The short answer
If you own your ATM, you can usually switch processors without buying a new machine. First check your current processing agreement for term, renewal, and early-exit terms. Then give the new processor your machine's make and model, terminal ID, surcharge, and address. With our free processing, most machines can be reprogrammed over the phone.
In this article
- What does an ATM processor actually do?
- When should you switch ATM processors?
- What should you check before you switch?
- What do you need to switch?
- How does the switch work with us?
- How do you avoid downtime during the switch?
- What if your machine is too old to switch?
- The bottom line
- Common questions
You own your ATM. You bought it, you placed it, and you keep it running. But the company that processes your transactions makes you wonder why you're paying them.
Maybe deposits are slow. Maybe nobody answers when the machine goes down on a Saturday. Maybe your statement is full of fees you don't understand.
Here's the good news: in most cases, you can switch processors without buying a new machine and without a technician ever visiting.
What does an ATM processor actually do?
Your processor connects your ATM to the banking networks. When a customer asks for cash, the processor routes the request to the customer's bank, gets approval, and then settles the money back to your bank account.
A good processor does that quietly, deposits on time, and answers the phone when something breaks. A bad one makes every problem yours. We explain the money side in how ATM owners get paid.
When should you switch ATM processors?
Think about switching if any of these sound familiar:
- Deposits are slow or hard to track.
- You can't reach a person when your machine is down.
- Your statement has fees you don't understand.
- Part of your surcharge disappears before it reaches you.
- Your machine drops its connection often, especially if it's on a phone line. See is your ATM still on a phone line?
What should you check before you switch?
Your current processing agreement. Find it, and look for these sections:
The term. How long does it run, and when does it end?
Renewal. Does it renew automatically? How much notice do you need to give to stop it?
Early termination. Is there a fee or a formula for leaving early? Some agreements calculate an exit cost from what the processor expected to earn.
Minimum transactions. Some processing agreements require a minimum number of transactions each month. One industry guide says 99 a month is a common minimum, with a monthly fee (often $19.95) if you fall short.
Knowing these terms tells you when you can switch cleanly and what, if anything, it will cost.
This is general information, not legal advice.
What do you need to switch?
Have these ready:
- Your ATM's make and model. A photo of the label works.
- Your current terminal ID, if you have one.
- The surcharge you want to charge.
- Your business address and contact information.
- Your bank account details for settlement deposits.
How does the switch work with us?
- Send us your make and model. We confirm your machine is compatible. Most Hyosung, Genmega, and Triton models are.
- We set up your processing through PAI or DNS, two established ATM processing networks.
- We reprogram your machine over the phone. A qualified ATM technician walks you through it. Most machines can be switched without an on-site visit.
- You're live. Transactions settle to your bank account, usually within 24 hours on business days. Weekends and bank holidays settle on the next business day.
What it costs: our ATM processing is free for ATM owners. That includes 24/7 technical support through DPL Wireless, our processor's support partner, plus free reprogramming and programming help.
How do you avoid downtime during the switch?
- Pick a slow time of day, not a Friday night.
- Have the machine's keys and passwords ready before you start.
- Stay on the phone with the technician until the machine completes a test transaction.
- Make sure the machine has cash so you can confirm it dispenses after the switch.
What if your machine is too old to switch?
Some very old machines can't meet current requirements. If yours is one of them, you still have options. We offer a new ATM to qualifying businesses with old, unreliable machines, and we buy ATMs outright. See sell your ATM.
The bottom line
You don't have to live with a processor you can't reach. Check your agreement, gather your machine's details, and plan the switch for a quiet hour.
Ready to switch? Start with our free ATM processing. We'll confirm your machine is compatible and walk you through every step.
Common questions
Usually, yes. Most modern ATMs can be reprogrammed to a new processor. With our processing, most machines can be switched over the phone without an on-site visit.
Your ATM's make and model, your current terminal ID if you have one, the surcharge you want to charge, and your business address and contact information.
It depends on your current processing agreement. Some include minimum transaction requirements, automatic renewal, or early termination fees. Read the term and termination sections before you switch.
Our ATM processing through PAI and DNS is free for ATM owners, including 24/7 technical support through DPL Wireless and free over-the-phone reprogramming.
Usually only briefly while the machine is reprogrammed. Plan the switch for a slow time of day, and have your new processor on the phone when you make the change.
Sources
- Ford Frontier Investments, "ATM Transaction Processing," September 2026.
- Choose ATM, "Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding ATM Processing Agreements," April 28, 2025.