--- title: "Surcharge-Free ATMs: Attract More Retail Customers" description: Three ways surcharge-free ATM programs can help convenience and grocery retailers attract customers, increase ATM usage, and create revenue opportunities. image: https://news.cdlatm.com/hubfs/Fee-Free%20ATM%20Convenience%20Store.png --- [Skip to content](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/surcharge-free-atms-attract-more-retail-customers#main-content) [![Cash Depot- May 2021-1](https://news.cdlatm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cash%20Depot-%20May%202021-1.png?width=110&height=72&name=Cash%20Depot-%20May%202021-1.png)](https://www.cdlatm.com) - [ATM](https://www.cdlatm.com/) Show submenu for ATM - [ATM Placement](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-placement-program) - [ATM Processing](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-processing-program) - [Cellular Service](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-cellular-service-solutions) - [ATM Rental](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-rental-program) - [Tire Inflation](https://www.cdlatm.com/) Show submenu for Tire Inflation - [Air/Vac Rental](https://www.cdlatm.com/air-vac-rental-solutions) - [Air/Vac Placement](https://www.cdlatm.com/air-vac-placement-solutions) - [Credit Card Reader](https://www.cdlatm.com/air-vac-credit-card-capability) - [Cash Solutions](https://www.cdlatm.com/) Show submenu for Cash Solutions - [BANK IN A BOX](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-management-solutions) - [ATM Cash Management](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-management-services) - [Online Store](https://www.cdlatm.com/shop-atm-air-vac) - [Support](https://www.cdlatm.com/atms-frequently-asked-questions) Show submenu for Support - [Customer Tools](https://www.cdlatm.com/customer-tools) - [FAQ's](https://www.cdlatm.com/atms-frequently-asked-questions) - [Disputes](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-depot-disputes) - [Refund Policy](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-depot-refund-policy) - [Cash Depot Privacy Policy](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-depot-privacy-policy) - [News & Updates](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates) - [Contact Us](https://www.cdlatm.com/contact-us) - [ATM](https://www.cdlatm.com/) Show submenu for ATM - [ATM Placement](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-placement-program) - [ATM Processing](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-processing-program) - [Cellular Service](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-cellular-service-solutions) - [ATM Rental](https://www.cdlatm.com/atm-rental-program) - [Tire Inflation](https://www.cdlatm.com/) Show submenu for Tire Inflation - [Air/Vac Rental](https://www.cdlatm.com/air-vac-rental-solutions) - [Air/Vac Placement](https://www.cdlatm.com/air-vac-placement-solutions) - [Credit Card Reader](https://www.cdlatm.com/air-vac-credit-card-capability) - [Cash Solutions](https://www.cdlatm.com/) Show submenu for Cash Solutions - [BANK IN A BOX](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-management-solutions) - [ATM Cash Management](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-management-services) - [Online Store](https://www.cdlatm.com/shop-atm-air-vac) - [Support](https://www.cdlatm.com/atms-frequently-asked-questions) Show submenu for Support - [Customer Tools](https://www.cdlatm.com/customer-tools) - [FAQ's](https://www.cdlatm.com/atms-frequently-asked-questions) - [Disputes](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-depot-disputes) - [Refund Policy](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-depot-refund-policy) - [Cash Depot Privacy Policy](https://www.cdlatm.com/cash-depot-privacy-policy) - [News & Updates](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates) - [Contact Us](https://www.cdlatm.com/contact-us) # Could Going Surcharge-Free Make Your ATM a Customer Destination? 5 November 2026 [retailers](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/retailers), [ATMs](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/atms), [Earn Reveue](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/earn-reveue), [Profit](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/profit), [Foot Traffic](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/foot-traffic), [cash management](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/cash-management), [retail cash management](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/retail-cash-management), [smart safe](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/smart-safe), [self-service](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/self-service), [retail cash reporting](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/retail-cash-reporting), [save money on cash management](https://news.cdlatm.com/news-and-updates/tag/save-money-on-cash-management) *As convenience retailers compete for customer visits, surcharge-free ATMs offer an opportunity to increase traffic, improve convenience, and create additional revenue opportunities.* Convenience retailers have always competed on location, speed, and accessibility. But as consumer shopping habits evolve, simply being convenient may no longer be enough to earn every customer visit. According to the October 2026 *Driving Trips in the Convenience Channel* report from the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council, NACS, and Cadent Consulting Group, convenience store inside transactions declined 3.3% between 2022 and 2025. The research also found that 25% of convenience store shoppers considered another retail channel before their most recent visit. For retailers, these findings highlight the importance of offering compelling reasons for consumers to choose their locations. While foodservice, merchandise selection, and loyalty programs frequently receive attention, another opportunity may already be sitting near the entrance: the ATM. [![get-paid-faster-banner](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/23335140/interactive-192400090467.png)](https://news.cdlatm.