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person holding dollar cash in front of an ATM machine

Are ATMs a Good Source of Passive Income?

August 18, 2025 | by Mirela Gunawan

When most people think about passive income, real estate or online businesses often come to mind, but one of the most overlooked opportunities is owning or placing ATMs. With ATM passive income, business owners and entrepreneurs can earn steady surcharge revenue every time a customer makes a withdrawal. Best of all, when managed with a trusted partner like NationalLink, ATMs require little effort after setup, making them one of the simplest and most affordable ways to build long-term residual income.

What Makes ATMs a Passive Income Opportunity?

ATMs generate residual income through surcharge fees whenever customers withdraw cash. With ATM placement passive income, you earn with minimal daily effort, like having your money work for you. At NationalLink, we help you identify high-traffic locations and handle installation so you can enjoy passive ATM revenue without the operational hassle.

How Much Can You Expect to Earn from ATMs?

Earnings vary based on foot traffic and surcharge rates, but many operators earn between $300 to $1,000+ per month per machine. To understand how this income stacks up, explore our guide on How much money can you make owning an ATM? With NationalLink’s ATM placement services, we optimize locations to maximize your earnings.

Do I Need to Own the ATM to Make Passive Income?

Not necessarily. With NationalLink, you can choose between becoming an Independent ATM Deployer (IAD), where you own the machine, or opting for our ATM-as-a-Service (ATMaaS) program, where we handle equipment and you earn from surcharge revenue. Both routes provide passive income, while our support ensures maintenance and uptime.

What Makes a Good Location for ATM Passive Income?

High-traffic, cash-heavy environments such as convenience stores, cannabis dispensaries, laundromats, and bars are ideal for generating passive income from ATM surcharges. At NationalLink, we help you research and select the best ATM placement for passive income—so you get maximum withdrawals and reliable profitability.

What Ongoing Work Is Required from Me?

Very little. NationalLink handles routine ATM maintenance, cash loading, and troubleshooting, minimizing your involvement. Essentially, once your ATM is set up in a strong location, it becomes a self-sustaining source of passive income.

Is ATM Income Really “Passive”?

Compared to starting a business or managing inventory, ATM earnings are truly considered semi-passive. After setup via NationalLink, the ATM operates independently, processing surcharge transactions, generating earnings, and minimizing manual effort to nearly zero.

Are ATMs Risky or Hard to Manage?

With NationalLink’s full-service ATM solution, risks are managed for you. We handle installation, compliance, cash loading logistics, repairs, and customer support when you choose our ATM Placement Program. Managing ATM income feels effortless. Your machine stays profitable with minimal oversight on your part.

How Can I Get Started Earning Passive Income with ATMs?

Getting started is simple:

In no time, you’ll enjoy a steady stream of passive income with little ongoing effort.

So, Is ATM as Passive Income for You?

Absolutely! ATM placement can be a smart way to build reliable passive income, especially when paired with a partner like NationalLink. Whether you want to own your machine or prefer hands-off revenue, this proven model helps you leverage high-traffic locations for long-term profitability.

Ready to start earning? Contact NationalLink today to explore passive ATM income opportunities near you.

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