Tariffs raised the cost of ATM hardware in 2025, and the rules changed again three times in 2026. For an operator, the question is not whether tariffs exist but how much they move the numbers that matter: what a machine costs, how fast it pays for itself, what parts cost when something breaks, and when to add the next machine.
The short answer: tariffs add to the purchase price and to imported parts, but location volume still decides whether an ATM makes money. A machine in a busy, cash-heavy location pays back a tariff-driven price increase in weeks. A machine in a weak location struggles at any price. New to the industry? Start with our guide to starting an ATM business for the full steps, then use this page to plan costs.
Quick answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are there tariffs on ATMs in 2026? | Yes. Since 24 July 2026, most imported machines and parts pay Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% depending on the country of origin, on top of older duties that still apply |
| Is an ATM business still profitable with tariffs? | Yes, in strong locations. A higher machine price stretches payback by weeks, while a weak location stretches it by months |
| What costs do tariffs touch? | The machine, imported replacement parts, and steel cabinets and safes |
| How do operators offset tariffs? | Buy from US inventory, check the country of origin, consider refurbished units, budget for parts, and pick locations by volume |
What changed with tariffs in 2026
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | Broad IEEPA "reciprocal" tariffs start on most imports, and ATM hardware prices rise |
| 20 February 2026 | The Supreme Court rules that IEEPA does not allow tariffs; IEEPA duties end on 24 February |
| 24 February to 23 July 2026 | A temporary global surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act replaces them, limited by law to 150 days |
| 24 July 2026 | Section 301 forced-labor tariffs take over: 10% or 12.5% depending on the country, covering about 60 economies |
| Ongoing | China-specific Section 301 tariffs and Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum stay in place; the new Section 301 tariffs face court challenges |
Each change applies to goods entering the US from its effective date. Machines already in US inventory keep the cost they were imported at, which is why in-stock prices move in steps rather than every time the news changes.
Where tariffs hit ATM business costs
An ATM business carries tariff exposure in four places:
- The machine. Duty depends on the country where the machine was made, so check the country of origin on the spec sheet when comparing quotes.
- Steel cabinets and safes. Steel products can fall under Section 232 metal tariffs, which the Supreme Court ruling did not touch.
- Electronics. Card readers, PIN pads, boards and displays often come from Asian suppliers and pay the rate of their origin country, with higher China-specific rates where they apply.
- Replacement parts. Dispensers, cassettes and printers pay duties on each import, so parts costs react to tariff changes faster than machine prices. For an operator with several machines, parts are the tariff cost that keeps coming back.
How tariffs change the payback on one ATM
Location volume moves payback far more than tariffs do. The example below uses round numbers to show the scale. Plug in your own surcharge, processing costs and expected withdrawals.
| Scenario | Machine price | Net income per month | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Busy location, pre-tariff price | $3,000 | $750 (300 withdrawals at $2.50 net) | 4.0 months |
| Busy location, 10% higher price | $3,300 | $750 | 4.4 months |
| Weak location, 10% higher price | $3,300 | $250 (100 withdrawals at $2.50 net) | 13.2 months |
A 10% tariff-driven price increase adds about two weeks to payback at a busy location. Moving the same machine to a location with a third of the traffic adds nine months. Spend your planning time on the location. Our guide to placing an ATM where it pays covers how to judge a site.
Surcharges and location deals when costs rise
Higher hardware costs tempt operators to raise surcharges or cut the revenue share offered to host locations. Both moves carry risk. A surcharge above what nearby ATMs charge pushes customers to the next machine, and a lower revenue share loses the best locations to competitors.
A safer approach:
- Keep the surcharge in line with the area. Most operators charge $2.50 to $4.00 per withdrawal.
- Protect premium locations. A strong site is worth a competitive revenue share, because volume, not margin per withdrawal, recovers a higher machine price.
- Review numbers per machine every quarter. Move or retire machines that stay below your payback target.
Budgeting for parts and repairs under tariffs
Imported parts carry tariffs on every shipment, so a broken dispenser or card reader costs more to fix than it did before 2025. Plan for it:
- Set a yearly parts budget per machine and review it when tariff rates change.
- Keep common consumables on hand, such as receipt paper, to avoid rush orders.
- Repair instead of replacing where possible. ATMTrader's mail-in ATM repair service handles common hardware faults, including dispensers, card readers and printers.
Sourcing strategy for ATM operators in 2026
- Buy from US inventory. In-stock machines have already cleared customs, so later tariff changes do not affect their cost.
- Compare by country of origin. Two machines with similar specs can carry different duties.
- Consider refurbished units. A refurbished ATM that is EMV and ADA compliant avoids new import duties on the machine. Confirm parts availability for the model before buying.
- Ask about multi-unit pricing when adding several machines at once.
- Avoid waiting for tariffs to disappear. In 2026, every ruling that removed one tariff was followed by a replacement within days.
Growing an ATM fleet while tariffs stay in place
Tariffs reward operators who grow from proven numbers. Add a machine when an existing one has paid back and the next location shows clear cash demand, not on a fixed schedule. Fund expansion from machine profits where possible, and keep a reserve for parts so one breakdown does not stall growth. For the steps of buying and installing each new unit, see our guide to buying and setting up an ATM.
ATM business and tariffs FAQ
Is an ATM business still profitable with tariffs in 2026?
Yes, in strong locations. Tariffs raise the purchase price and parts costs, but at a busy, cash-heavy location a 10% higher machine price adds only weeks to payback.
How much do tariffs add to the cost of an ATM?
It depends on the country of origin and the components. Since 24 July 2026, most imports pay Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5%, plus older steel and China-specific duties where they apply. Machines already in US inventory keep the cost they were imported at.
Did the Supreme Court end tariffs on ATMs?
It ended the IEEPA tariffs on 20 February 2026. A temporary Section 122 surcharge replaced them until 23 July, and Section 301 tariffs replaced that on 24 July.
Do tariffs affect ATM repair and parts costs?
Yes. Imported parts pay duties on each shipment, so repair costs rise when tariffs rise. Repairing parts instead of replacing them limits the impact.
Should I wait for tariffs to drop before buying an ATM?
Waiting carries its own cost, since an empty location earns nothing. In 2026, each removed tariff was replaced within days. Buying from US inventory gives a fixed price today.
Are refurbished ATMs a good option because of tariffs?
They can be. Refurbished units already in the US avoid new import duties on the machine, but confirm EMV and ADA compliance and parts availability first.
Plan your next machine with ATMTrader
Tariffs make sourcing and timing part of every ATM business decision. ATMTrader sells new Genmega and Nautilus Hyosung machines from US inventory, along with refurbished units, parts, wireless connectivity and mail-in repair service. Browse the ATM machines collection for current prices, or call (855) 286-2286, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:45 PM PST.