Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) installed near popular locations are a lucrative way for small business owners to earn passive income. If you are planning to set up your own ATMs and wondering how much profit the business can generate, you have landed on the correct destination.
Although setting up an ATM business doesn’t require a huge space, supplies, or years of experience, you do need to learn a few things to generate a good income. The cost of each machine varies from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on what type and features you are purchasing.
Then, there are additional expenses, such as routine maintenance, an insurance policy, and a bag for transporting cash. Usually, you need at least $3,000 in cash on a rotating basis. You also have to connect every machine to a phone line or the Internet.
So, your total initial investment would be at least $10,000.
But before you rush to buy a machine, it’s important to search for ATM processing companies that provide a merchant account for your business. These companies charge domestic and foreign network fees as well as interchange services fees on top of standard transaction fees.
Plus, they require a processing agreement to protect you and them from potential risks. The agreement is mandated by sponsoring banks and networks. It is advisable to read contracts carefully and avoid signing deals that sound too good to be true.
To help you find the perfect match for your business, we have shortlisted the 12 best ATM processing companies that offer attractive rates and excellent support.
Table of Contents
9. ATM Global
Founded in 2001
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States
ATM Global specializes in ATM sales, leasing, and placement. They serve owners of restaurants, shops, stores, hotels, and other small businesses throughout the United States.
If your business location qualifies and meets their specific guidelines, they will place the ATM at your location for free. Once approved, you will have the option to buy or lease one or multiple ATMs manufactured by Genmega, Hantle, Triton, or Nautilus Hyosung.
ATM Global shares a percentage of transaction fee profits, depending on the monthly transaction amount made through your machine. The more revenue you generate for them, the more you can negotiate profit share. Plus, you can keep up to 100% of the ATM surcharge.
The surcharge and vault funds are deposited into your account within 2 working days. If you like to keep track of the fund settlement, you can request them to activate a real-time online reporting system for you.
Other Benefits
- Offers competitive lease finance programs
- 100% surcharge and value cash settled daily
- Accepts 10% more cards than other leading processors
- Live phone assistance
8. ATM Advantage
Founded in 2002
Headquarters: Valley Stream, New York, United States
ATM Advantage is a fully insured ISO (short for Independent Sales Organization) ATM firm serving business owners across the United States for more than two decades. They have built a broad portfolio of clients, from large hotels and office buildings to small family-run businesses.
Considering their current growth, you can expect a well-structured network. The company provides online terminal monitoring and real-time transactional data reports with detailed analytics, which helps you improve operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Unlike other financial services, ATM Advantage doesn’t try to exploit its customers. They customize service agreements as per your business requirement. Whether you need a simple installation or a full-service contract, they have got you covered.
You can apply by submitting a quick form, and their team will get back to you within three business days.
Other Benefits
- Free consultation
- Free projected revenue analysis
- Complete cash management services
- 100% paid surcharge with additional payment for interchange
7. Lieberman Companies
Founded in 1907
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Lieberman Companies is one of the oldest ATM distributors and certified ISO processors. Whether you are an operator looking to purchase ATMs or a small business owner looking for a fully managed ATM placement service, they will assist with an easy-to-understand program.
The company offers secure transactions, free phone support, and low processing fees with no hidden costs. Plus, it is one of the largest wholesale suppliers of Nautilus Hyosung, Hantle, and Genmega ATMs in the United States.
Each machine you buy will be equipped with an EMV chip reader, electronic lock, removable cassette, as well as the latest software upgrades. Lieberman also offers an upgraded touchscreen, ATM toppers, and custom graphic wraps to help you better promote your brand.
Furthermore, the machine comes with a two-year parts warranty and is customized as per your requirement, so you can just ‘plug and play’ without wasting your time.
