Best ATM Locations by Business Type — and What You Can Make
Quick answer: The best ATM locations are bars and nightclubs (400–800+ transactions/month), convenience stores and gas stations (200–500/month), laundromats (150–300/month), and cannabis dispensaries (300–600/month). With free ATM placement, you earn $0.50–$1.00 per transaction with zero upfront cost. A busy bar can make $300–$800/month; a typical convenience store $150–$400/month. Surcharge is usually $2.50–$3.50 per withdrawal.
If you are wondering whether your business is a good fit for an ATM — or how much you could realistically earn — the answer depends on your venue type and foot traffic. Some business types consistently outperform others because customers in those locations need cash.
How Much Can You Make From an ATM? (By Venue)
| Business type | Typical transactions/month | Revenue share (free placement) | Annual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar / nightclub | 400–800+ | $200–$800/month | $2,400–$9,600 |
| Convenience store | 200–400 | $100–$400/month | $1,200–$4,800 |
| Gas station | 300–500 | $150–$500/month | $1,800–$6,000 |
| Laundromat | 150–300 | $75–$300/month | $900–$3,600 |
| [Dispensary](/industries/cannabis/dispensary-atm) | 300–600 | $150–$600/month | $1,800–$7,200 |
| Hotel / motel | 100–250 | $50–$250/month | $600–$3,000 |
| Event venue | Varies by event | Spike during events | Seasonal |
Revenue share assumes free placement at $0.50–$1.00 per transaction. If you buy your own ATM, you keep 100% of the surcharge ($2.50–$3.50 per withdrawal) but cover machine cost, cash loading, and maintenance.
ATM for Bars and Nightclubs
Bars and nightclubs are among the highest-volume non-bank ATM locations. Customers pay with cash at the bar to avoid card holds and tips on receipts; weekend nights drive most transactions. Placement near the entrance or bar keeps the machine visible without blocking flow.
Typical volume: 400–800+ transactions per month, with Friday and Saturday accounting for a large share. At $0.50–$1.00 per transaction with free placement, bar ATMs often generate $200–$800/month in passive income. No purchase, no cash loading — Unison handles everything.
ATM for Laundromats
Laundromats are a natural fit: customers need coins or cash for machines and often prefer not to leave to get it. An on-site ATM keeps them in the building and can increase ancillary spending (vending, detergent). Volume is steady rather than spikey.
Typical volume: 150–300 transactions per month. Revenue share with free placement: $75–$300/month. Laundromats qualify for free ATM placement when foot traffic is consistent; we evaluate each location.
ATM for Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Gas stations and c-stores see a mix of drivers needing cash and regulars who prefer cash for in-store purchases. ATMs are often placed near the door or checkout. High-traffic locations can exceed 500 transactions per month.
Typical volume: 200–500 transactions per month for a single pump or small store; larger truck stops and high-volume c-stores can go higher. Revenue share: $100–$500/month. For a deeper comparison of buy vs lease vs free placement, see our cost guide.
ATM Surcharge: How Much Do You Charge?
Most non-bank ATMs charge a surcharge of $2.50–$3.50 per withdrawal. That amount is shown on-screen before the customer confirms. With free placement, the placement company keeps a portion to cover processing, cash logistics, and maintenance; you receive $0.50–$1.00 per transaction as revenue share. There are no hidden fees — the surcharge is the only charge to the customer (aside from any fee their bank may add).
Surcharge levels are set by the placement provider based on market norms and network rules. You do not set or change the surcharge with free placement; you simply earn your share of each transaction.
Hotel, Motel, and Event Venue ATMs
Hotels and motels: Guests often want cash for tips, local spending, or travel. Lobby placement works best. Volume is usually 100–250 transactions per month ($50–$250/month with free placement).
Event venues: Concerts, fairs, and sporting events create large spikes. ATMs can be deployed for single events or permanently. Revenue depends on event size and frequency. We coordinate installation and cash loading around your schedule.
Do You Need to Buy an ATM?
No. Free ATM placement means we provide the machine, install it, load cash, and maintain it at no cost to you. You provide space and power; you earn revenue share on every transaction. For most single-location businesses, free placement outperforms buying when you factor in time and capital. If you prefer to own, see ATM machines for sale and how to get an ATM for your business for the full process.
Apply for free ATM placement — we evaluate bars, laundromats, gas stations, c-stores, hotels, and event venues every day.