Who Fills Money in ATM Machines?

November 13, 2025 | by Mirela Gunawan

Ever wondered who actually puts cash inside an ATM? It’s one of the most common questions new business owners ask when exploring the idea of owning or hosting an ATM.

The truth is, you don’t need to be a bank or a millionaire to operate one. The process of refilling it is much simpler (and safer) than most people think.

In this article, we’ll explain where ATM cash comes from, how ATMs are refilled, and how owners make money — even if they’re the ones supplying the cash.

Where Does the Money Come From to Fill an ATM?

The cash inside an ATM doesn’t magically appear, it’s provided by whoever owns or operates the machine.

For bank-owned ATMs, the money comes straight from the bank’s vault.

For independent ATMs (also known as IADs or Independent ATM Deployers), the funds typically come from the business owner’s own bank account. Here’s how it works:

You stock the ATM with your own cash.
When a customer withdraws money, that amount is reimbursed to your account, usually within 24 hours, by your ATM processor.
You earn a surcharge fee on every transaction, passive income that adds up fast.

So, while it may seem like you’re “giving away” your cash, you’re really just recycling it and earning money each time someone makes a withdrawal.

How Do ATM Machines Get Refilled?

ATMs can be refilled in two main ways:

Self-loading (you or your staff fill the cash)
Professional cash loading service

If you own or host an ATM through NationalLink, you can choose whichever option best fits your comfort level and business needs.

Self-loading: Ideal for small business owners who want full control and to keep 100% of their surcharge revenue.
Professional cash loading: A licensed Cash-in-Transit (CIT) or armored service securely delivers and loads cash on a schedule, so you don’t have to handle it yourself.

CIT companies follow strict security protocols, use armored vehicles, and are insured, giving ATM owners total peace of mind.

For a closer look at this process, check out our related post:
Looking for a Side Hustle? Try ATM Cash Loading

Step-by-Step: How Professionals Refill ATMs

Here’s what happens when a cash logistics team replenishes your ATM:

Forecasting Cash Needs: The ATM processor analyzes transaction data to predict how much cash the machine will need.
Secure Cash Preparation: Bills are bundled and sealed in specific denominations.
Armored Transport: A CIT team delivers the cash from a secure vault to your ATM location.
Cash Loading: A trained technician loads the bills into cash cassettes (each holding a different denomination).
Reconciliation & Reporting: Every transaction is matched against system records to ensure accuracy.
Testing & Security Check: Before leaving, the technician performs a test withdrawal to ensure everything’s working perfectly.

The entire process is monitored and insured — ensuring safety, accuracy, and compliance every step of the way.

How Do ATM Owners Make Money If They Have to Fill It?

Here’s the best part. Even though you supply the cash, you’re earning on every transaction.

You make money through:

Surcharge fees: A flat fee charged to users per withdrawal (typically $2.50–$3.50).
Interchange revenue: A small percentage paid by the user’s bank per transaction.
Increased foot traffic: Customers who use your ATM often make additional purchases at your business.

For example:
If your ATM processes 400 transactions per month at a $3 surcharge, that’s $1,200/month in passive income and your original cash is reimbursed within 24 hours.

That’s the power of ATM ownership as a business model.

Do You Have to Fill It Yourself?

Not at all.

If you’d rather not handle cash, you can partner with NationalLink for a fully managed ATM placement program:

NationalLink provides and maintains the ATM.
A professional team handles cash replenishment.
You still earn a share of every transaction without the manual work or risk.

It’s the simplest way to earn passive income from an ATM. No vaults, no cash counting, no stress.

Is It Safe to Fill Your Own ATM?

Yes, when done right.

ATM owners who self-load typically:

Refill during off-peak hours
Use secure, lockable cash cassettes
Keep the process quick and discreet
Have insurance and surveillance systems in place

Plus, NationalLink ATMs come equipped with end-to-end encryption, remote monitoring, and tamper alerts, so you can operate confidently and securely.

How Much Cash Do You Need to Refill an ATM?

Most independent ATMs hold between $2,000 and $20,000, depending on how busy the location is.

Small cafés or salons might start with $2,000 and top up weekly.
Busy gas stations or convenience stores might rotate $10,000–$15,000 every few days.

Either way, your cash isn’t tied up. It’s constantly cycling back into your account as customers make withdrawals.

Filling ATMs Is Easier Than You Think

Running or hosting an ATM doesn’t mean you’re walking around with bags of cash or taking big risks. It’s a secure, proven business model that can generate steady passive income for entrepreneurs, landlords, and small business owners.

Ready to make your business more profitable with an ATM?
Contact NationalLink today to learn how we can help you get started with your own ATM and start earning from every transaction.