Other Benefits
- Install machines by bolting them securely to the floor
- Receive full surcharge revenue from ATM transactions
- Continuous monitoring of cash level
- Monthly reporting on ATM activity
6. ATM Experts
Founded in 2010
Headquarters: Lubbock, Texas, United States
ATM Experts helps you buy and set up your own ATMs across the United States. It offers a large selection of new machines at reasonable prices. Every machine you lease or purchase comes with a free ATM processing service and 24-hour support.
The company has a free ATM placement program for high-traffic locations. If you own or rent space that can easily attract over 500 visitors a day, they will place the machine for free.
And they do provide a complete ATM network coverage, from MasterCard and Visa to Cirrus network and Star network.
You get free real-time web-based reporting for all active machines. This helps you track every transaction from the comfort of your home. You can also analyze monthly activity, low cash alerts, yearly recaps, future trends, and other valuable parameters.
Additional Benefits
- Fast machine deployment and setup
- Free transaction and deposit processing
- Each machine comes with parts and labor warranty
- 24/7 customer support and service
5. Prineta
Founded in 2011
Headquarters: Overland Park, Kansas, United States
Prineta offers a wide range of ATM and transaction processing services. It installs, manages, and services ATMs at nightclubs, condominiums, convention centers, university housing, gas stations, hotels, arenas, and many other places.
Located in Kansas City, the company has expanded its team over the years to provide services in almost every metropolitan region in 50 States and some parts of Canada. They have partnered with thousands of ATM installers, cash-loaders, and technicians.
Today, the company provides a hassle-free ATM placement program, which requires no contract or financial commitment. Its online web portal and mobile apps allow you to view transactions, cash levels, real-time terminal states, and run in-depth reports that include transaction summaries, dispensed amounts, cash balances, and more.
Prineta also offers services to those who already have an ATM and are looking to upgrade or sell their machines. You can schedule a free over-the-phone reprogramming/selling with a Prineta technician/sales team.
Additional Benefits
- No contract required
- Local ATM technicians in every city
- Cash loading services for high-volume locations
- Automatic error reporting
- Custom branding and marketing options
4. ATM’s America
Founded in 1999
Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, United States
ATM’ America is the sister company of ATM Houston, an ISO sponsored by PATHWAY bank. It has been providing ATM parts and processing and repair services for more than a decade. If you go with this company, you don’t have to worry about
- installation unit — they have various designs made by major ATM manufacturers
- the part you need — they provide almost all essential machine parts
- securing the machine — corner lock is assembled locally
- repairing faulty units — they offer valuable repair programs
As far as processing is concerned, the company charges no network access fee, transaction fee, support fee, or any monthly/yearly fee. Plus, you get free receipt paper, software updates, an online reporting system, and an app to track the status of installed machines.
They will also train you on how to run your ATM business more efficiently without wasting too many resources. Their direct relationship with machine importers and sponsor banks could help you generate more profits.
Other Benefits
- All network access
- You get paid every day
- Online reporting and text alerts
- Free software updates
- Advanced repair and replacement options
3. National Link
Founded in 1992
Headquarters: Glendora, California, United States
National Links provides complete turn-key ATM systems, including placement, processing, and cash management. It serves various clients across the nation, from small business owners and independent merchants to large banking institutions.
It supports both dial-up ATMs and modern technologies, including CDMA, leased-line, IP, and wireless ATMs.
National Links’ direct connectivity to almost all major networks ensures higher transaction approval rates and minimum denials. It processes bank cards issued by all major networks, including but not limited to MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Pulse, PLUS, Quest, Discover, and CU24.
We are pleased to announce we are now accepting preorders for the Genmega Nova ATM!https://t.co/i8n6GB3Qkj pic.twitter.com/OgZBxDvEgp
— NationalLink Inc. (@NationalLinkInc) March 21, 2023
The company provides you with a cash management system, making it easier to track cash flow between banks and armored carriers. It utilizes predictive models and advanced forecasting techniques to control cash in ATMs.
