Short-Term ATM Rentals: A Guide for Event Planners
If you’ve ever planned a large event—whether it’s a food festival, concert, county fair, or outdoor market—you know that convenience matters just as much as entertainment. One of the most overlooked details that can make or break the attendee experience is something most people take for granted until they need it: cash access.
I’ve been helping event organizers rent and place ATMs for over a decade, and I can tell you firsthand—when you don’t have one on-site, you’re leaving money on the table. Literally. Vendors miss sales, guests get frustrated, and the overall flow of your event takes a hit.
My name is Brian Matthis, and I’m a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I’m the owner of a successful ATM placement and event services company based in Tampa, Florida. Over the last 11 years, I’ve provided short-term ATM solutions for hundreds of public and private events across the Southeast. As a writer and editor for Price It Here, I specialize in breaking down logistics and pricing so organizers can make smart, cost-effective decisions.
If you’re planning an event and weighing whether an ATM is worth the investment, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Events Need ATM Access
It’s no secret that card payments are popular—but cash still dominates at outdoor and temporary events. Small vendors, food trucks, and pop-up merchants often prefer cash to avoid credit card fees, delays, or connectivity issues.
When attendees don’t have a way to get cash, here’s what happens:
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Vendors lose impulse purchases
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Lines back up at the few stalls that do accept cards
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Guests leave early to find a gas station ATM—and some don’t come back
A short-term ATM rental solves all of these issues with minimal setup, making it one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can offer your event.
What a Short-Term ATM Rental Includes
Most event-focused ATM rentals are turnkey packages, which means everything is handled for you. You don’t need to purchase a machine, hire a technician, or coordinate with banks.
Here’s what’s typically included:
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Delivery and setup of the ATM at your location
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Wireless connectivity so no hardline internet is required
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Cash loading and management throughout the event
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24/7 technical support in case of issues
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Removal and site cleanup after the event ends
Some companies (like mine) even offer revenue-sharing models, where you earn a portion of the surcharge fees collected during the event. That means your ATM doesn’t just serve guests—it generates passive income for your organization.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent an ATM?
Costs for short-term ATM rentals can vary depending on the location, duration, and expected traffic of your event. That said, most one-day or weekend events will pay between $300 and $750 per machine, with discounts available for multi-day or multi-unit rentals.
You may also be able to avoid upfront fees altogether if your event meets certain volume criteria. In these cases, the ATM company assumes all cost and risk, earning income through transaction fees instead. If your event draws 2,000+ people and hosts cash-preferred vendors, this can be a win-win arrangement.
Key Considerations for Event Organizers
If you’ve never rented an ATM before, here are a few things you’ll want to think through:
Placement Matters
You want your ATM to be visible but secure. Place it near vendor areas, food courts, or entry points where guests naturally slow down. Consider weather protection and lighting if your event runs into the evening.
Power and Connectivity
Most ATMs just need a basic 110V outlet, and wireless connectivity is typically built-in. But if your event is truly remote, let your provider know early—they may need to bring satellite support or a generator.
Security
ATM providers should anchor or secure the unit and offer remote monitoring. Some also send on-site support staff for high-volume events. Don’t be shy about asking how theft or vandalism is handled.
Vendor Education
Let your vendors know you’ll have ATM access available. When vendors know their customers will have easy access to cash, they’re more likely to rely on their primary point-of-sale setup and reduce pricing confusion.
How to Book the Right Rental Partner
When choosing an ATM rental provider, don’t just compare pricing. Ask about:
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Their experience with events of your size
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What setup and support is included
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How fast they respond to service issues
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Whether they offer revenue-sharing or no-fee rental options
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What kind of usage reporting they provide afterward
I’ve seen events partner with a generic ATM company and get stuck with a machine that’s down half the day or doesn’t get picked up on time. You want a team that understands events, not just ATMs.
Final Thoughts
Short-term ATM rentals might not be the flashiest part of your event planning checklist—but they’re often one of the most impactful. A well-placed, reliable ATM increases vendor sales, improves guest satisfaction, and reduces friction across the board.
If you’re planning your next event and want to make sure your guests and vendors are taken care of, I highly recommend factoring ATM rental into your early logistics. It’s a small investment that pays off big—both in revenue and reputation.
Written by Brian Matthis, a University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. I’m the owner of a successful ATM services company in Tampa and have spent the past 11 years helping events, festivals, and temporary venues increase accessibility and profitability through short-term ATM solutions. I’m also a contributor and editor for Price It Here, where I help planners make smarter buying decisions across event services.
