Honest cost breakdowns, brand comparisons, transaction benchmarks, and step-by-step business advice, built for anyone entering the ATM industry in 2026.
Estimates only — actual results vary by location & processor.
Every week, thousands of people search for an ATM for sale believing it is a simple path to passive income. The reality is more nuanced. Most first-time buyers struggle, not because ATMs don't work, but because they choose the wrong machine, place it in the wrong location, and rely on numbers that were never realistic.
This guide walks you through exactly what to check, ask, and verify before spending a single dollar.
Read the Full Guide| Monthly Transactions | Performance | Est. Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Under 150 / month | Poor Location | $225 – $375 |
| 180 – 220 / month | Marginal | $270 – $550 |
| 250 – 300 / month | Solid | $375 – $750 |
| 400 or more / month | Excellent | $600 – $1,200 |
Three brands dominate the US independent ATM market. The wrong choice costs you in repair bills, downtime, and poor resale value at year five. We compared every metric so you don't have to guess.
New, used, or refurbished: Genmega, Hyosung, NCR, and more. Need a specific replacement part? We handle that too. Submit your request and let verified dealers compete for your business.
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If you are new to the ATM industry, these are the questions that come up most, answered clearly and honestly, without the sales pitch.
A used ATM typically starts around $1,500 to $2,500. New machines generally range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. Beyond the machine itself, plan for ongoing costs including cash loading, processing fees of $15 to $25 per month, and periodic maintenance. Never budget for the machine price alone.
Under 150 transactions per month typically indicates a poor location. A solid location produces 250 to 300 transactions per month. At a $2.50 surcharge and 300 monthly transactions that is $750 in gross revenue, minus processing fees and cash costs. A location with 400 or more transactions per month is excellent.
Genmega and Hyosung (also sold under the Nautilus brand) are the two most reliable options for beginners. Both are widely supported across the USA, straightforward to service, and have readily available parts. Avoid less common brands that may be difficult to get technical support for.
It can be, but routes are often bundled in ways that make the average look better than the reality. Always evaluate each individual machine separately. Ask for at least three to six months of real transaction reports per machine, not a blended average for the whole route.
There is no single federal ATM license. However, some states require operators to register as a money services business. You will also need to meet ADA accessibility requirements, PCI DSS security standards, and comply with the rules set by your processing company.