ATM money machines all share the same basic features: a card reader and keypad to enter PIN codes, a screen to guide the user through the process, a cash dispenser to dole out the cash, and a printer to generate receipts. Learn more about different ATM features by reviewing multiple providers to see what they can offer.

Cash dispenser
By far the most important consideration is the cash dispenser. Most dispensers feature single-denomination cash cassettes that can hold 700 to 1,000 bills. Using $20 bills, this translates to a stash of $14,000 to $20,000 – enough to handle approximately 300 average transactions.

Most retail ATMs sold these days come equipped with a removable cash cassette, allowing you to reload the cassette from the security of a back office. Non-removable cassette designs have recently been introduced, which helps reduce ATM money machine costs, but raises potential security risks as it requires you to stack replacement bills into the cash box in an open environment.

High-traffic locations like casinos, malls or airports may want to look into larger cash cassettes that hold up to 2,000 bills and multiple denominations. This can help reduce how frequently the money machine needs to be restocked.

Connectivity
Most ATMs sold these days run on Windows-based PCs. To do their work, they need to be plugged into a power outlet and connected to ATM processing networks.

Usually, ATMs dial into these networks via a basic 33.6 kbps modem connection, which requires a dedicated phone line. However, if you have an existing computer network at your location, you may want to look into TCP/IP compatible ATMs. Advantages of this design are that it can result in faster transactions since it is always on, and it eliminates the need to pay monthly phone charges. Wireless ATMs have also begun to emerge, which gives you greater flexibility in placing the ATM anywhere you want, not just against a wall.

ATM basics
The rest of the money machine is fairly straightforward with little in the way of choices. Basic money machines use a 5.7 inch black and white screen. Newer models offer color screens as large as 11 inches that can be used for advertising. Larger screens can also be useful if your ATM will offer more than just cash dispensing, such as the option to buy stamps and tickets. Expect to pay a two to three hundred dollars more for the color version of the same size screen.

Most retail ATMs feature dip-style card readers that read the card without pulling the card into the money machine.

ATM keypads do not vary much either. If making your ATM accessible is important to you, check if it can be accessed via Braille or voice. Current American Disability Act requirements specify the height at which the PIN pad must be located to ensure wheelchair access, but do not yet specify other requirements. Touchscreen ATMs are available, but at a cost in the tens of thousands of dollars, most retail locations opt for standard keypad entry instead.

Finally, make sure that it is easy to load paper into the printer. Receipt printers are highly reliable, but still rank as the component most prone to breakdown.

Non-cash features
The trend towards convergence has not escaped the ATM industry. As a result, you can now wire money via Western Union, add minutes to prepaid wireless phones, and even cash checks. In the future, you should be able to purchase ATMs that issue not only cash, but also movie tickets, hotel reservations, and even ski lift passes.