With mobile payments, digital wallets, and contactless cards becoming the norm, many business owners ask: “Is it still worth having an ATM on-site?”
The short answer? Yes — if you run the right type of business.
While the broader trend is moving toward cashless payments, there’s still a significant portion of Australians who carry and prefer cash, especially in certain venues, locations, and situations. And for business owners, an ATM doesn’t just offer convenience — it can increase dwell time, boost average spend, and even generate passive income through surcharge revenue.
Let’s explore which businesses still benefit from hosting an ATM in 2025.
1. Hospitality Venues (Pubs, Clubs, Bars, RSLs)
Cash usage might be declining overall, but in hospitality venues, it’s still thriving. That’s because many customers prefer the simplicity and control that cash offers, especially when they’re out with friends or having a night out.
Why it works:
- Reduces card minimum disputes: Some customers don’t want to be forced to buy more just to meet the EFTPOS minimum.
- Encourages tipping and smaller purchases: People are more likely to tip or shout a friend a drink when they have physical cash in their wallet.
- Keeps patrons on-site: Without an ATM, patrons might leave to withdraw cash and not return. A venue-installed ATM solves that instantly.
- Increases dwell time and spend: Studies show that cash access on-site can increase how long customers stay and how much they spend.
For clubs and pubs with gaming areas, the link between ATM availability and customer satisfaction is even stronger. Venue owners also benefit from revenue-sharing models, making the ATM both a service and a stream of passive income.
2. Convenience Stores, Petrol Stations & Small Retailers
In busy suburban areas or regional locations, convenience matters. A local ATM inside a petrol station or corner store provides quick access to cash, and creates opportunities for add-on sales.
Benefits include:
- Driving foot traffic: Even if a customer comes in just to use the ATM, many will grab a drink, snack, or top-up item while they’re there.
- Beating the bank closures: Many suburbs and towns have lost their physical bank branches. Businesses that offer ATM services fill a crucial local need.
- Minimal disruption: Modern ATMs are compact, secure, and require very little space, making them easy to install without impacting operations.
For retailers, hosting an ATM can turn your shop into a destination, especially for people who prefer cash or need it in a pinch.
3. Events, Festivals & Markets
When you’re hosting or attending an event, connectivity can be patchy, and not all stallholders have card machines that work consistently. That’s why mobile and temporary ATMs remain essential at large-scale or outdoor events.
Where ATMs shine:
- Food trucks and craft stalls: Many vendors still prefer or rely on cash due to transaction fees or unreliable EFTPOS devices.
- Faster service, fewer hiccups: Cash is quick and offline-friendly. It’s ideal for high-turnover environments where speed matters.
- One less thing to worry about: Event organisers often deal with hundreds of moving parts. Letting a supplier like Venue Smart handle mobile ATM hire reduces stress, ensures uptime, and adds another customer-friendly service to your event.
Whether it’s a weekend market, food festival, or large-scale outdoor concert, mobile ATMs help ensure that both attendees and vendors have easy access to the cash they need.
4. Gaming Venues & Adult Entertainment
While many industries are moving towards digital-only transactions, cash still dominates in adult and gaming environments. For venues such as strip clubs, casinos, and bars with gaming machines, offering fast access to cash is a key part of customer experience.
Why these venues benefit:
- Discretion matters: Customers in these settings often prefer cash for privacy or budgeting reasons.
- Smooth operations: ATMs allow customers to get the money they need without lining up at the bar or disrupting service.
- Passive revenue: With a surcharge model, these venues often earn significant returns from ATM usage, especially during peak hours and weekends.
When installed in a convenient but secure location, an ATM can help maintain a steady flow of revenue while meeting customer expectations for easy cash access.
5. Regional & Remote Communities
In Australia, many regional and remote areas have experienced bank branch closures in recent years. That’s left a serious gap in financial access — one that local businesses are increasingly stepping in to fill.
Why ATMs are essential in these areas:
- Local demand: In towns without banks, residents rely on alternative places to access cash — often the local general store, pub, or post office.
- Community support: Businesses that provide ATM services often become community hubs, helping other nearby shops and services retain foot traffic.
- Tourism impact: Remote towns that attract campers, grey nomads, or tourists benefit from having visible, functioning ATMs available for visitors who don’t always rely on tap-to-pay.
Venue Smart supports businesses in regional Australia with reliable ATM placement and servicing, so you can confidently offer this vital service to your customers.
ATMs Still Deliver Value in the Right Locations
Digital payments may be the default in some settings, but ATMs remain relevant, and even essential, in many others. Whether it’s driving foot traffic, increasing venue spend, or providing critical access to cash, businesses across a wide range of industries still benefit from having an ATM on-site.
From pubs and events to convenience stores and remote towns, the key is placement, support, and understanding your audience’s needs.
Venue Smart provides fully managed ATM solutions across Australia — including installation, servicing, revenue sharing, and support. Whether you’re a hospitality venue or a regional retailer, we make it easy to offer a reliable cash access point to your customers.
Talk to our team today to learn how an ATM could boost your business.