Branch Transformation
Replacing the ATM: Pros and cons of new vs. remanufactured
Should you purchase a new or remanufactured ATM? There are pros and cons to both.
September 5, 2025 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator
ATMs are costly devices. Not only do banks, independent ATM deployers and other businesses have to pay up front for the device, they also have to consider repair costs, installation, security, replenishment and other aspects. There's also the fact ATMs don't last forever and need to be replaced when they reach the end of their lifespan.
Marc Solomon, chief revenue officer for ACG, said in a phone interview the lifespan of an ATM is "five to 10 years at best, probably closer to five to seven."
ATM Advantage agrees with this estimate, stating the lifespan typically being, "seven to ten years" in a blog post, noting lifespan is due to "technological advancements and new regulations."
However, there are emergency reasons to replace an ATM such as when it's been vandalized by criminal activity or worn down due to the customer facing parts.
Birch Harrison, VP of sales and strategic accounts at ACG, stated in a video interview that the parts that interface with the customers tend to break the most, including "shutters, EPS and touchscreens."
When assessingthe lifespan issue, ATM operators have a few prime options — they can purchase new or remanufactured or send ATMs in to be remanufactured.
Remanufactured
ACG is a supplier of remanufactured ATMs and the process it follows depends on whether the client sends in a machine or needs one immediately.
Solomon said ACG will strip down the machine.
"We remove all the parts, everything out of the machine. We sand it. We paint it back to OEM colors." The company also "replaces all the consumables like the belts, the gears, the things that get a lot of wear and tear," he said.
In some cases, especially for big financial institution clients, Solomon said ACG has remanufactured ATMs ready to go in stock to roll out at a moment's notice.
For these financial institutions, Solomon said ACG can ship out a machine within a day, but if someone sends in an ATM for refurbishing, that process can take about a week.
In order to provide this service, ACG works closely with original equipment manufacturers like NCR and Diebold Nixdorf.
"We really work hand in hand with with not only NCR but also Diebold. we supply them with parts as well."
When it comes to costs, Solomon stated refurbished ATMs are significantly cheaper than new ATMs. A new ATM can be around $25,000, but "they can buy that same ATM from us, same configuration for around 15. So, it's a pretty significant savings," he said.
He noted, on average, ACG can shave off about 30% from a new ATM's cost.
Other companies corroborate Solomon's claim.In a blog post Tellerex reported ta new ATM can cost around $30,000 but with refurbished ATMs "the cost of basic, cash-dispensing models is often up to 30% off their original sticker price. Advanced, high-function ATMs can sometimes reach 60% to 70% off."
Advantage of new ATMs
There are advantages in purchasing new ATMs vs refurbished or remanufactured ATMs.
For instance, while some companies like ACG do replace internal parts, other might not do that, which could cause big issues down the road.
ATM Depot notes a new machine will last longer than a refurbished one which may not have the latest technology.
"While a refurbished ATM machine will perform the same basic functions as a new one (deposits, withdrawals, balance checks, etc.), there is some new technology that you won't find yet in refurbished machines," it stated in a blog post. "Depending on the model, new technology could include Windows 10, cash recycling, and video terminals on Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs). These features could make or break your business when faced with competition."
ATM Depot also noted there could be compliance issues with older machines as well as usability issues and there may be a higher cost of ownership if the machine wasn't refurbished properly.
Bottom line
As with most business decisions, the decision on how to replace an ATM may not come down new or refurbished, but rather the supplier you partner with. If you select a reliable company that can partner with you and get you just what you need, you will likely succeed regardless if you purchase a remanufactured or new ATM.
About Bradley Cooper
Included In This Story
ACG
Industry leader since 1986, ACG operates offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas, London, and Poland. Providing ATM hardware and services to financial institutions, ATM service providers and gaming industries. ACG is proud to be a Master Distributor of the ATEC LTA-450, LTA-380 and LTA-100 Teller Cash Recyclers.
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