Automated Teller Machines, better known as ATMs, are everywhere in every country, and you can find them at every street corner or banking center in malls. People use ATMs frequently for their daily transactions, such as withdrawing money, checking account balances, and depositing checks.
But have you ever wondered how much money an ATM makes per month? Generally, an ATM in a retail business makes around $450-$750 per month. Also, how much an ATM machine makes depends on several factors, including its location ATM, the number of transactions per day, transaction fee, and the cost of rent.
Maybe you have thought about opening an ATM business yourself or investing in one. Read on to find out. You might also enjoy reading: 15 best online business ideas for beginners and how you can get started.
Understand How An ATM Operates
An ATM is a computerized kiosk that provides basic financial services. The machine is owned, maintained, and stocked with cash by an ATM vendor or an individual. (Investopedia)When a cardholder requests an action, the ATM vendor charges a fee, typically between $1 to $5, per transaction. The fee charged is an ATM’s main source of income.
I encourage you to watch the video below to learn how ATMs work.
Factors Affecting How Much an ATM Machine Makes
When done right, ATM machines can be a profitable business; however, it is essential to be aware of things that can affect your potential earning in this business.
Here are the main factors that can affect how much an ATM machine makes.
1- Location, Location, Location!
When it comes to ATM placement, location really is everything. ATMs located in high-foot-traffic areas are more likely to generate high transaction volumes and, as a result, make more money than those located in low-foot-traffic areas.
For example, an ATM placed in a busy shopping mall or tourist attraction is likely to be used more frequently than one situated in a small town with low foot traffic.
Remember that the location of the ATM plays a critical role in the revenue it generates. An ATM placed in high-traffic areas is likely to make more money than the one placed in low-traffic areas. For example, restaurants, malls, hospitals, universities, and airports are among the best locations for ATMs where the footfall is high.
2- ATM Fees
Another factor that heavily influences an ATM’s monthly earnings is the fees charged per transaction. The average fee for withdrawing money from an ATM in the US is between $2.00 and $3.50.
Depending on the location and convenience of the machine, the fees may be higher or lower. Typically, higher fees mean more revenue for the ATM owner. It is also worth noting that many ATM owners may also receive a percentage of the fees charged by the bank that owns the ATM.
3- Maintenance Costs
While ATMs can be a lucrative investment, it’s important not to forget about the maintenance costs associated with the machines, which include the cost of repairs, insurance, and routine maintenance such as cash replenishment and paper roll replacement.
Depending on the age and condition of the machine, these costs can add up quickly and may affect the profitability of the ATM.
4- Type of Business
The type of business where an ATM is placed can also influence how much money it makes. Generally, ATMs in locations such as convenience stores, gas stations, and casinos may make more money because their customers are more likely to need cash on hand.
In addition, businesses that are located in areas with limited banking options are likely to see higher demand for their ATM services.
5- Transaction Volume
Also, the number of transactions processed by an ATM is a key contributor to its monthly earnings. Higher transaction volumes mean more revenue for the ATM owner, so it’s important to ensure that the machine is always well-stocked with cash and operational.
There are even some businesses that will pay to have an ATM placed in their location simply because it attracts more customers and generates more revenue.
6- Transaction Fee
In addition to the transaction fee, some vendors earn extra money by implementing an Interchange fee in ATMs. Interchange fees are charged by the cardholders’ banks to the cardholders for using another bank’s card. Interchange fees are the percentage of the transaction value, typically 1% to 2%.
When a customer uses an ATM that is not from their bank, they are charged an additional fee of typically $0.25 to $0.50 per transaction. The Interchange fee adds to the ATM’s monthly earnings.
7- Operating Costs
Typically, the cost of operating an ATM is minimal. ATMs require electricity and internet connectivity to function. The maintenance cost includes regular cash refills, hardware repairs, and software updates. Typically, the ATM vendor covers all maintenance fees.
If you own an ATM machine, you are responsible for all running costs, including the repair, maintenance, and filling of the cash.
How Much Does an ATM Make Per Month?
Generally, most off-site ATMs report monthly earnings of $2500 to $4000, and on-site ATMs report between $200 to $400 per month. However, the earnings of an ATM depend on factors such as location, the number of transactions, and the number of cardholders interested in using the ATM.
With the additional revenue of interchange fees, the profit margins increase. ATMs generate income through transaction fees and interchange fees. The location of the ATM determines how much revenue it generates.
ATMs placed in high-traffic areas are likely to earn more than those placed in low-traffic areas. The cost of running an ATM is minimal compared to the potential earnings.
Wrapping Up
The amount of money an ATM can make per month varies widely depending on a number of factors, including its location, the fees charged per transaction, maintenance costs, the type of business where it is placed, and transaction volume.
ATMs can be a potentially lucrative investment, but I encourage you to do thorough research before making a decision. And if possible, I recommend you consider speaking with ATM owners in your area to gain insight into their experiences and to determine which factors will be most important to your specific business.
With careful planning, I also believe that an ATM can be a reliable source of passive income for many years to come.