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLvlwYIvd%2F%2Bt%2BQxi5jH9DKCpZoj3rJfBXYf%2BPenSJJ%2Bpi%2BYLzvooYecRrR4s5bru3YQjHVnVcmXYI%2FiEUJNRVa3Ed8koDRy38j5o2sKyD%2BdwAIhu78%2F5K6oSi3Dxqdt07kFGy9CYVrfFYK%2FDiB%2FPPNRtp2VDc2WdbKcxAW2CjwLYtsTb0B8zmkS0aBpvIs%3D&webInteractiveContentId=192400090467&portalId=23335140) ### Cash Access Still Matters Despite the continued growth of digital payments, cash remains an important part of consumer spending. The Federal Reserve’s *2026 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice* found that 81% of consumers used cash at least once during the previous 30 days in 2025. Cash accounted for 14% of consumer payments, while 90% of consumers indicated they planned to continue using cash. For convenience and grocery retailers, providing access to cash can help meet customer needs while creating an additional reason to visit. And when that access is surcharge-free, the opportunity may become even more attractive. Research published in 2025 found that 53% of surveyed consumers chose an ATM because they knew they wouldn’t be charged a withdrawal fee. Another retail ATM study found that 28% of users visited a store specifically to us is ATM, while 55% made a purchase during their visit. These findings suggest that ATM services can play a role in attracting customers, particularly when surcharge-free access is available and effectively promoted. ### Three Ways to Offer Surcharge-Free ATM Access Surcharge-free programs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Retailers can take several approaches, each offering different financial and promotional advantages. ##### Partner with Banks and Credit Unions Retailers can partner with one or more financial institutions to provide surcharge-free withdrawals to their account holders. Under certain arrangements, participating banks and credit unions pay a monthly fee for the benefit of offering their customers surcharge-free access at designated retail ATMs. Financial institutions benefit by expanding their ATM presence without installing and maintaining additional equipment. Retailers can benefit from recurring partnership revenue and increased exposure. These partnerships offer another advantage: financial institutions can promote participating ATMs through their websites, mobile banking apps, ATM locators, and account holder communications. Depending on the agreement, the ATM can continue collecting surcharges form customers whose financial institutions aren’t participating. ##### Join Surcharge-Free ATM Networks Retailers can also participate in one or more surcharge-free ATM network, potentially providing access to cardholders from hundreds or thousands of participating financial institutions. These networks help customers find eligible ATMs through online locators, mobile applications, and financial institution search tools. For retailers, that visibility can be particularly valuable. Consumers looking for surcharge-free withdrawals may discover a nearby store they wouldn’t otherwise have considered visiting. As with financial institution partnerships, surcharges can generally remain in place for customers who don’t qualify for free withdrawals, depending on the network arrangement. ##### Go Completely Surcharge-Free A third option is eliminating ATM surcharges for everyone, regardless of their financial institution. Several major convenience store chains have adopted this strategy, positioning free cash access as another reason for consumers to choose their locations. AT high-performing locations, surcharge-free ATMs can process thousands of withdrawals per month, although results may vary. This approach creates a straightforward marketing message: customers can withdraw cash without paying an ATM surcharge. However, eliminating surcharges also removes a traditional revenue source. Retailers must consider transaction compensation, operating expenses, and potential benefits from additional store visits when evaluating whether the model makes financial sense. ### Promotion Makes the Difference Regardless of the surcharge-free strategy, customers need to know the service is available. Financial institution partnerships and network participation can help generate exposure through ATM locators and banking applications. Retailers offering completely surcharge-free access can also promote the benefit through exterior signage, fuel-pump advertising, window decals, and digital marketing. [![How Much Money Could You SAVE on Your Retail Cash? Get your cost savings estimate now!  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/23335140/interactive-168867261338.png)](https://news.cdlatm.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJBQTogIODzcfZNHRMKaP5fNRKHfmB9sjQAL9bB4AvVINHm7CzLTIl9JdeQrF7yiE6m7FRS4awcjjO8mYn%2BeM3JwKE5%2FNO1Krf4rfaudRyCmwCffUXqvgISfdLyWjdaPCQGXweqR9mqANpOtmM5jya95ikKA%2F8OvBAVdwy%2BPf7yJyIBIUNEeFXln8tJt0%2Bx28phBDmnRc4178vtuUxYYA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=168867261338&portalId=23335140)   Clear messaging matters. Retailers should communicate whether surcharge-free withdrawals are available to everyone or only to eligible financial institution customers. An ATM’s location within the store also deserves attention. A visible, accessible, and reliable machine provides a better customer experience and makes the service easier to discover. ### Making More of Every Customer Visit With convenience retailers facing increased competition for consumer visits, every service that helps differentiate a location deserves consideration. A well-positioned ATM can provide transaction revenue and convenient cash access. A thoughtfully structured surcharge-free program may create additional opportunities to attract customers who are actively searching for ways to avoid withdrawal fees. Not every location will benefit from the same approach. The right strategy depends on customer demand, transaction activity, operating costs, and the retailer’s financial objectives. At Cash Depot, we help retailers evaluate ATM solutions, including financial institution partnerships and surcharge-free programs, to maximize the value of their locations. 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