The company also offers a free ATM placement program to clients who want to run an ATM business without worrying about daily operations. All they need to do is supply space and electricity, and NationalLink will take care of everything else. Under this scheme, clients will receive a fixed percentage of the surcharge (which is the amount they charge customers for every ATM transaction).
Other Benefits
- Eliminates accounting errors and the risk of internal theft
- Resolves all maintenance issues
- Offers vault cash and armored services
- Lets you monitor ATM activity in real time
2. ATM Link, Inc.
Founded in 1999
Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
Through its strong relationship with top ATM manufacturers (like Tranax, Genmega, Triton, and Nautilus Hyosung), ATM Links provides a wide range of solutions at competitive prices. It provides turnkey operations, partnership programs, cash services, ATM parts, and much more throughout the United States.
You can choose from four ATM processing options:
- You own the ATM and load the cash
- You own the ATM, and the company loads the cash
- The company owns the ATM, and you load the cash
- The company owns the ATM and loads the cash
When ATM belongs to the company, they bear the cost of maintenance, repair, and replacement of the machine. They make money by charging you a processing cost on each transaction, which is based on your monthly total transactions. This could be as low as 10 cents per transaction.
You make money by receiving a fixed percentage of surcharge and interchange on valid cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, transfers, and denials. When you own the machine and load the cash, you receive a 100% surcharge and 100% interchange per valid transaction.
Other Benefits
- Real-time transaction reporting
- Low cash email alerts
- Lifetime paper rolls and labor warranty
- Provides essential ATM accessories and parts
1. ATM Network
Founded in 1996
Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States
ATM Network is a part of Cardtronics, the largest ATM operator/provider in the world. It provides a comprehensive ATM ownership experience, which includes software, hardware, transaction processing, reporting, maintenance, training, and marketing.
Since it’s a division of a global financial services technology company, it benefits from the massive scale Cardtronics can provide. The company can offer ATMs at competitive prices, advanced security protocols to protect customers’ data, and various options to fit clients’ business requirements.
It currently offers four programs:
- Turnkey — they provide the machine and the cash
- Placement — they maintain the machine while you load the cash
- Cash assist — you own the machine, and they manage the cash and maintain the machine for you
- Own and load — you take responsibility for the machine and cash to generate more profit
The company has built its network to deliver unprecedented speed, security, and reliability. It is trusted by all popular retail and banking brands. Their combined networks (that consist of hundreds of thousands of ATMs) process billions of transactions every year.
Benefits
- Their economies of scale deliver low-cost and high-service standards
- Toll-free service and support line
- Simple per-transaction pricing
- Reporting and analytics tools
Other Good ATM Companies
10. National ATM Systems
National ATM Systems is an independent sales organization (ISO) that provides new and used machines, processing services, vault cash management, and repair services. It also offers essential machine parts, cabinets, lights, receipt paper, and decals throughout the United States.
New fully functional ATMs start at a little over $2000, and they all come with at least 1-year warranty. The used models, on the other hand, start at about $1000 and come with a 30-day warranty.
They can set up processing for machines manufactured by all major companies, including Triton, Tranax, Hantle, Hyosung, GenMega, and many more. Your customers will be able to easily withdraw cash, view balance, or transfer funds.
The company encourages you to enroll in its online management system, which showcases the performance of your active ATMs remotely. It makes it easy to generate statements, see terminal errors, and highlight disputes.
11. Euronet Worldwide
Headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, Euronet Worldwide offers a broad range of services and solutions that facilitate operations and electronic payments.
It operates a massive network of 52,000+ ATMs in over 170 countries. These ATMs are typically branded under different names and provide convenient access to cash for consumers.
The company offers ATM outsourcing services to retailers, institutions, and medium-sized firms. This means it provides the hardware, software, and operational support required to run ATMs effectively. These services allow clients to expand their ATM presence without worrying about managing infrastructure themselves.
Euronet also offers a specialized management software platform to help clients monitor and manage their ATM networks efficiently. This software platform includes all essential features, such as remote monitoring, transaction tracking, and real-time reporting, making it easier for clients to ensure smooth operation.
