You have seen ATMs in gas stations, convenience stores, bars, and dispensaries — and you have probably wondered how those businesses got them. Is there a phone number you call? Do you buy one on Amazon? Do they just show up?
The truth is simpler than you think. There are three ways to get an ATM for your business, and one of them costs you absolutely nothing upfront. This guide walks you through all three options, the real costs involved, and the exact steps to go from "I want an ATM" to "I am earning passive income from an ATM."
Why Put an ATM in Your Business?
Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why — because the numbers are more compelling than most business owners realize.
- Passive income: ATM surcharges generate $100–$800/month depending on your location's foot traffic. That is $1,200–$9,600/year from two square feet of floor space.
- Higher in-store spending: Customers with cash spend 20–30% more than those paying with cards. Cash eliminates the psychological barrier of watching a digital balance drop.
- Foot traffic magnet: People specifically seek out locations with ATMs. They come for the cash, stay for a purchase.
- Processing fee savings: Cash transactions cost you zero in processing fees. Every dollar is a dollar.
- Cash discount support: If you run a cash discount program, an on-site ATM makes the model seamless for customers.
The 3 Ways to Get an ATM Machine for Your Business
Option 1: Buy an ATM Machine ($2,500–$5,000+)
Purchasing an ATM outright gives you full ownership and 100% of the surcharge revenue. You set the surcharge amount (typically $2.50–$3.50), you keep every penny, and you control the machine completely. For a detailed breakdown of models and pricing, see our ATM machines for sale guide.
Upfront costs:
- ATM machine: $2,500–$5,000 depending on model and features
- Installation: $200–$500 (electrical, mounting, signage)
- Initial cash load: $2,000–$5,000 (you stock the machine yourself or hire a service)
- Processing setup: $0–$200 one-time
Ongoing costs:
- Processing fees: $0.20–$0.50 per transaction
- Cash loading: Self-serve (free, but time-consuming) or armored car service ($100–$300/month)
- Maintenance: $50–$150/month average (paper, parts, occasional repairs)
- Internet/phone line: $30–$75/month
Revenue: At a $3.00 surcharge and 300 transactions/month, you keep $900/month minus processing fees (~$120) = approximately $780/month net.
Best for: Business owners who want maximum revenue per transaction, have capital to invest, and are comfortable managing cash loading and basic maintenance.
Option 2: Lease an ATM Machine ($50–$150/month)
Leasing reduces the upfront investment while still giving you most of the surcharge revenue. Lease terms typically run 12–36 months with a buyout option at the end.
Upfront costs:
- First month lease payment: $50–$150
- Initial cash load: $2,000–$5,000
- Installation: Often included in the lease
Ongoing costs:
- Lease payment: $50–$150/month
- Processing fees: $0.20–$0.50 per transaction
- Cash loading and maintenance: Same as buying
Revenue: Same gross revenue as buying, minus the monthly lease payment.
Best for: Businesses that want to test ATM performance before committing to a purchase, or those that want lower upfront investment while retaining most of the revenue.
Option 3: Free ATM Placement ($0 — Revenue Sharing)
This is the option most small businesses choose, and it is the one we recommend for the vast majority of locations. A placement company — like Unison Payment Solutions — provides the ATM at no cost, handles everything, and shares the surcharge revenue with you.
Upfront costs: $0
Ongoing costs: $0
Your revenue: $0.50–$1.00 per transaction. At 300 transactions/month, you earn $150–$300/month in completely passive income.
What the placement company handles:
- ATM machine (provided free)
- Installation (site survey, electrical, ADA compliance, signage)
- Cash loading (armored service on a regular schedule)
- Maintenance and repairs (24/7 remote monitoring, on-site service)
- Compliance (network certifications, regulatory signage, software updates)
- Processing (transaction routing, settlement)
Best for: Business owners who want passive income with zero investment, zero effort, and zero risk. You earn less per transaction than buying, but you earn it from day one with no upfront cost and no operational responsibility.
For a deeper comparison, read our full guide: Buy vs. Lease vs. Free ATM Placement.
Step-by-Step: How to Get an ATM for Your Business
Here is the exact process, assuming you choose free placement (the most common path):
Step 1 — Apply. Contact Unison online or call (925) 290-6003. Provide your business name, address, type, and estimated foot traffic. Takes 5 minutes.
Step 2 — Site evaluation. We assess your location based on foot traffic patterns, space availability, electrical access, and security. This can be done through photos and a brief phone call for most locations.
Step 3 — Approval. Most locations are approved within 1–3 business days. We confirm the placement terms, revenue share rate, and installation timeline.
Step 4 — Installation. Our team handles delivery, placement, electrical connection, network setup, ADA compliance verification, and signage. Most installations take 2–4 hours on-site.
Step 5 — Go live. The ATM is activated and begins processing transactions. You start earning revenue share on day one.
Step 6 — Ongoing service. We monitor the ATM remotely, load cash on schedule, handle maintenance, and deposit your revenue share monthly.
Total time from application to earning income: 5–10 business days in most cases.
Which Businesses Benefit Most from an ATM?
Not every location is a good fit, but most businesses with regular foot traffic benefit significantly:
- Convenience stores and bodegas — The classic ATM location. High transaction volume, cash-preferring customers.
- Bars and nightclubs — Cash spending at bars is impulsive. ATM transactions peak on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Gas stations and truck stops — Steady, predictable traffic. Travelers frequently need cash.
- **Cannabis dispensaries** — Cash-heavy by necessity since credit cards don't work for THC purchases.
- Laundromats — Machines require cash or coins; ATM demand is built into the business model.
- Hotels and motels — Guests need cash for tipping, vending, and local purchases.
- **Restaurants** — Cash tips for servers, cash payments for smaller orders.
- Retail stores — Any store with foot traffic benefits from cash-ready customers.
- Event venues — Concerts, fairs, and sporting events drive massive ATM transaction spikes.
What to Look for in an ATM Provider
If you go the free placement route (or even if you buy), the provider you choose matters. Here is what separates good ATM providers from bad ones:
- Transparent revenue share — You should know exactly how much you earn per transaction. No vague "competitive rates."
- No hidden fees — No monthly minimums, no statement fees, no "compliance surcharges." If a provider charges you anything, walk away from free placement.
- Full-service management — Cash loading, maintenance, repairs, and compliance should all be included.
- Remote monitoring — The provider should monitor the machine 24/7 and respond proactively to issues.
- No long-term contracts — Month-to-month terms protect you if the ATM underperforms or you want to switch providers.
- Compliance handling — ADA, signage, network certifications — the provider should handle all of it.
Unison Payment Solutions checks every box. We provide free ATM placement with transparent revenue sharing, full-service management, 24/7 monitoring, and no contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ATM machine cost? Buying: $2,500–$5,000. Leasing: $50–$150/month. Free placement through Unison: $0.
How much money can I make from an ATM? $100–$800+/month depending on location and foot traffic. Convenience stores average $150–$400/month. Bars average $200–$600/month.
Do I need a special license to have an ATM? In most states, no. Some states require registration or a money transmitter exemption for ATM operators, but with free placement, the provider (Unison) holds all required registrations.
Can I have an ATM in a small business? Yes. If you have regular foot traffic and two square feet of floor space, an ATM can work. Even small locations processing 150 transactions/month earn $75–$150/month.
Ready to get an ATM for your business? Apply for free placement — zero cost, zero effort, passive income from day one.
Call (925) 290-6003 or get your free quote →