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Retail ATMs: 8 benefits to installing
There are big benefits to installing retail ATMs. Here are eight.
September 28, 2026 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media
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ClaudeRetail ATMs are a prime way to improve the customer experience in any store. While many customers visit bank branches for ATMs, retail locations, ranging from big box stores to gas stations and convenience stores, take up a significant portion of the ATM market.
However, there are questions about the usefulness of deploying retail ATMs due in large part to declining cash usage in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, there are also concerns over customers' wiliness to pay fees to use an ATM.
Despite these concerns, there are still benefits to installing retail ATMs. Here are eight.
Convenience
First and foremost, convenience plays a key role in why customers will want to use retail ATMs. For one, bank branches continue to decline in number, slipping to just above 68,000 at the end of 2024 compared to almost 70,000 in 2023, according to data from statista.
This can create a banking desert where it is harder for customers to access ATMs close by. Hence, retail ATMs play a key role in providing access to cash. When running errands, customers want to be able to get as much done as possible at one location.
When a study by Visa asked customers why they would want to use a nonbank ATM, 47% listed that it was closer than a bank ATM and 45% listed the ability to get cash while doing errands.
Surcharge free networks
One central flaw to using an out of network ATM is that they will typically charge fees. On top of that, customers may also be charged an out-of-network fee from a bank. This can make small withdrawals quite costly. In fact, data from Bankrates shows that the average ATM fee is $4.77.
However, this trend is changing with the growth of surcharge free ATM networks such as Allpoint.
This network, which is operated by NCR Atleos, includes more than 40,000 retail ATMs in the U.S. It partners with banks to offer surcharge-free access for its customers.
There are also other surcharge-free networks such as CO-OP ATMs with more than 30,000 ATMs and MoneyPass ATMs with more than 25,000 ATMs. With services such as these, customers can avoid a trip to the branch and fees at the same time.
Improving commercial real estate
Retail ATMs can also play a role in the commercial real estate space. Commercial real estate developers, along with apartment builders, aren't just building the best buildings, but also spaces that meet the needs of clients and residents. This can take many forms, such as an exercise room or more collaborative spaces, such as with Northwest Bank's headquarters in Dublin Ohio, offering a mixture of hospitality and retail spaces.
Offering access to banking services can sweeten the deal for employees and residents, including ATMs. A NCR Atleos study reveals customers are willing to travel for ATMs at a retailer, with 35% stating they would shop at a store less frequently if the ATM was removed. By offering an ATM on site, commercial real estate can meet that same need for customers.
Impulse purchases
Impulse purchasing is a prime reason to install an ATM. After withdrawing cash from an ATM, a customer will be more likely to use this cash for small-ticket items, such as candy, small soft drinks, toys or other items.
One convenience store in New Yorksaw a 15% increase in small ticket item sales due to an ATM.
Retailers can strategically place these items close by to an ATM to encourage these types of impulse purchases. For example, in many Target stores, their discount items section is located a few feet away from an ATM.
Increased foot traffic through advanced retail ATMs
Foot traffic of course is another primary reason to install a retail ATM. After all, as mentioned above, customers will be more likely to visit a retail ATM versus a bank one due to convenience, and while they are there it is easy to upsell them with products.
Retailers can sweeten this deal by deploying ATMs with advanced features. For example, by offering cash and check deposits, bill pay, balance checking and transfer, retail ATMs can act as a full self-service banking platform.
This will in turn increase foot traffic for customers looking to get basic banking tasks done while they are out shopping. Another advanced tool to consider is bitcoin purchasing and selling. For example, LibertyX offers its bitcoin purchasing and selling services on Hyosung ATMs.
Travel
While traveling internationally, customers need a convenient way to purchase foreign currency, especially in countries with high cash usage such as India. The foreign exchange services market was alread worth $11.02 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach $24.17 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%, according to a press release by Insight Ace Analytic.
ATMs play a role in this travel ecosystem, allowing customer to purchase foreign currency using their debit cards, and receive in cash. Travelex is one company that has close to 600 ATMs at global airports offering this service. It pairs it with prepaid cards, home delivery, and retail stores.
ATMs are not the only way to purchase foreign currency, but they are one piece in the puzzle, and are especially useful for customers who find themselves needing extra cash once they arrive at an airport.
Cross-selling
ATMs can also be useful for cross-selling purposes, using its location, on-screen messaging and even digital signage.
As mentioned above, ATMs can be placed next to small-ticket items to encourage purchases, but it can also offer advertising messaging on its screen.
When not in use, the display can push out attract loop content that promote in-store specials, a store credit card or daily discounts. The ATM can act as an advertising tool when a customer is not using it.
Retailers can also adopt ATM digital signage, which would consist of a display mounted on top of the ATM. This display can have higher resolution content for promotions and even attract foot traffic to the ATM itself.
Cash reliant businesses
Certain businesses rely heavily on cash, which makes retail ATMs not just nice to have, but an absolutely necessity. The best example of this is cannabis shops.
Despite being fully legal for medicinal and recreational purposes in 24 states, it remains in a legal gray zone as it is still illegal on the federal level. State legality is only allowed due to a memorandum on marijuana law enforcement set in place in August 2013 by the Obama administration. Dispensaries struggle to get bank support due to this gray area, and thus must rely on cash payments.
To assist these customers, ATMs provide convenient cash access. During busy days, an ATM holding up to $20,000 can empty out within a few hours, according to Lieberman Companies, making it a major boon for independent ATM deployers.
Conclusion
These are just a few reasons why retailers should consider deploying ATMs. The primary benefit is that it improves the customer experience by turning a store into a one-stop shop for goods, services, cash and self-service banking.
About Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper is an experienced editor for Connect Media. He has written across a wide range of beats, ranging from food to digital signage to banking, and is the current editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing. When he’s not crafting a story, you can find him going for a run or spending time with his wife and three sons.
Included In This Story
Hyosung Americas
Hyosung Americas is a global human experience maker that bridges the physical and virtual worlds. We do this by harnessing our unique combination of a manufacturer’s soul with an innovator’s mindset to build a platform of integrated products, services, and ideas that improve life’s day-to-day interactions for everyone.
NCR Atleos
NCR Atleos expands self-service financial access for retailers and financial institutions who leverage our expertise, operational scale, always-on global services and constant innovation to deliver convenient self-service banking.
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