ATM Route
Your machines dispense cash — and collect fees
ATM route businesses place automated teller machines in convenience stores, bars, restaurants, and other high-traffic locations. Revenue comes from surcharge fees collected on each transaction. The model is passive between cash-loading visits and scales by adding more machines to the route.
Avg Revenue
$40K
Profit Margin
57%
Acquisition Multiple
1.5x - 2x
Startup Cost
$5K - $30K
Difficulty
1/5
How It Works
Place ATM machines in locations where people need cash (bars, restaurants, convenience stores). You own the machine and load it with your own cash. When someone withdraws, they pay a surcharge fee ($2.50-$3.50 typically). You keep most of the surcharge, minus a small processor fee. Cash is recycled as the float returns to your bank account.
Revenue Range
Real Acquisitions in This Category
SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 522320 · Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activiti
Deal Size Distribution
Deal Flow Over Time
Financing Profile
Recent Comparable Deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal | Jobs | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | AZ | $119K | $140K | 2 | — |
| Apr 2025 | CO | $707K | $832K | 2 | — |
| Mar 2025 | OH | $1.2M | $1.4M | 4 | — |
| Jan 2025 | OH | $3.2M | $3.8M | 15 | — |
| Jun 2024 | WI | $20K | $24K | — | — |
| Jun 2024 | WI | $1.2M | $1.4M | — | — |
| Jun 2024 | NJ | $1.4M | $1.6M | 3 | — |
| May 2023 | NC | $510K | $600K | 3 | — |
| Jun 2022 | IL | $1.7M | $2.0M | 2 | — |
| Apr 2021 | WA | $280K | $329K | 2 | — |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Pros
- +Very high margins — surcharges are mostly profit
- +Passive income between cash-loading visits
- +Low startup cost per machine ($2K-$5K each)
- +Simple business model with minimal moving parts
Cons
- -Cash handling creates security risks
- -Declining cash usage in some markets
- -Must maintain cash float in each machine
Best For
Passive income seekers comfortable with cash handling logistics
Operating Costs
Processing fees per transaction, vault cash opportunity cost, machine maintenance, insurance, and fuel for route visits.
SBA Financing Estimator
Adjust the deal — see if it cash flows after debt service
Estimates only. Excludes owner compensation, capex, working capital draws, and taxes. Margin assumes average occupancy and volume. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
Where to Buy
Find ATM routes and businesses for sale
Browse ATM route acquisition opportunities
Acquisition Score
Scores margin (30), entry multiple (25), SBA market depth (20), category risk (15), and deal momentum (10). Higher = better acquisition candidate.
Quick Facts
- Category
- route
- Difficulty
- 1/5
- Buy price
- $60K–$80K
Buyer's Toolkit
Essential tools to get started
Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend tools we'd use ourselves.
Ready to Buy? Start Here →
Largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US
SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
ROBS financing — use retirement funds to buy a business tax-free
Bookkeeping for small business owners — hands-off financials
Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend tools we'd use ourselves.
Get the full breakdown in your inbox
Weekly boring business breakdowns
Get notified when high-margin businesses hit the market