.png)
When most people think of passive income, things like rental properties, dividend stocks, or online businesses come to mind. But there’s another lesser-known opportunity that has been quietly generating cash flow for thousands of small entrepreneurs: owning and operating ATM machines. The idea is relatively simple: place a machine in a high-traffic location, charge a small fee for cash withdrawals, and earn a steady stream of income. But how profitable is it really? The experts of Forza Payments will break it down for you.
We have been in the ATM business for over 30 years providing ATMs to all types of businesses in every industry. Whether your a small mom n' pop store or large company with locations in multiple states, we can certainly provide service to you anywhere you are located.
Customers
We have over 2,000 customers through out the United States.
24/7 Phone Support
We have 4 regional support centers and 24/7 support line.
Cash Loading Service
We can now provide cash loading services to 90% of the lower 48 states.
Team Members
We have a team of 25+ dedicated to helping you get set up and or help fix any problem you may have.
To grasp the potential profitability, it’s important to understand how the business model functions. As an independent ATM operator, you are responsible for purchasing the machine, installing it at a location, stocking it with cash, and maintaining its operations. Every time someone withdraws money, you collect a surcharge fee—usually between $2.50 and $3.00—set by you. Your revenue comes from this fee. So, if your machine sees 100 transactions in a month at a $3surcharge, that’s $300 in gross revenue. Of course, you won’t get to keep all of that. You may owe a portion to the business that hosts your ATM, incur wireless data charges, pay for machine maintenance, and spend time (or money) replenishing the machine with cash. But once these costs are covered, the remaining amount is your profit.
Profits vary widely depending on location. A machine in a sleepy strip mall may only see a handful of transactions each week, while one in a busy nightclub, convenience store, or laundromat can process hundreds of transactions monthly. Most ATM operators report average usage in the range of 100 to 300 transactions per month. If we use the midpoint—say 200transactions at a $3 fee—you’re looking at $600 in gross revenue. After subtracting location commissions (often 20–30% of the surcharge revenue),communication fees (typically around $10–$20/month), and any service or maintenance costs, many operators walk away with a net profit of $300–$500 per machine each month. In high-traffic areas, it’s not uncommon to see profits of$1,000 or more per machine monthly. On the flip side, in poor locations with low traffic, the machine might barely break even.
Starting an ATM business isn’t prohibitively expensive, but it does require some upfront capital. A new ATM machine typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000. You’ll also need to fund the cash that sits in the machine—often $1,000 or more per machine to start. Add in a few hundred dollars for installation, signage, and wireless setup, and you’re likely looking at a total initial investment of$3,000 to $5,000. If your machine earns $300 a month in profit, you could recoup your initial investment in about a year. With higher transaction volume, your break-even point could come even sooner. From that point forward, you’re operating a mostly cash-positive machine, generating profit with each transaction.
What makes the ATM business particularly appealing is how scalable it is. Once you’ve mastered the logistics of one machine, adding more becomes easier. Many successful operators start with a single ATM, monitor its performance, and gradually expand to multiple machines in different locations. With five or ten machines each netting $300 to$500 per month, you could build a side business earning several thousand dollars monthly. However, managing multiple machines does require more effort. You’ll need to monitor each one to ensure it’s stocked with cash, troubleshoot any issues, and maintain strong relationships with location partners. Some operators choose to outsource cash loading or maintenance, which can eat into profits but reduce the hands-on work involved.
Fill out the form to the right or call or email us for more information today.
Fill out and sign our quick and easy ATM application.
Free shipping and installation. Receive and start using your new ATM within 7-10 business days.
Like any business, ATM ownership isn’t without its risks. Choosing the wrong location can lead to dismal transaction numbers and poor returns. Theft and vandalism are also concerns, especially in less secure areas. In addition, as more consumers rely on digital payments, demand for cash access is slowly declining in some demographics. That said, many businesses—particularly those that cater to lower-income populations, tips-based industries, or rural communities—still rely heavily on cash, ensuring strong continued usage for well-placed ATMs. It’s also worth noting that while surcharge fees are your primary source of revenue, they must be carefully set. Charge too little and your profit margin shrinks. Charge too much, and customers may avoid your machine altogether. The sweet spot is typically around $2.75 to $3.00,depending on local norms and competition.
Owning or renting an ATM machine can be a surprisingly profitable venture, especially if you secure high-traffic locations and manage your costs effectively. A well-placed machine can generate hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month in relatively passive income. For entrepreneurs looking to diversify income streams or build a low-overhead business, the ATM industry offers a compelling opportunity. But success doesn’t happen automatically. Location selection, fee structuring, and machine maintenance are all key factors in achieving strong returns. With careful planning and smart scaling, ATM ownership can go from a small side hustle to a reliable income-generating business. We will gladly help you figure it all out. Discover our ATM services and reach out to us today.
