Cash is not gone. ATMs still earn, even with higher import tariffs this year. This guide shows where to place a machine, what it really costs, how to keep uptime high, and when refurbished units or U.S. inventory make sense.
Why ATMs Still Work
- Cash has not vanished. In 2025, many small payments still use cash. ATMs can create passive income from each withdrawal. Typical surcharges are $2.50 to $4.00. Daily work is light once a machine is set up.
What changed in 2025: tariffs. Hardware costs rose. Owners now focus on smarter buying, strong locations, and tight margins.
Tariffs: What to Know
Tariffs that began in April 2025 pushed prices up fast.
- A basic unit that sold for ~$2,400 in early 2024 now often costs $2,700–$3,100.
- Main drivers:
Steel vaults: about 10% global tariff
Display panels from Korea: about 25%
Electronics from China: about 54% (card readers and security parts)
Ways to offset the hit:
- Refurbished units or parts: often 20–30% less, still EMV and ADA compliant.
- Buy from U.S. inventory: some suppliers stocked pre-tariff units.
- Less competition for prime spots: higher costs deter weak entrants.
Where Cash Still Wins
Cash use stays strong in a few places and groups.
- Cannabis dispensaries: card limits push cash use.
- Nightlife: steady withdrawals for cover fees and tips.
- Laundromats and car washes: cash is normal.
- Budgeting users and unbanked areas: cash is practical.
Location Strategy
The right spot matters more in a tariff year.
Great locations share:
- High foot traffic
- Longer hours or late nights
- A reason to keep cash on site
- Safe and visible placement
Typical revenue share: 25–35% to win premium sites. It is higher than the old 20%, but worth it if volume jumps.
Pro tip: dispensaries, laundromats, and 24-hour c-stores usually beat office lobbies and low-traffic retail.
Read: Place ATM where it Pays
Operations That Keep You Winning
Cash on hand and small routines keep uptime high.
Cash & services
- $3,000–$5,000 float per machine is common.
- Armored service for high volume: about $150–$300/month.
Simple maintenance rhythm
- Weekly: clean card reader.
- Monthly: replace receipt paper.
- Quarterly: software updates via your processor.
- Always: document steps with a checklist for anyone on your team.
Strategic Planning
While the ATM industry faces uncertainties, smart operators can prepare for these key developments:
1. Tariff Scenarios
The tariff landscape may shift dramatically by 2026. Political changes could lead to reductions, potentially lowering equipment costs but increasing competition. If tariffs remain, expect manufacturers to fully adapt their supply chains, leading to price stabilization. Stay informed through trade publications and supplier networks to anticipate changes.
2. Economic Conditions
Economists project modest inflation (2-3%) and steady growth through 2026. For ATM operators, this means:
- Budgeting for 3-5% annual cost increases
- Monitoring cash usage patterns that may fluctuate with economic pressures
- Maintaining flexibility to adjust surcharge fees if needed
3. Cash Usage Trends
Cash has likely found its floor at 10-12% of transactions. While digital payments continue growing, cash maintains strongholds in:
- Cash-only businesses
- Budget-conscious households
-
Communities with limited banking access
Operators should focus on these resilient segments.
4. Technology Transitions
Prepare for essential upgrades:
- PCI 6.0 compliance by the beginning of 2026
- Windows 11 migration before the end of 2026
- Potential adoption of contactless features
5. Scaling Strategies
The challenges of 2025 create opportunities for disciplined operators:
- Reinvest profits into strategic expansions
- Leverage established vendor relationships
-
Apply hard-won operational efficiencies
Many successful operators grow from 1-2 machines to full fleets within 3 years.
Your Edge With ATMTrader
- Lower cost exposure: U.S. inventory helps avoid steep import fees on readers, screens, and modules.
- Bulk pricing: better per-unit cost as you scale.
- 24/7 support: faster fixes for surcharge setup, wireless, and EMV.
- Fewer truck rolls: many issues resolved remotely.
Building Through Disruption
Tariffs have raised the bar. Succeeding in 2025 means tighter cost control, smarter site selection, and cleaner operations. But the core remains: recurring income, scalable growth, and a service people still use.
For those ready to adapt, disruption creates leverage. Tariffs filter out the unprepared—leaving room for focused operators to win.
Next Steps
- Compare ROI of refurbished vs. new units
- Scout 2–3 high-traffic, cash-reliant locations
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Contact ATMTrader for tailored guidance: (855) 286-2286 or ATMTrader.com
