Most ATM companies will promise the same things on the phone: free machine, great service, no hassle. The difference shows up six months later, on a Saturday night, when the screen says “temporarily unable to dispense.” These ten questions help you tell the difference before you sign.
1. Who loads the cash — and how do you decide when?
You want a clear answer: they do, on a schedule tied to your busiest days, with remote monitoring that triggers an extra load before the machine runs out. “Once a week” isn’t a plan for a bar on a holiday weekend.
2. What happens when it breaks at 11pm?
Ask two separate questions: when can you reach someone (a 24/7 support line), and when will someone arrive (dispatch and on-site response times for your area). They’re different promises.
3. Is there any cost to me, now or later?
Look for monthly fees, service plans, equipment leases, early-termination fees and minimum-volume penalties. Some can be fair value; the point is to know exactly what you’ll pay and when.
4. Is there a minimum transaction volume?
Some providers pull a machine — or charge you — if it doesn’t hit a number. Ask directly and get the answer in writing.
5. Whose cash is in the machine, and who’s liable?
In full-service placement, the cash belongs to the ATM company and so does responsibility for shortages, errors and theft.
6. What machine will I get?
Established manufacturers like Hyosung and Genmega mean better reliability, available parts and long support lifecycles. Ask whether the machine is new or refurbished, and whether it meets current chip-card and security requirements.
7. Who handles compliance and updates?
Network rules, software updates and security standards change. Your provider should keep the machine current without involving you.
8. Can I use the screen and receipts?
A good partner lets you run your own promotions on the idle screen and print offers on receipts. It’s free marketing at the exact moment customers have cash in hand.
9. What does ending the agreement look like?
Read the term, the renewal language, the notice period and who removes the machine. Plain language here is a good sign everywhere else.
10. Do they offer more than one model?
A company that offers only one option has one answer for every business. One that offers free placement, merchant-owned ATMs, sales and service for machines you already own can recommend the one that actually fits.
Our answers
We loaded this list with the questions we’d want asked of us. Our answers are on our FAQ and how it works pages — and if you’d rather hear them, book a 15-minute call. Already have an ATM company that fails a few of these? Read about switching providers.
Your comparison checklist
| Question | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|
| Who loads the cash, and how often? | ||
| Support hours vs. on-site arrival time | ||
| Any cost to you (now or later)? | ||
| Minimum volume? | ||
| Whose cash, and who is liable? | ||
| Machine make, model, new or refurbished | ||
| Who handles compliance and updates? | ||
| Screen and receipt promotions? | ||
| Term, renewal and removal | ||
| Other programs offered |
Print this table and fill it in for each provider you talk to.