Buying the right ATM is half the game. The processor you choose decides your portal, uptime, and how much of each transaction you actually keep. Use this Q&A to compare fees and support, spot contract traps, and switch cleanly.
What is an ATM processing company?
An ATM processor routes your transactions to the card networks, settles funds, and gives you a portal for reports, alerts, and reprogramming. NationalLink provides processing, 24/7 monitoring, placements, cash logistics, and help desk, with 19,000+ ATMs under management. That means one partner for hardware, parts, and processing through ATMTrader.
Who is the largest ATM manufacturer?
Globally, Diebold Nixdorf and NCR are often cited among the largest manufacturers, with Nautilus Hyosung, Genmega, Triton, and others key in retail. Rankings vary by region and channel, so pick the brand that matches your use case and support plan.
What are the best ATM companies?
“Best” depends on what you need.
- For end-to-end operations: NationalLink handles processing, monitoring, service, and cash—ideal if you want one accountable team.
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For machines and parts with expert guidance: ATMTrader’s education hub and inventory make choosing and maintaining your fleet simpler. See setup and ownership guides.
Fee types you should compare (simple cheat sheet)
- Surcharge: the customer-paid fee at the ATM. You keep most or all, depending on your deal.
- Surcharge split: if a location or partner takes a share, make sure the split is explicit and paid on time.
- Interchange: paid by issuing banks via the networks. Understand how much of it flows to you.
- Processor fees: per-withdrawal or monthly portal fees. Ask for a one-page schedule that lists every fee.
- Network fees: small pass-throughs from networks.
- Junk fees to avoid: statement fees, PCI “extras,” or hidden deductions from interchange.
Tip: Request last month’s all-in effective rate in cents per transaction so you can compare apples to apples.
What to look for in the processor portal
- Real-time status and alerts so you fix issues before you lose withdrawals.
- Clean settlement reports and easy exports.
- Remote configuration and parameter downloads when models support it.
- User roles for your team and techs.
These reduce downtime and busywork. Remote monitoring and management are standard with top providers.
Support SLAs that actually matter
- 24/7 help desk with live humans.
- Response and fix targets spelled out in writing.
- Hardware and field service coordination when needed.
NationalLink advertises 24-hour monitoring and support to keep uptime high.
Contract traps to catch before you sign
- Auto-renew terms with long notice windows. Calendar the notice date on day one.
- Early termination fees that lock you in. Prefer month-to-month after the initial term.
- Hidden deductions from interchange or “portal” add-ons you never use. Demand a clean fee schedule.
Switching processors without downtime
- Pull statements and list each terminal’s model and TID.
- Check your current contract for end date and notice period. Avoid ETFs by following the process.
- Schedule reprogramming for each ATM. Most retail ATMs can be reprogrammed quickly with a tech or over the phone.
- Verify TLS-ready comms and confirm the processor profile per model.
Run live test transactions, then reconcile your first settlement file.
