Owning ATM machines can be a profitable venture in 2025, offering a semi-passive income stream through surcharge fees on transactions. While the rise of digital payments has slowed overall cash usage, ATMs remain essential in cash-heavy sectors like retail, hospitality, and convenience stores, where about 58% of global transactions under $10 still involve cash. The global ATM market is projected to grow from $25.29 billion in 2024 to $31.64 billion by 2030 at a 3.6% CAGR, driven by innovations like contactless access and financial inclusion efforts. For individual owners, profitability depends on factors like location, transaction volume, and costs, but a well-placed machine can yield $300–$750 in monthly net profit. Scaling to multiple machines (e.g., 5–7) can generate $1,500+ monthly, potentially replacing a full-time income with low overhead.
This guide breaks down earnings potential, costs, trends, and strategies based on 2025 industry data. Note: Profits vary by region (e.g., higher in urban U.S. areas with $3+ surcharges) and are estimates—actual results require site-specific analysis. Consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
Earnings Potential: How Much Can You Make?
ATM owners primarily earn from surcharge fees (charged per withdrawal), averaging $3.19 in 2025, up from $3.15 in 2023 due to inflation and demand in high-traffic spots. Users pay this fee for convenience, and you keep 70–100% after splits with processors (20–50 cents per transaction) and location owners (often 20–50% commission).
- Per Machine Breakdown:
- Average transactions: 100–300/month (3–10/day in good locations).
- Gross revenue: $300–$900/month ($3 fee × transactions).
- Net profit: $150–$540/month after costs (e.g., $450 average for 150 transactions).
- ROI: 6–12 months payback on a $3,000–$4,000 machine.
- Scaling Up:
- 1–2 machines: $200–$1,000/month (side hustle).
- 5–10 machines: $1,500–$5,000/month (full-time potential, $20K–$60K/year).
- High-end (e.g., casinos): $1,000+/month per machine with $5+ fees and 200+ transactions.
Additional revenue streams include ads on screens ($50–$200/month) and services like bill pay or crypto conversions (up to 20% boost). In 2025, crypto ATMs (e.g., Bitcoin kiosks) average $600–$1,200 net/month but require $12,000 startup and compliance.
| Scenario | Transactions/Month | Surcharge Fee | Gross Revenue | Est. Net Profit/Month | Annual Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Traffic (e.g., rural store) | 100 | $2.50 | $250 | $150 | $1,800 |
| Average (e.g., gas station) | 200 | $3.00 | $600 | $400 | $4,800 |
| High-Traffic (e.g., bar/casino) | 300+ | $3.50–$5 | $1,050+ | $700+ | $8,400+ |
| Crypto ATM (niche) | 150 | 8% spread + $5 fee | $3,000 | $800 | $9,600 |
*Assumes 20–30% costs (maintenance, cash handling); varies by location/scale.
Startup and Operating Costs in 2025
Initial costs are low compared to other businesses ($3,000–$5,000 per machine), but scaling requires $10,000–$20,000 for 2–5 units plus vault cash.
- Startup Costs (Per Machine):
- Purchase: $2,000–$4,000 (new); $1,600–$2,000 (used, but riskier for compliance).
- Installation: $250–$500 (professional) or DIY to save.
- Vault Cash: $2,000–$4,000 initial load (recycled as users withdraw).
- Processing Setup/Licenses: $100–$500 (business license, compliance).
- Total per Machine: $4,000–$8,000.
- Ongoing Costs (Monthly, Per Machine):
- Maintenance/Repairs: $50–$300 (contracts recommended).
- Cash Handling/Transport: $80–$200 (armored service or self).
- Insurance/Connectivity: $25–$50.
- Location Rent/Commission: $50–$100 (20–50% revenue share).
- Total: $200–$600/month (20–30% of revenue).
In 2025, trends like ATM-as-a-Service (outsourcing ops for $100–$200/month) reduce costs by 20–30% for beginners. EMV compliance upgrades add $500–$1,000 if needed.
Best Locations for Maximum Profitability
Location drives 70–80% of success—aim for 200+ daily passersby with 2–3% usage rate. High-traffic spots yield 6–10 transactions/day vs. 2–3 in low-traffic areas.
- Top Locations (2025 Trends):
- Convenience Stores/Gas Stations: 300+ transactions/month; cash-heavy (e.g., for lottery/gas).
- Bars/Nightclubs/Casinos: $5+ fees; 200–500 transactions/month (high evenings).
- Hotels/Motels: Tourist cash needs; $400–$800/month.
- Grocery Stores/Retail: Impulse buys; 80% of withdrawn cash spent on-site (+10–20% sales boost).
- Events/Festivals/Mobile (e.g., fairs): Seasonal highs (150+ transactions/day).
- Offices/Apartment Complexes: Employee/resident convenience; steady 100–200/month.
- Crypto/High-Risk (e.g., dispensaries): Niche $600–$1,200/month but higher compliance.
Avoid low-traffic spots (e.g., rural without need). Negotiate 3–5 year contracts with 20–50% revenue share to owners. Use apps like ATM Depot for scouting.
2025 Trends Impacting Profitability
- Digital Integration: 42% of new ATMs are contactless/cardless (NFC/QR); boosts usage by 17–19% but requires $500–$1,000 upgrades. AI monitoring cuts downtime 20–30%.
- Crypto ATMs: Growing 10–15%; $600–$1,200 net/month but volatile (8–10% spreads).
- ATM-as-a-Service (AaaS): Outsourcing ops (e.g., maintenance) for $100–$200/month; reduces costs 20% for beginners.
- Decline in Numbers: Global ATMs drop 1.8% to 2.95M, but U.S. focuses on fewer, smarter machines; favors independents in underserved areas.
- Sustainability/Security: Energy-efficient models save $50–$100/year; TR-31 encryption mandatory Jan 2025 ($500 upgrade).
Challenges: Cash decline (22% of U.S. payments); regulations (e.g., PCI DSS updates March 2025). Opportunities: Unbanked (26% U.S.) need access; rural/event mobile ATMs up 7%.
Steps to Get Started and Maximize Profits
- Research & Plan: Analyze local demand (e.g., cash-only spots); budget $5,000–$10,000 for 1–2 machines.
- Buy/Lease: New from Hyosung/Genmega ($2,500+); used for starters ($1,800). Process with providers like ATM Depot.
- Secure Locations: Cold-call high-traffic spots; offer 20–30% commission.
- Comply & Operate: Get licenses ($100–$500); stock cash weekly; monitor via apps.
- Scale & Optimize: Add machines; use AaaS for efficiency; track via software (e.g., telematics for 20% cost savings).
Risks: Theft (insure for $25/month); low traffic (relocate if <100 transactions/month). Success tip: Start small, focus on 3–5 prime spots for $2,000–$3,000/month net.