How much does it cost to put an ATM in your business?

If you run a pub, club, shop or servo, you have probably wondered what it costs to put an ATM in your business. The honest answer is that it depends on a few things. This guide explains what drives the cost so you can compare offers properly. We have not put prices here because they change with the machine and the site. For a quote, use our calculator at the end.

Three ways to get an ATM

1. Hosted by an operator (the common route)

An ATM company supplies, installs, loads and services the machine. You provide the space and power. For many venues this means little or no upfront cost, and you earn a share of the fees people pay to use it. This suits most small and medium businesses.

2. Buying your own ATM

You buy the machine and take on the running of it. You keep more of the fee income, but you also carry the costs and the work: cash, servicing, compliance and what happens when it breaks. This suits businesses that want control and are happy to manage it, or that use an operator for the back-office work.

3. Leasing or renting

You pay a regular amount for the machine and may buy it later. Check who pays for repairs, cash handling and replacement.

What affects the cost

• The machine. Standard cash-dispensing ATMs cost less than machines that also accept deposits, or ones built for outdoor and through-the-wall use.
• Where it goes. An indoor, free-standing ATM is simpler than a through-the-wall fit that needs building work. Outdoor sites need weather and security features.
• Installation. Power, a data connection, fixing the machine to the floor and any signage or building works.
• Cash. Someone has to put cash in the machine. Either the operator supplies it, or you fund it. Funding the cash is a real cost because money sitting in a machine is not working elsewhere.
• Servicing and cash delivery. Regular loading, fault call-outs and maintenance. Busy machines need loading more often.
• Compliance and security. ATMs must follow card scheme rules, and operators have anti-money-laundering obligations. Check who looks after this.
• Insurance. Ask what is covered, including cash in the machine and damage.

Questions to ask before you sign

1. What do I pay upfront, and what do I pay each month?
2. Who supplies and owns the cash in the machine?
3. What share of the fee do I receive, and how is it paid and reported?
4. Who fixes it when it breaks, and how fast?
5. How long is the contract, and what does it cost to leave?
6. Who owns the machine at the end?
7. Can I see statements for each transaction period?

Is it worth it?

For many venues an ATM brings in extra income and keeps customers on site rather than leaving to find cash. The numbers depend on foot traffic, the type of venue and how many people want cash. A good operator will assess your site first and tell you plainly if it will not work.

Next step

Every site is different, so we give a quote rather than a price list. Use our calculator to get started. It takes a few minutes.

Common questions

Do I need to pay anything to host an ATM?

Not always. With a hosted ATM, many operators supply, install and service the machine. Ask for every cost in writing, including any fees if you end the agreement early.

Who looks after the cash?

That depends on the agreement. Some operators supply and load the cash. If you fund it yourself, allow for the money tied up in the machine and for how often it needs topping up.

How long does installation take?

A simple indoor ATM is usually quicker than a through-the-wall fit. Ask your operator for a realistic timeline once they have seen the site.