How to get an ATM machine
If you are investigating how to own an ATM machine or how to buy an ATM machine for your business, this page will get you started.
Step 1 – Determine why you want an ATM
Do you want an ATM as a convenience to your customer? Do your customers ask for an ATM? Do you want to reduce Credit Card Fees? Are customers getting cash back on their purchases? Are there goods and/or services in your business that require cash? Do you want to make money from the ATM surcharge? Do you want to draw additional customers with your ATM? Do you want to increase the money spent in your business?
In convenience stores, at least 25% of the cash withdrawn from the ATM is used in the store. For bars and casinos, that number can approach 80%. Once you determine why you want an ATM in your business, this information will help guide you through the process of obtaining an ATM that meets your needs.
Step 2 – Determine if your business is a good location for an ATM
The ATM must have enough transactions to justify the initial and operating cost of ATM ownership. There must be a large amount of traffic and a need for cash usage. Businesses with high volume ATMs include very busy convenience stores, large hotels (300 plus rooms), stadiums, and busy casinos. Locations with medium volume ATMs include medium sized convenience stores, hotels (200 plus rooms), casinos, and large bars. Establishments with small volume ATMs include smaller convenience stores, hotels, casinos, bars, bowling alleys, and salons. For convenience stores, 3 to 5% of customers will use the ATM. Depending on the type of establishment, this number will be higher or lower.
The business must also have a secure place to locate the ATM. There must be electrical power and an internet connection (or wireless box) available to the ATM. To satisfy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ATM requirements, there must be a 4 ‘ x 4 ‘ space in front of the ATM and the ATM must be wheelchair accessible. Typically, an ATM is bolted to the floor using 4 concrete anchors.
Step 3 – Review your ATM procurement options
In all procurement options, the portion of the surcharge paid to the merchant is dependent on a few things: 1) the expected transaction volume, 2) the activities performed by the merchant (ATM owner, vault cash, or maintenance and 3) the location of the store.
- Turn Key ATM Solution – If you have a location that is likely to have high volume, National ATM Systems can provide you an ATM, load the cash, and maintain the ATM. This solution is least cost and effort by the merchant.
- ATM Placement – If you have a high or medium volume location for an ATM and you would like to make more money than the Turn Key ATM Solution, you may want to load the cash yourself. In ATM Placement, National ATM Systems would provide and maintain the ATM. Because there is no upfront cost to purchase the machine, this is an inexpensive way to obtain an ATM for your place of business.
- ATM Maintenance – If you have a high or medium volume location for an ATM and want to buy your own ATM but don’t want to perform ATM Maintenance, National ATM Systems can provide this service to you.
- ATM Processing Only – If you want to make all the surcharge revenue or you do not qualify for the other options, then the choice would be to buy the ATM and have National ATM Systems provide ATM Processing Only. In this case, you purchase an ATM; perform maintenance and the cash loading. If you own the ATM, supply the cash, and do all the maintenance; then the business will get a 100% of the available surcharge. The cost of a new retail ATM starts at $2295 and goes up from there depending on the model and options. A used, EMV-compliant ATM will start at $1795 for the oldest models and will go up from there depending on the age, type of machine, and options. A newer ATM will encourage your customers to use the ATM thus increasing the number of ATM transactions.
Step 4 – Sign up with National ATM Systems
National ATM Systems can provide you with your ATM Solution. We are a nationwide ATM vendor that takes pride in providing great customer service. Federal, banking and processor regulations require an ATM processing agreement, ATM Owner/Operator Source of Funds Declaration Agreement (if the business owns the ATM or is supplying the cash), Articles of Incorporation or Organization filed with the Secretary of State , a copy of the business/retail license, ACH form, voided check, and IRS W-9 in order to apply for an ATM machine.
If the merchant is planning on owning the ATM, payment would be taken after the paperwork is provided.
We want to be your ATM provider.
Step 5 – Deliver, Program, and install your ATM
National ATM Systems will coordinate the delivery, programming and installation of the ATM. A technician will program the ATM for your business. The ATM installation process can either be done by the business owner or the technician. An ATM requires power and a means to connect to the internet (either through a connection, typically CAT5, to the local router or through a wireless box). Usually, the ATM is also secured to the ground using 4 concrete anchor bolts.
Step 6 – Train and Load the ATM with Cash
Depending on your ATM procurement choice, the technician will train the business owner on how to load cash into your ATM and how to balance your funds. After the necessary training has occurred, the ATM will be loaded with cash. The ATM is then ready to process transactions.
In summary, the steps involved are:
Step 1 – Determine why you want an ATM
Step 2 – Determine if your business is a good location for an ATM.
Step 3 – Review your ATM procurement options
Step 4 – Signup with National ATM Systems
Step 5 – Deliver, Program, and install your ATM
Step 6 – Train and load the ATM with cash