To get an ATM you need: a business location with adequate foot traffic, a standard 110v electrical outlet, a stable internet connection or cellular router, and enough floor space for the machine with a 4-foot by 4-foot clearance in front for ADA compliance. National ATM Systems handles all processing paperwork. See our full guide: How to Get an ATM Machine.

Physical installation typically takes one to two hours. The complete process from ordering to processing live transactions usually takes one to two weeks, depending on how quickly paperwork is completed.

An ATM requires a stable internet connection, either a hardwired ethernet connection from your business internet or a cellular router. Cellular routers are available if you do not have an existing internet connection at the ATM location. See our ATM communications guide for details on connection options.

No special license is required to own an ATM in most states. You need a business entity, a processing agreement, and completed compliance paperwork including a Source of Funds Declaration. National ATM Systems guides you through all the required documentation.

No. You can purchase an ATM as an individual. However, forming an LLC or other business entity is recommended because it limits your personal liability exposure from potential losses, disputes, or claims.

New ATM machines range from $2,395 to more than $5,000 depending on model, features, and whether it is a countertop, freestanding, or through-the-wall unit. Used machines are available at lower price points. See our full ATM pricing guide for current prices on all models.

ATM owners earn surcharge revenue: a fee charged to the cardholder on each cash withdrawal, typically $2.50 to $3.50 per transaction. The processor collects this fee automatically and settles it to the ATM owner, usually monthly. Owners who also provide the vault cash retain the largest share of surcharge income. For a full breakdown, see our ATM surcharge revenue guide.

A well-placed ATM processing 200 to 400 transactions per month at a $3.00 surcharge generates $600 to $1,200 gross per month before processing fees. High-traffic locations can exceed $3,000 per month. Well placed ATMs pay back their purchase price within four to eight months. See our ATM surcharge revenue guide for detailed projections by location type.

Yes. When you own your ATM and process through National ATM Systems, you control the surcharge amount. Most operators charge between $2.50 and $3.50 per transaction. The right amount depends on your location type and customer expectations.

The main risks are theft (rare), Regulation E disputes from customers claiming incorrect dispensing, and low transaction volume from poor location selection. Proper placement, security cameras, and processing through a reputable provider minimizes all three. National ATM Systems advises on optimal placement as part of our service.

Surcharge income is deposited electronically to a bank account of your choice. Monthly surcharge payouts are sent via ACH on the 10th of each month. If you are also the vault cash owner, cash dispensed before 2:00 p.m. is returned to your account the next business day via the Federal Reserve ACH process.

It depends on your program. If you own the ATM and provide vault cash yourself, you or your staff load the machine. Whoever provides the vault cash receives a larger share of surcharge revenue. Under our turnkey and free ATM placement programs, National ATM Systems handles all cash loading and replenishment.

The ATM performs an automatic daily cutoff at 2:00 p.m. Cash dispensed before the cutoff is deposited to your bank account the next business day through the Federal Reserve ACH system. You can also force the cutoff manually by pressing Day Total or Day Close on the settlement screen. The processor compiles a daily transaction file and submits it to the Federal Reserve, which sorts and deposits funds to the appropriate accounts.

Yes. National ATM Systems provides online account portal access to all merchants. Once logged in, you can run reports showing bank deposits, merchant statements, real-time transactions, and up to 12 months of transaction history. Call 888-225-9184 to set up your account access.

The US $20 bill is the most common denomination in circulation and the best fit for most ATMs. $5, $10, $50, and $100 bills can also be used depending on the machine model and your dispensing preferences.

Most ATMs can dispense up to 40 notes per transaction, which equals $800 using $20 bills. Network rules require that customers must be able to withdraw at least $200 per transaction. Setting the limit below $200 can result in network fines to the vault cash owner. National ATM Systems requires the $200 minimum be maintained at all times.

Balancing the vault cash in your ATM is critical for accurate banking and adequate cash flow. National ATM Systems provides a step-by-step balancing guide to simplify the process. Download the ATM balancing guide (PDF).

Three items must be displayed on or near every ATM. First, an operational and suspicious activity notification informing customers who operates the terminal and providing a contact phone number. Second, network stickers showing which card networks are accepted so customers know their cards will work. Third, a fee notice is required in Massachusetts, Wyoming, Vermont, and the US Virgin Islands indicating the surcharge amount. Networks impose heavy fines for non-compliance. National ATM Systems maintains a 100% compliance policy at all terminals we manage.

Regulation E is the federal rule governing ATM transactions. If a customer does not receive the amount they requested, they can file a Regulation E claim with their financial institution. The claim is forwarded to the ATM vault cash owner via email. The vault cash owner must provide documentation, typically the journal tape showing the transaction details, within the allotted time (usually ten business days). Failure to respond with sufficient documentation results in a full refund of the transaction amount plus the surcharge being returned to the customer. Supported refunds are deducted from the vault cash account. All network refunds also incur a network refund fee charged to the vault cash owner. Filing a false Regulation E claim is a crime.

Call National ATM Systems immediately at 888-225-9184. Do not give the customer cash directly before contacting us. Our dispute resolution team handles the claim on your behalf. The ATM stores a transaction journal recording the amount requested and the amount dispensed. If the claim is supported by the journal, National ATM Systems will arrange to return any amount owed to the customer. The customer also has the right to file a Regulation E claim with their bank at any time.

ATM theft does occur but is uncommon. National ATM Systems advises all clients on optimal placement for both customer traffic and physical security. This placement consultation is provided free of charge when processing through us. Security cameras are strongly recommended at all ATM locations.

Five steps reduce theft risk significantly: bolt the ATM to the floor using the correct hardware; install security cameras covering the machine; install an alarm system with cellular backup; remove cash nightly when possible; and obtain ATM and vault cash insurance. National ATM Systems can advise on the best security setup for your specific location.