Start your ATM business in 2026 with equipment, contracts, processing setup, and nationwide support.
Want to become an ATM owner operator? This business model is simple: you buy ATM machines, place them in high-traffic locations, and earn a surcharge on every cash withdrawal. As a result, it's a proven way to generate passive income when done correctly.
Based in Arizona, Fort Yuma ATM now supports ATM owner operators across all 50 states. In addition to EMV-compliant equipment from trusted brands like Hyosung, we provide processing guidance, location contracts, and access to a private community of working operators.
The business model explained in simple terms
Simply put, an ATM owner operator is someone who owns ATM machines and operates them as a business. Unlike ATM placement programs where a company owns the machine and pays you a small commission, an owner operator keeps 100% of the surcharge revenue.
Here's how the ATM owner operator model works: first, you purchase an EMV-compliant ATM from manufacturers like Hyosung or Genmega. Next, you negotiate placement in a cash-heavy business, load the machine with your own cash, and collect surcharge fees every time someone withdraws money.
In 2026, this remains one of the most accessible cash-flow businesses to start. Because startup costs are low and the business model is proven, demand for cash access continues in bars, convenience stores, dispensaries, and similar locations.
| Owner Operator | Placement | |
|---|---|---|
| You Own the ATM | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Keep 100% Surcharge | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Build Sellable Asset | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Upfront Investment | $5K-$7K | $0 |
The opportunity is real—here's why operators are starting now
Once your ATM is placed and running, it generates income 24/7. As a result, ATM owner operators typically visit machines just 1-2 times per week to load cash—the rest is automated.
You can start with one machine, learn the operations, then scale from there. In fact, many ATM owner operators build routes of 5-20+ machines generating substantial monthly cash flow.
Interestingly, ATM routes sell for 20-30x monthly net profit. For example, an ATM owner operator with $3,000/month profit has a route worth $60,000-$90,000.
Cash isn't going away. In particular, dispensaries, bars, convenience stores, and cash-only businesses still need ATMs. Therefore, smart ATM owner operators who secure locations now lock in long-term placement agreements before competition increases.
Real numbers for a real business
As an ATM owner operator, you earn a surcharge on every cash withdrawal. Typically, surcharges range from $3.00 to $4.50 depending on location type and market. Moreover, you keep 100% of this surcharge minus a small processing fee (usually $0.25-$0.30 per transaction).
Ultimately, your profit depends on location traffic. For example, a single well-placed ATM doing 300 transactions per month can generate $800-$1,000+ in monthly profit. If you scale to 5 machines, you're looking at $4,000-$5,000/month.
| Surcharge Fee | $3.50 |
| Transactions per Month | x 300 |
| Gross Revenue | $1,050.00 |
| Less: Processing & Expenses | - $130.00 |
| Net Monthly Profit | $920.00 |
* Results vary by location. See disclaimer below.
Four steps from zero to operating your first ATM
First, ATM processors require a registered business entity. Therefore, form an LLC in your state and open an ATM-friendly business bank account. We provide guidance on banks that work well with ATM owner operators.
Next, buy a new Hyosung or Genmega machine ($2,795-$3,500). It's important to avoid used ATMs—compliance standards change and upgrades can cost more than a new machine. Instead, we provide fully programmed, ready-to-deploy equipment.
After that, use our proven scripts and contracts to pitch business owners. Target cash-heavy locations such as bars, dispensaries, convenience stores, and laundromats. Additionally, we provide professional location agreements.
Finally, bolt down the ATM, load $2,000-$3,000 in cash, and you're in business. Visit 1-2 times per week to reload, and your surcharge revenue deposits directly to your bank account.
Where ATMs perform best in 2026
For ATM owner operators, the rule is simple: traffic + cash demand = profit. Essentially, you want locations where people need cash right now and don't want to leave to find an ATM.
In 2026, the best locations for ATM owner operators are cash-heavy businesses that see consistent foot traffic. For instance, dispensaries remain exceptional because cannabis is still largely cash-only. Similarly, bars and nightclubs perform well because people need cash for tips, cover charges, and drinks.
We're not just selling equipment—we help you build a business
Unfortunately, many new ATM owner operators buy cheap equipment online and discover it's unprogrammed, missing parts, not EMV-compliant, or has zero tech support when something breaks. As a result, they're stuck with a paperweight.
In contrast, we set you up to succeed as an ATM owner operator. Specifically, you get EMV-compliant equipment that's fully programmed, processing connections, professional location contracts, and access to real operators who've built routes.
Join the CommunityConnect with working operators, get scripts and contracts, and start your ATM business in 2026.
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Common questions from new and aspiring ATM owner operators
Yes—no exceptions. ATM processors and banks require a registered business entity due to liability and compliance requirements. This applies in all 50 states. Additionally, we provide guidance on LLC formation and ATM-friendly banks.
Plan for $5,000-$7,500 total to start. This includes the ATM ($2,795-$3,500), initial cash load ($2,000-$3,000), and LLC formation ($100-$500). Furthermore, processing setup is free when you work with us.
We advise against it. Compliance standards change frequently, so a cheap used ATM often costs more to upgrade than a new one. Instead, new machines come with warranties, current compliance, and reliable support.
Start with $2,000-$3,000 in $20 bills. As customers withdraw cash, it deposits to your bank account. Then, you reload the machine and recycle the same capital. Consequently, most ATM owner operators don't need more than $3,000 per machine.
A single well-placed ATM typically generates $800-$1,000+ per month in net profit. Therefore, if you scale to 5 machines, you're looking at $4,000-$5,000/month. However, results vary based on location traffic and surcharge amount.
No. Although Fort Yuma ATM started in Arizona, we help ATM owner operators across all 50 states. In fact, our community includes operators from coast to coast, and we ship equipment nationwide.
Once your LLC and bank account are open, we can have a machine shipped and programmed in about 10-14 days anywhere in the continental US. As a result, many new ATM owner operators are earning within 3 weeks of starting.
Yes—ATM routes are valuable assets. Typically, routes sell for 20-30x monthly net profit. For example, an ATM owner operator earning $3,000/month has a route worth $60,000-$90,000. Moreover, we can help broker route sales.
