How much does it cost to buy an ATM machine?

Mike Sullivan
Aug 11
3 min read

Short answer:

New retail ATM: typically $2,000–$8,000 (average around $3,000).
Used/refurbished: from $1,600–$1,900+ depending on condition and warranty.
High-end/ITM (video teller): about $60,000–$90,000.
Other costs: installation (~$350), software ($1,500–$2,500; $2,000–$4,000 with deposit automation), initial vault cash ($1,000–$4,000), and maintenance ($200–$300/year).

Purchase Price: What You’ll Pay for the Machine

Average new ATM: ~$3,000 for a modern, EMV-compliant retail unit.
Typical range (new): $2,000–$8,000 based on features (wireless, NFC/contactless, touchscreen, marketing screen), format (freestanding vs. built-in/through-the-wall), and brand.
Premium retail models: can exceed $10,000 with advanced security, deposit options, or media features.
Used vs. refurbished:
- Used: often $1,600–$1,800 when purchased as-is with limited warranty.
- Refurbished: generally $1,900+ with testing and a basic warranty.
ITMs (Interactive Teller Machines): $60,000–$90,000 for bank-grade functionality (video teller, account services).

Factors That Affect Price

Type: freestanding lobby units, through-the-wall, or drive-up models.
Features: deposit automation, contactless/tap, remote monitoring, on-screen ads, enhanced locks/cameras.
Compliance & security: EMV, ADA, encrypted PIN pads, anti-skimming hardware.
Condition: new vs. used/refurbished, plus warranty length and service level.

Additional One-Time & Ongoing Costs

Cost Item	Typical Cost	Notes
Professional installation	~$350	Mounting, anchoring, and basic programming (some owners DIY).
Software/licenses	$1,500–$2,500	Retail ATMs; $2,000–$4,000 if deposit automation is enabled.
Initial vault cash	$1,000–$4,000	Funds you load to start. Amount scales with traffic.
Maintenance & supplies	$200–$300/year	Paper, minor repairs; major parts are extra if out of warranty.

Total first-year outlay (typical retail ATM):$3,000–$8,000 (machine) + $350 (install) + $1,500–$2,500 (software) + $1,000–$4,000 (initial cash you get back as transactions occur) + $200–$300 (maintenance).

Buy vs. Lease vs. Placement

Option	Upfront Cost	Monthly Cost	Who Supplies Cash?	Best For
Buy	Highest (you own the asset)	Lowest	You (or armored service)	High traffic, maximum revenue retention
Lease	Low–moderate	Recurring payment	Usually you	Preserve capital; predictable expense
Free Placement Program	$0 for hardware	Revenue share	Often provider	Lower traffic or “hands-off” preference

Not sure which model fits your location? United Cash Systems can size the machine, features, and service plan to your exact foot traffic.

Simple ROI Example

Surcharge: $3.00
Transactions/month: 200
Gross surcharge revenue: 200 × $3.00 = $600/month
Net: After processing/provider fees, most owners retain the majority of the surcharge; exact splits depend on your processing agreement and whether you buy, lease, or use placement.
Payback window: Many owners target 6–18 months for a purchased retail ATM, depending on traffic and fees.

(We’ll run a custom ROI for your location so you know exactly what to expect.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying a used ATM worth it?Yes—if the unit is EMV-compliant, supports current security standards, and includes a dependable warranty. Refurbished units (from ~$1,900+) often offer the best risk/reward.

How much cash do I need to keep in the ATM?Start with $1,000–$4,000. Busy locations may need more to avoid frequent cash loads.

Can I install the ATM myself?Many owners do. For convenience and compliance, professional installation (~$350) is recommended—especially for through-the-wall or drive-up units.

What about software costs? Plan $1,500–$2,500 for standard retail ATM software/licensing; $2,000–$4,000 with deposit automation.

What ongoing expenses should I expect? Budget $200–$300/year for receipt paper and minor maintenance. Processing and communication fees vary by provider and connectivity option.

Are ITMs worth it for non-banks? Typically no—ITMs are $60,000–$90,000 and are designed for full banking functions. Most retailers choose standard retail ATMs.

Why United Cash Systems

Tailored options: new, refurbished, lease, or free placement.
Turnkey setup: sourcing, install, programming, processing, and training.
Local support: responsive service to keep your ATM online and earning.
Transparent ROI: we’ll model transactions, fees, and payback before you commit.

Get a Custom Quote

Ready to compare buy vs. lease vs. placement for your location? Contact United Cash Systems for pricing, ROI modeling, and the right machine spec for your foot traffic.