How Can You Use ATMs to Capture Holiday and Event Traffic?

Why do I need a holiday and event plan for my ATMs?

Holidays and events change where people go and how they use cash. A short plan helps you avoid empty machines, long lines, and missed surcharge income when traffic spikes.
If you want help sketching a simple ATM holiday plan for your route, contact ATMTrader and our team can walk your locations with you.

How do holidays change ATM traffic at my locations?

You will often see sharp peaks near malls, nightlife, markets, festivals, and tourist spots. A machine that is fine with weekly refills in October may need visits every few days in late December or over New Year’s.

Unsure which sites are likely to spike, share your recent reports with ATMTrader and we can help flag your high-risk, high-opportunity locations.

How much extra cash should I load for busy periods?

Look at last year’s December or event data if you have it. Use the higher daily withdrawal number, shorten your refill window, and add a small buffer for weekends or paydays. It is better to reload a bit more often than to run dry on a peak night.

If you want help turning old transactions into a simple cash plan, contact ATMTrader and we can help you build a quick forecast.

Can temporary or pop-up ATMs help during events?

Yes. Extra or pop-up ATMs work well at markets, concerts, festivals, and holiday pop-ups. You can place a unit close to ticketing, bars, or food areas for the event period, then redeploy it later.

You can check on our Place the ATM where it Pays blog.

Should I adjust my surcharge for holiday or event traffic?

Busy periods can be a good time to test small, careful surcharge changes at strong locations. Make only one change at a time and watch cancel rate and withdrawals closely. If cancels spike, you can roll the fee back after the event.

What is a simple holiday and event checklist for my ATMs?

Keep one quick checklist for each key site. Include cash level and refill schedule, any surcharge test you plan, whether you need a temporary ATM, who is on call on weekends or nights, and whether you have spare paper and basic parts on hand. Review this before each big weekend or event.

How can ATMTrader help me get ready for seasonal traffic?

ATMTrader can help you match cash levels, placements, and extra hardware to your busy season. We can look at your route, highlight where a move or extra unit might pay off, and suggest parts and supplies that keep machines running when you need them most.
Getting ready for December, New Year’s, or local festivals, contact ATMTrader and we will help you build a clear, practical holiday playbook for your ATMs.