Free-placement ATMs: someone else owns the machine, you earn a share
In a free-placement program, CELER or a partner ATM operator places and services the ATM in your business. You provide the space; you earn a share of the surcharge. The split varies by location and is quoted after a site review. This page explains how it works and what to ask before you sign.
How free placement works
- You tell us about the site. Business type, address and how much cash your customers use.
- We review the location. Foot traffic, cash use, the spot for the machine, power and connectivity.
- The machine is placed and serviced for you. CELER or a partner operator owns it, installs it and services it, and the agreement names which one.
- You earn a share of the surcharge. The split is set in writing before you commit. It varies, so we do not publish one.
What you provide, and what the operator provides
| Item | You | CELER or the partner operator |
|---|---|---|
| The machine | Space for it | Owns, installs and services it |
| Cash | Nothing, in this model | Loads and manages it |
| Surcharge | You earn a share | Sets it as owner, with the required customer notice |
| Power and connection | Normally provided at the site | Confirms what the site needs during the review |
| Term, renewal, removal | Read and agree in writing | Sets out in the agreement |
Who it suits
Free placement suits a business that would like an ATM on the premises without buying one or handling cash. Convenience stores, bars and restaurants, salons, hotels and event venues are common fits, and cash-heavy retail can qualify where it is legal. The site review decides whether a machine would be used enough to be worth placing.
Questions to ask before you sign
- How long is the term, how does it renew, and how do I end it?
- Is there exclusivity, or can I add another machine or provider later?
- What is the split, how is it calculated and how often am I paid?
- Who pays for service, repairs and insurance?
- How fast does the operator respond when the machine is down or out of cash?
- What happens to the machine and any signage at the end?
How the surcharge rules apply
In the United States, an ATM operator that charges a fee must show the customer a notice and let them choose to continue (Regulation E, 12 CFR 1005.16, checked 1 Nov 2026). In Canada, Interac says an ABM owner can apply a surcharge if it is properly disclosed to the customer (Interac, checked 1 Nov 2026).
Thinking about owning instead?
If you would rather keep the machine's revenue and run it yourself, see buy or lease your own ATM, or the ATM overview for a side-by-side table. Card processing is a separate question: our statement analysis and savings calculator show what you pay today.
CELER Merchants is an independent agent and referral partner. Every placement is subject to site review and approval. All trademarks belong to their owners.
Request an ATM review
Tell us about the location. We come back, usually within 4 hours, with the next step.
Step 1 of 4 · takes about 40 seconds
Free-placement questions
You do not buy the machine. CELER or a partner places and services it. 'Free' describes the machine, not the whole arrangement: the agreement sets the term, the exclusivity, removal terms and anything that falls on you, so read those before signing.
You earn a share of the surcharge charged on the machine. The split varies by location and program, and we quote it in writing after a site review. We do not publish a typical split or a typical monthly figure.
Floor space, access during business hours, and normally a power supply and a connection for the machine. The site review confirms exactly what a location needs.
In a free-placement program CELER or the partner operator services the machine and loads the cash. The agreement should say how quickly they respond and what happens when the machine is down. Ask for that in writing.
Term, renewal and removal rules vary by operator and are set in writing. Ask for the length of the term, how it renews, the notice period and what happens to the machine at the end.
No. The ATM program is separate from card processing. If you want to know whether you are overpaying on cards, send us a statement and we name every fee.