedicated wireless device for reliability. This small cost ensures you’re not at the mercy of someone else’s Wi-Fi.
• Maintenance & Repairs: Ongoing costs include occasional service calls, replacement parts, and regular cleaning. Keep the ATM looking professional by replacing decals and addressing wear or vandalism quickly.
• Insurance: Liability insurance is inexpensive but smart to have. Some host locations may even require it. It typically covers property damage, bodily injury, medical costs, and legal defense.
• Revenue Share with Business Owners: If your ATM is inside someone else’s location, you may split a portion of surcharge revenue with them. The exact percentage depends on your agreement.

Even with these expenses, ATM ownership remains highly profitable. Most machines pay for themselves within 6–12 months, especially in high-traffic, cash-heavy locations. From there, the surcharge fees are almost pure profit.

Is ATM Ownership Profitable in 2025?

Yes—ATM ownership continues to be a profitable business model, even in a digital-first world. While mobile payments and card use have grown, there are still countless industries where cash is king. ATMs remain essential in dispensaries, nightlife venues, and cash-only retail.

The key is placement. An ATM in the wrong location may only process a handful of transactions per week, while one in a busy cash-reliant spot can generate thousands in passive income each month.

How to start ATM business?

If you want to own an ATM, the process is simpler than most people expect. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Form a business entity to handle contracts and liability.
2. Partner with an ATM processor that connects your machine to the banking networks.
3. Purchase or lease an ATM suited to your budget and location needs.
4. Secure a high-traffic location where cash demand is strong.
5. Stock your ATM with cash and arrange for ongoing maintenance.

From there, you’ll start collecting revenue each time someone uses your machine. Many ATM owners expand by adding multiple machines, scaling profits with each new location.

What Are the Best Locations to Own an ATM?

Location is everything in ATM ownership. The busier the spot (and the more cash your customers need) the more profitable your machine becomes. Here are some of the top-performing ATM locations:

• Marijuana Dispensaries: Still cash-only due to federal restrictions.
• Strip Clubs: Cash tips are part of the experience, and an in-house ATM keeps the money flowing.
• Laundromats: Coin-and-cash-based, perfect for regular ATM use.
• Food Trucks & Farmers Markets: Quick, low-ticket purchases encourage cash spending.
• Nail Salons & Barber Shops: Cash tips are the norm.
• Mom-and-Pop Restaurants: Many family-run spots skip card fees, so an ATM ensures no sale gets lost.
• Casinos: Gambling runs on cash, from slot machines to table games. ATMs placed on or near the casino floor keep players engaged without missing a beat.

Placing your ATM in the right location can mean the difference between $100 a month and $1,000 a month. The key is targeting cash-heavy businesses where customers need money on the spot.

Want a deeper dive into each industry? Check out our guide to the Top Cash-Only Businesses for ATM Placement to see why these locations consistently rank as the most profitable for ATM owners.

Is Owning an ATM a Good Business Opportunity?

If you’re looking for a business that’s:

• Simple to understand
• Relatively low startup cost
• Scalable with strong ROI
• Recession-resistant

… then ATM ownership could be a perfect fit. ATMs remain a daily necessity for millions of people, especially in industries that prefer or require cash.

How To Own an ATM?

The best first step is researching cash-only businesses near you. Once you’ve identified a few high-traffic locations, reach out to the owners about installing your machine. Many will welcome the added convenience for their customers, and some may even prefer a revenue-sharing arrangement.

From there, you’ll need a trusted ATM provider who can guide you through the process.

Contact NationalLink today to learn how you can own an ATM, increase revenue, and grow your financial independence with smart ATM ownership strategies.