Raleigh runs on research and pharmaceuticals, three major universities, and state government. That shapes which businesses are worth approaching — below are the location types ranked for this market specifically, not a generic national list.
Estimated $250–$460/month gross surcharge revenue for a well-placed machine here.
Raleigh is affluent and heavily card-based; the realistic ATM demand is concentrated in Glenwood South late-night and in the service-employment corridors, not the office parks.
With a metro population of 470K in the Southeast, the districts worth working first are Glenwood South, Warehouse District, NC State campus and Research Triangle Park. These are where the location types below actually cluster — a route built around them will cover more qualifying businesses per mile than one built around zip-code radius alone.
Ordered for this metro rather than nationally. Rankings shift with each city's economy — bars & nightclubs lead here.
High cash demand from patrons, concentrated on weekend nights. Tip-driven and surcharge-tolerant.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a dense late-night bar economy.
Steady daily foot traffic with cash-dependent customers. Strongest in residential areas away from bank branches.
Cash-heavy by regulation and by habit, with consistent repeat traffic. Often overlooked by larger operators.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a large student population and a dense late-night bar economy.
Machines require coins or cards bought with cash. Built-in demand and long dwell times.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a large student population.
Concerts, festivals and fairs drive very high per-visit ATM usage. Seasonal but highly profitable.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a dense late-night bar economy.
High volume, especially on commuter and highway routes. Look for sites without an existing ATM.
Tip-heavy dining drives ATM use, particularly at independents with card minimums.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a dense late-night bar economy.
Cash tipping is still the norm. An underserved category with little ATM competition.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a large student population and a dense late-night bar economy.
Customers arrive expecting a cash transaction. Among the highest-intent ATM environments there is.
Regular weekly visitors. Target independent grocers — chains usually have their own machines.
Ranks higher in Raleigh because of a large student population.
Travellers need cash for tips, taxis and local spending. 24-hour lobby access is a major advantage.
Many shops offer cash discounts, and wait times keep customers on site.
We estimate $250–$460 per month in gross surcharge revenue for a well-placed machine in Raleigh. That starts from a national baseline and adjusts for dense late-night venues and a strongly card-based local economy, plus the metro population of 470K.
This is a modelled estimate, not a guarantee. Actual revenue depends on the specific site, your surcharge, and the agreement you negotiate. Use the calculator to model your own assumptions.
In Raleigh, bars & nightclubs, convenience stores, smoke & vape shops rank highest, largely because of a dense late-night bar economy. The strongest districts to work are Glenwood South, Warehouse District, NC State campus and Research Triangle Park. Raleigh is affluent and heavily card-based; the realistic ATM demand is concentrated in Glenwood South late-night and in the service-employment corridors, not the office parks.
A well-placed machine in Raleigh is estimated at $250–$460 per month in gross surcharge revenue. That range starts from a national baseline and adjusts for dense late-night venues and a strongly card-based local economy — it is an estimate, not a guarantee, and actual volume depends on the specific site.
Focus on independent businesses rather than chains — chains route decisions through corporate, while an owner-operator can agree to a placement on the spot. Prioritise sites with steady traffic and no ATM already installed.
Raleigh is driven by research and pharmaceuticals, three major universities, and state government. Raleigh is affluent and heavily card-based; the realistic ATM demand is concentrated in Glenwood South late-night and in the service-employment corridors, not the office parks. Competition concentrates in the highest-traffic corridors, so operators generally do better working outward from Research Triangle Park and similar secondary areas than by starting downtown.
Model monthly income, annual profit and payback period.
Startup costs, legal requirements and scaling.
The highest-performing business types nationally.
How to structure the agreement with a location owner.