12. Fiserv
#FiservProud to be ranked No. 1 on the 2023 @IDC FinTech Rankings Top 100 program.
This elite list features the tech companies from around the globe that are focused on providing solutions to the financial services and FinTech industries. Read the news: https://t.co/WAbLKmt3tG pic.twitter.com/xy7EjPywgC
— Fiserv (@Fiserv) September 15, 2023
Fiserv offers comprehensive ATM management and operations support. They offer expertise in managing almost every aspect of ATM operations, including device capabilities, transaction sets, and adapting to new product offerings.
In addition to ATM processing, the company also excels in cash management services. It is well-versed in the need for efficient and cost-effective cash management and branch automation services.
Fiserv manages an extensive ATM network with over 53,000 ATMs and serves more than 2,500 ATM clients. They have a presence in all 50 states, making them a comprehensive and reliable partner across the country.
The company gives you to flexibility to outsource the entire ownership, management, and operation of your ATM program or select individual services. These offerings cover a range of services, from maintenance and replenishment to compliance management and disaster recovery.
Frequently Asked Question
How does ATM transaction processing work?
ATM transaction processing is a multi-step action that takes just a few seconds. It is not only used for withdrawing money but also for checking bank balances and depositing funds.
When you insert your bank card and enter the card’s secret code, you give ATM permission to ‘read’ that card. The machine then provides its TIN (short for terminal identification number) and contacts the bank. All banks are connected via a special network, much like the internet.
If you’ve inserted a valid card and entered its corresponding secret code, the bank will check whether you have sufficient funds to cover the requested withdrawal, including the ATM fees. The bank then authorizes the machine to dispense the money and updates the record.
The ATM’s cash dispenser removes the bills from the cassette sequentially. Once the right number of bills is dispensed, the machine prints the receipt for the transaction.
How do ATM owners make money?
ATM owners make money every time a customer uses their machine to take out cash. They collect a specific percentage of convenience or surcharge fees based on the number of transactions made every day.
The rule of thumb goes like this — about 4% of the foot traffic that actually sees the ATM will use it. If you have 200 people coming through your doors every day, 8 of them will use your machine. Let’s say you charge a $2.55 surcharge for every transaction. Then, you can count on your new ATM to generate a minimum of $600 every month.
The return on investment depends on the number of ATMs as well as the locations where these machines are installed. ATMs earning $500 a month on average are not uncommon, while popular locations have a much higher earning potential. Once the investment in the machine itself pays off, you can generate a nice stream of profits. You then only need to pay for restocking and maintenance.
Who is the largest ATM manufacturer?
Diebold Nixdorf is currently the largest manufacturer in the global ATM market. The company specializes in the manufacture, sale, installation, and service of self-service transaction systems. It owns about 34% of the global ATM market and is the only manufacturer to have over 1 million of its ATMs installed across the world.
Other big manufacturers include Nautilus Hyosung, Genmega, Triton, Hantle, Puloon, and the National Cash Register corporation.
What does the future of the ATM industry look like?
According to the Polaris Market Research report, the global ATM market size will exceed $31.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2022 to 2030.
The major factors favoring the extensive adoption of ATMs worldwide include
- Development of more convenient and reliable means of accessing cash,
- Advances in technology that have led to the development of more sophisticated and user-friendly ATM systems,
- improved security measures like one-time password authentication and biometric systems, and
- the advent of smart ATMs for customers with specific demands.
Why you can trust us?
We thoroughly analyzed 17 ATM processing companies operating in the United States. Over the course of 15 hours of diligent research, we read all professional reviews and ATM owners’ ratings.
Finally, we decided to list 12 of them based on their reach, support, pricing structure, and reviews. All data is taken from the company’s official website and trusted sources.
We DO NOT earn commission from any of the featured companies. Furthermore, we have two separate editors who have no influence over our listing criteria or recommendations.
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