Why Adding an ATM Can Increase Revenue for Cash-Heavy Businesses

Posted on November 25, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

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In today’s increasingly cashless society, it's easy to assume that businesses no longer need to focus on cash transactions. However, businesses in certain industries—particularly those in remote areas of Alaska, like Fairbanks, North Pole, and Delta Junction—still experience high demand for cash payments. Whether you’re running a convenience store, a restaurant, or a service-oriented business, having an ATM on-site can be a game changer.

In this article, we’ll explore why adding an ATM can significantly boost your revenue and support your cash-heavy business operations, and how the process is simpler and more beneficial than you might think.

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The Cash Payment Trend and Its Impact on Business

Even though digital payment methods are rapidly growing, cash is still a preferred payment option for many consumers, especially in cash-heavy industries. This is particularly true in Alaska, where remote towns or rural locations sometimes face limitations with banking access. Cash transactions are not only reliable but also help businesses avoid credit card processing fees that can eat into profits.

So why does this matter for your business?

First and foremost, cash is still king for certain sectors such as:

• Retail Stores: Customers often prefer to pay with cash, especially when shopping in-store.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Many people still like to pay in cash for smaller transactions, tips, or quick meals.
• Services and E-commerce: For businesses that deal with customers directly or provide on-site services, an ATM provides the convenience of fast access to cash.

For businesses that deal with large volumes of cash transactions, providing an in-house ATM means customers don’t have to leave to find an ATM, which could result in lost sales. Instead, they can withdraw money on-site, allowing your business to stay competitive in a cash-oriented market.

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An On-Site ATM Increases Convenience for Customers

One of the biggest advantages of adding an ATM to your business is the convenience it offers to your customers. Customers prefer convenience, and when they can access cash right on your premises, it enhances their overall experience. Think about it: If a customer walks into your business and finds they don’t have enough cash, they won’t have to leave and search for an ATM nearby. Instead, they can simply withdraw cash right where they are.

This added convenience has a direct positive impact on sales, as customers are more likely to complete their purchase if they can withdraw money quickly. You also create a more seamless experience for those who prefer using cash but don’t want to make an extra trip just to get it.

Additionally, for businesses in remote areas like Alaska, where access to traditional banking facilities might be limited, having an ATM offers a significant benefit to both locals and tourists who rely on cash for their transactions.

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ATMs Generate Additional Revenue for Your Business

Beyond customer convenience, having an ATM on your premises can become a steady source of additional revenue. This can be achieved through surcharge fees, which are the fees customers pay for withdrawing money from your ATM. Depending on the location and usage, surcharge fees can range from $2 to $5 per transaction.

Let’s break it down:

• Higher foot traffic equals higher ATM usage: The more customers visit your business, the more likely they will need to use your ATM. This increases the frequency of withdrawals and, as a result, generates more revenue through surcharge fees.
• A consistent income stream: As long as your ATM is accessible and functional, it will continue to generate income for your business. You don’t need to actively market the ATM for it to be profitable, and it doesn’t require a significant investment of time or resources after installation.
• Increased sales: Customers who access cash via your ATM are more likely to spend it at your business, especially if they find themselves with a cash surplus after withdrawing. This is a win-win situation—both for the business and for the customer.

By placing an ATM at your location, you can tap into this recurring revenue stream, which directly boosts your business’s profitability.

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ATMs Help Retain and Attract Customers

Adding an ATM doesn’t just increase convenience—it helps retain and attract new customers. For businesses that rely on a cash flow from both regulars and newcomers, offering a reliable and accessible ATM on-site sends the message that you’re customer-centric. Here’s how:

• Customer Retention: When customers know they can access cash on-site, they are more likely to visit your business regularly. Convenience plays a huge role in customer loyalty, and by removing barriers (like having to search for an ATM), you enhance the overall customer experience.
• Attracting New Customers: Businesses in areas with limited ATM access can stand out by offering this service. If your competitors do not have an ATM, you’re in a prime position to capture customers who need cash but don’t want to make the extra effort to find an ATM elsewhere.

Additionally, tourists visiting Alaska might need cash for various activities, from shopping to tipping service staff. When your business has an ATM, you immediately become more attractive to these visitors, which can increase foot traffic and sales.

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Improved Cash Flow and Reduced Banking Fees

Cash-heavy businesses often deal with the complexities of cash management. Handling large amounts of cash can be cumbersome and might require frequent trips to the bank for deposits. This process not only consumes valuable time but also comes with fees that can add up over time.

With an ATM on-site, businesses can deposit funds into the machine, which in turn offers several benefits:

• Lower Bank Fees: Instead of making multiple trips to the bank for cash deposits, your ATM allows for direct deposits. This saves time and minimizes banking fees related to frequent cash deposits. You can also have a higher control over your funds, making it easier to track and manage cash flow.
• Faster Deposit Turnaround: ATMs typically offer quicker processing for cash deposits, which means your business has access to the money sooner. This helps reduce cash flow delays, ensuring you can meet expenses without waiting for traditional banking processing times.

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The Costs of Installing and Maintaining an ATM

While adding an ATM can offer tremendous benefits, it's important to understand the costs involved. However, the good news is that these costs are often more than covered by the surcharge revenue generated from ATM use.

• Initial Setup Costs: Installing an ATM comes with an upfront cost for purchasing the machine and setting up the necessary infrastructure (such as power and connectivity). Depending on the ATM model and your location, this can range from a few thousand dollars to more.
• Maintenance and Replenishment: After installation, there are ongoing costs for maintaining the machine and ensuring it stays stocked with cash. These costs include the replenishment of cash, regular servicing to ensure the ATM works efficiently, and periodic upgrades to maintain security.
• ATM Placement Service: If you work with a third-party ATM provider, they might handle installation, maintenance, and cash replenishment for a small fee or a percentage of the surcharge revenue. This service helps reduce your workload while still allowing you to enjoy the profits generated from the ATM.

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How Castner Financial Can Help You with ATM Placement

At Castner Financial, we specialize in providing seamless ATM placement services for businesses across Alaska. Whether you're in Fairbanks, North Pole, or Delta Junction, we can help you navigate the process of adding an ATM to your business and maximize its profitability.

Our Services Include:

• ATM Installation: We handle everything from site analysis to installation.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Our team ensures your ATM is fully stocked, operational, and secure.
• 24/7 Local Support: If you experience any issues with your ATM, our local support team is available to assist you quickly.
• Revenue Optimization: We work with you to ensure your ATM generates consistent income and serves your customers effectively.

Incorporating an ATM into your cash-heavy business is an investment that offers significant benefits, including increased revenue, better cash flow management, improved customer satisfaction, and greater foot traffic. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or a service-based business, having an ATM on-site ensures you can serve your customers more efficiently while earning additional income through surcharge fees.

Adding an ATM doesn’t have to be complicated. With Castner Financial, we make it easy to get started and provide ongoing support to ensure your ATM is working to its fullest potential.

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of adding an ATM to your business, reach out to us today at 907-328-8286 or email [email protected]. Let us help you boost your revenue and improve customer satisfaction with a convenient, easy-to-install ATM solution.