How to Start an ATM Business in 2026: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re searching for a simple, scalable, and proven way to build cash flow, learning how to start an ATM business in 2026 should be at the top of your list. While many business models come and go, the ATM business continues to thrive because it fills a basic, ongoing need: access to cash.
Even in 2026, cash is far from obsolete. With bank branches continuing to shut down and more than 80 million underbanked Americans still relying on cash, ATM ownership remains a relevant and profitable opportunity. Low overhead, no employees, and predictable transaction-based income make this one of the most attractive side businesses—or full-time operations—available today.
This guide walks you through how to start an ATM business in 2026, step by step, using strategies that work in the current market.
Step 1: Set Up an LLC to Start an ATM Business in 2026
The first and most important step in how to start an ATM business in 2026 is establishing legitimacy. Location owners will not work with individuals who don’t appear professional or properly set up.
What you’ll need:
Form an LLC in your state
Select a registered agent
Create an operating agreement
Obtain an EIN
Estimated cost: $200–$300
Setting up an LLC allows you to:
Open a business bank account
Sign ATM processing agreements with an ISO
Deduct ATM purchases and expenses on your taxes
Access higher-quality, higher-traffic locations
If you’re serious about how to start an ATM business in 2026, this step is mandatory.
Step 2: Sign an ATM Processing Agreement With a Registered ISO
Another critical step in how to start an ATM business in 2026 is partnering with a registered ISO and processor. The processor connects your ATM to banking networks and ensures your surcharge fees are deposited correctly. Fortunately, if you are reading this post, we are a nationwide Registered ISO.
When starting out, expect to pay around a few dollars per month per ATM for processing out of surcharge income. As your fleet grows, your cost structure improves—many operators eventually earn 100% of the surcharge plus interchange, paying only a small per-transaction fee out of interchange. Earning 100% of the surcharge plus $.05 – $.20 cents extra on top of surcharge.
Your processor should offer:
Access to reliable processing networks (We use Switch Commerce, Columbus Data Services and their new AMP Portal)
EMV-compliant ATM support
Real-time transaction monitoring
Knowledgeable and Responsive support
Once approved, you’re cleared to place ATMs and begin generating revenue.
Step 3: Open a Business Bank Account
A dedicated business bank account is a core requirement when learning how to start an ATM business in 2026.
For beginners, one account is usually sufficient. Operators with 10+ machines often use:
One account for vault cash
One operating account for surcharge income and expenses
Bring the following to the bank:
LLC formation documents
EIN confirmation
ISO processing agreement
Check out our nationwide list of ATM Friendly Business Banks.
This account will be used for:
Receiving surcharge deposits
Funding ATM cash
Paying operating expenses
Tracking deductions for taxes
Keeping finances separate is essential when operating an ATM business in 2026.
Step 4: Buy the Right ATM Machine for Long-Term Profit
Equipment selection plays a huge role in how to start an ATM business in 2026 successfully. Cheap or outdated machines lead to breakdowns, downtime, and lost revenue.
Recommended ATM models:
These machines are:
EMV compliant
Cost-efficient
Reliable for high-traffic locations
Trusted places to buy:
Avoid used ATMs. Used machines tend to fail more often, require frequent repairs, and reduce long-term profitability. The only time you should buy used ATMs is if you are buying them from a reputable reseller. We recommend your Registered ISO. Expect used equipment to come with a warranty, and be about 20 – 50% the cost of a new ATM.
Step 5: Find High-Traffic Locations for Your ATM
Location quality is one of the biggest factors in how to start an ATM business in 2026 the right way.
Strong ATM locations include:
Grocery stores
Gas stations with convenience stores
Convenience stores
Many of these businesses already have ATMs—but that doesn’t mean opportunity is gone. Often, they:
Use outdated machines
Experience frequent cash outages
Deal with poorly managed providers
Simple traffic guideline:
100 customers per day = approximately 3–5 ATM withdrawals per day
Proven pitch:
“I place the ATM, maintain it, and handle cash. You receive 10–50% of the revenue.”
Example with a $3.50 surcharge:
Location receives $1.00
You keep $2.50
This no-cost, no-risk offer is why location owners agree so often.
Step 6: Install, Load, and Operate Your ATM
Once you secure a location, the final setup step in how to start an ATM business in 2026 is straightforward.
Place the ATM
Connect it to an internet modem (We recommend DPL Modems which cost $110 – $180)
Load the machine with cash (recommended starting amount: $3,000)
Set your surcharge fee
In 2026, most ATM owners charge $2.50–$3.50 per transaction, depending on competition and foot traffic.
Once live, your ATM operates 24/7, generating income without staff.
Step 7: Tax Deductions When Starting an ATM Business in 2026
One of the most overlooked advantages of learning how to start an ATM business in 2026 is tax efficiency.
ATM machines qualify as business equipment. Depending on your tax strategy:
You may depreciate the ATM over time
You may be able to deduct 100% of the ATMs cost in the year it’s placed into service
A single $3,000 ATM can meaningfully reduce taxable income.
Common ATM business write-offs:
ATM and wireless equipment purchases
Installation and setup costs
Monthly internet service
Processing fees
Repairs and maintenance
Mileage for servicing ATMs (approximately $0.70 per mile in 2026)
Revenue sharing paid to locations
Recordkeeping
Final Thoughts: Is Learning How to Start an ATM Business in 2026 Worth It?
100% if you do it correctly.
Success with how to start an ATM business in 2026 comes down to:
Proper business setup
Reliable equipment
Strong locations – This is the #1 most important part!
Smart cash and expense management
Start with 1–3 machines, reinvest profits, and scale at your own pace. For equipment, supplies, and guidance, rely on bestatmstore.com and bpsands.com, and focus on execution—not hype.
Final $.02. Avoid large ISOs that prioritize massive operators over small business owners. Last year one large ISO in particular got hit with a huge amount of targeted fraud and did not reimburse the ATM Owners. Another went out of business and ATMs ceased to operate. Do your own research.
Check out some featured retail ATMs so you can see first hand how much an actual ATM is:
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about adding an ATM to your store—or you want one from a team that’s been in the industry since 1998—we’re here to help.
We’ll walk you through:
- What to buy
- Where to place it
- How to set it up
- What it should earn
- And how to avoid every mistake new buyers make
Contact Us when you are ready to get started!
Whenever you’re ready, we’re only a call or message away.
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Peter Wilkenshoff
Peter Wilkenshoff is the President of Best Products Sales and Service Inc./ BestATMstore.com. With more than 20 years in the payments industry, he has made a career out of helping businesses get paid in the simplest and smartest ways possible. Cash, cards, mobile wallets or whatever futuristic payment gadget someone invents next week, he is here for it. He loves taking the stress out of money movement and turning complex processes into something anyone can understand. When he is not working he is usually fishing, building something around the house, out on a boat, surfing or planning the next family Disneyworld trip which sounds like a strange mix until you meet him and suddenly it all adds up.
Follow Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-wilkenshoff/
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