Local ATM placement route

Customers pay a surcharge fee when they withdraw cash. The business owner usually gets a share of that fee for hosting the machine.

A fee on each transaction, minus the processor's cut, the host's share and your cash costs. More machines in busier places means more fees.

• Approaching business owners and negotiating simple deals
• Careful with cash and record keeping
• Basic troubleshooting and a reliable schedule for refills

• Insurance for theft, vandalism and cash on hand, plus general liability
• Check your state and city for any registration or licensing for ATM operators, and any limits on surcharge fees
• Machines must meet accessibility (ADA) and card security (EMV) requirements, so confirm with your processor
• Theft and personal safety when carrying cash; vary your schedule and consider a cash logistics service
• Read placement contracts carefully, including length, who owns the machine and how removal works
• Slow locations may not cover their costs, so test foot traffic before you commit

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the machines you buy and how many you place. Test foot traffic first, since slow locations may not cover their costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $400 to $2,000, depending on your locations and how many machines you run. Business owners usually get a share of the surcharge fee, so check your deal terms.

Check your state and city for any ATM operator registration or licensing and limits on surcharge fees, plus ADA and EMV requirements with your processor. Also check insurance for theft and cash on hand, and read placement contracts carefully.