If you're getting into the ATM business, one of the first questions is simple: Buy or lease? This quick Q&A breaks it down, so you can make the smart call and keep more of what you earn.
Whatās the difference between buying and leasing an ATM?
Buying an ATM machine means you own the equipment outright. You keep 100% of the surcharge profits, choose your processor, and control how and where the machine is used. Leasing, on the other hand, typically involves revenue sharing, contracts, and less flexibility. Youāre paying to use someone elseās machine and when the contract ends, you walk away with nothing.
At ATMTrader, we specialize in helping business owners and operators take full control by purchasing high-quality ATMs without long-term restrictions.
Is buying more profitable than leasing?
Yes, and by a wide margin. If you own the ATM, you collect the full surcharge on every transaction. Letās say your ATM handles 300 transactions per month with a $3 surcharge. Thatās $900/month in gross revenue. If you lease, you might only keep 50ā60% of that, and still be responsible for other costs.
Buying through ATMTrader means you own your profits, not just a portion of them.
What are the downsides of leasing an ATM?
Leasing might seem like a lower-risk option, but it usually comes with:
- Profit sharing
- Multi-year contracts
- Limited flexibility (canāt move or resell the machine)
- Possible early termination fees
And at the end of the lease, you still donāt own the machine. Thatās why operators who want to grow long-term typically choose to buy from the start, and ATMTrader makes that process simple.
What if Iām just getting started in the ATM business?
Even if youāre new, buying can still be the smarter move. One well-placed machine can pay for itself in 6ā12 months. Entry-level models are affordable, and owning gives you room to learn, adjust, and scale without being tied to someone elseās terms.
ATMTrader offers cost-effective options for first-time buyers, along with expert guidance on setup, processing, and service.
Can I scale faster if I own my machines?
Yes. Ownership means higher margins and fewer limitations. That gives you more profit to reinvest, more control over placement, and more leverage as you expand your network.
Many of our customers at ATMTrader start with one or two units and grow into multi-location operators, because they chose to invest in ownership early.
Can I sell or relocate my ATM if I own it?
Absolutely. When you own the ATM, you have the flexibility to move it, sell it, or negotiate new placement agreements anytime. Leasing limits those options and often includes location lock-in clauses.
ATMTrader customers regularly reposition underperforming machines to maximize returns because they have full control.
Whatās the bottom line?
If youāre serious about earning from ATMs and building a scalable, passive-income business, buying is the smart play. Leasing might seem easier in the short term, but it limits your profits, flexibility, and growth.
ATMTrader helps operators at every stage whether youāre launching your first machine or expanding to multiple sites. When you own your ATMs, you own the business.
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