ATM FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about ATM machines, processing, and ownership. National ATM Systems has been helping businesses with ATM solutions for over 25 years.
For questions about ATM pricing and costs, see our ATM pricing guide.
ATM Ownership & Income
How much money can you make owning an ATM?
ATM owners typically earn $2.50-$3.50 per transaction in surcharge revenue. A well-placed ATM averaging 200 transactions per month generates approximately $500-$700 monthly. Most ATMs pay for themselves within 4-8 months.
How do ATM owners make money?
ATM owners make money from the surcharge fee charged to customers per transaction. You set the surcharge amount (typically $2.50-$3.50) and keep the vast majority of the surcharge when you own the ATM and provide the vault cash.
Do I need a license to own an ATM?
No special license is required to own an ATM in most states. You need a business entity, a processing agreement, and to complete required compliance paperwork including a Source of Funds Declaration.
What are the requirements to get an ATM for my business?
To get an ATM you need: a business location with adequate foot traffic, electrical power (standard 110v outlet), an internet connection or cellular router, and space for the ATM (including 4'x4' clearance in front for ADA compliance). National ATM Systems handles the processing paperwork.
How long does it take to install an ATM?
Physical ATM installation typically takes 1-2 hours. The complete process from ordering to processing live transactions usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on how quickly paperwork is completed.
What internet connection does an ATM need?
An ATM requires a stable internet connection—either hardwired ethernet from your business internet or a cellular router. Cellular routers are available if you don't have an existing internet connection at the ATM location.
Can I set my own ATM surcharge amount?
Yes. When you own your ATM, provide the vault cash and process through National ATM Systems, you control the surcharge amount. Most operators charge between $2.50 and $3.50 per transaction.
ATM Operations & Payments
How do I get paid from my ATM?
The surcharge income generated by the ATM can be sent daily or monthly to a bank account of your choice. Monthly surcharge payouts are sent electronically to your bank account on the 10th of each month.
If I am the vault cash owner, how long does it take to get my money back?
The cutoff automatically takes place daily at 2:00 p.m. Any cash dispensed prior to 2:00 p.m. will be deposited the next business day. Note: The ATM owner can force the cutoff by pressing the Day Total or Day Close while in the settlement screen. The switch (processor) controls the accounting of the ATM. Each day a file is compiled of the daily transactions and sent to the Federal Reserve Automatic Clearing House (ACH) department. The Federal Reserve sorts all files, collects and deposits all cash to the appropriate banks.
Can I monitor my ATM transactions?
Yes. As a National ATM Systems merchant, we grant you access to an online account portal to monitor everything about your ATM. Once logged in, you can run reports to see bank deposits, merchant statements, real-time transactions, and even a 12-month history. Call our office at 888-225-9184 for account access.
What is the best denomination to use in the ATM?
The US $20 note is the most common bill in circulation and is the best fit overall. US $5, $10, $50, and $100 bills can also be used in an ATM.
How much money do I have to allow customers to withdraw per transaction?
Most ATMs can dispense 40 notes per transaction (e.g., $800 using $20 bills). Network requirements mandate that customers must be able to withdraw up to $200 per transaction. Withdrawal settings less than $200 per transaction may result in heavy fines to the vault cash owner. National ATM Systems requires this $200 minimum be followed.
How do I balance my ATM?
Balancing the vault cash in your ATM is critical for accurate banking practices and adequate cash flow. We provide specific steps to simplify your ATM balancing procedures. Download our ATM balancing guide (PDF).
ATM Compliance & Requirements
What information is required to be placed on the ATM?
Three items must be displayed on or near every ATM:
- Operational and suspicious activity notification - Informs customers who operates the terminal and provides a phone number for problems.
- Network stickers - Displays each network available so customers can see if their cards will work.
- Fee notice (required in Massachusetts, Wyoming, Vermont, and USVI) - Indicates the surcharge fee for transactions.
Heavy fines have been imposed by networks for non-compliance. National ATM Systems has a 100% compliance policy at our terminals.
Disputes & Issues
What is a Reg E Claim?
The name comes from Federal Regulation E that governs ATM transactions. If a customer does not receive the requested amount, they can file a Regulation E claim with their financial institution. The claim is then sent to the ATM vault cash owner via email. The vault cash owner must provide documentation (journal tape showing the transaction) within the allotted time, typically ten days. Failure to provide sufficient documentation results in a full refund plus surcharge to the customer. Important notes:
- Supported transaction refunds are deducted from the vault cash account
- All network refunds incur network refund fees charged to the vault cash owner
- Filing a false Reg E Claim is a crime punishable by law
- Never give money to a customer without first checking with National ATM Systems
What if the ATM incorrectly dispenses the wrong amount?
For National ATM Systems ATMs, we ask that the ATM user or merchant call our toll-free number to speak with our dispute resolution department. We handle the dispute for the customer or merchant. The customer can also file a Reg E claim with their financial institution at any time. The ATM stores transaction information in a journal, recording the requested and dispensed amounts. If the claim is supported, National ATM Systems will arrange to return any due amounts.
Security & Theft Prevention
Does ATM theft occur?
Unfortunately yes, but it is very unlikely to happen. National ATM Systems advises clients on the best possible location for safety and maximized customer traffic—this is a free service when processing through us. We advise all merchants to have security cameras in place.
Theft Prevention Tips:
- Ensure the ATM is bolted to the floor using the correct bolts
- Install security cameras at the location
- Install an alarm system with cellular back-up
- Remove cash nightly if possible
- Consider ATM and vault cash insurance
Still Have Questions?
Contact National ATM Systems at 888-225-9184 or visit our contact page. Our team has been helping businesses with ATM solutions since 1999.