Gas Stations, Bars, or Clubs: Where Do ATMs Perform Best in Pennsylvania & Ohio?

If you’re thinking about adding an ATM to your business, you’re probably asking the same question every smart owner does first: “Is this actually going to make money here… or am I just adding another machine that collects dust?”

Fair question. And the truth is, not every location performs the same. We’ve placed ATMs across Pennsylvania and Ohio in everything from small corner stores to packed weekend bars, and patterns show up fast when you know what to look for. So let’s break it down the way a business owner actually thinks about it.

What Drives ATM Performance?

Before we even compare locations, you need to understand something most people miss. ATMs don’t perform because of the type of business. They perform because of behavior inside the business. Three things matter more than anything else:

1. How often customers need quick cash

2. How inconvenient card usage feels in that moment

3. How long people stay inside your space

Here’s what that means. If customers regularly run out of cash and don’t want to leave, they’ll use the ATM. If paying with a card feels like a hassle in the moment, they’ll use the ATM. And if people stick around long enough, chances are they’ll need more money at some point. When all three line up, usage becomes consistent. When they don’t, it drops off fast.

That’s why two businesses that look similar on the surface can perform completely differently. Now let’s get into the real comparison.

Gas Stations: High Volume, Lower Transaction Value

Gas stations are steady, predictable, and reliable. You’ve got constant foot traffic, people in and out all day, and a mix of locals and travelers. Most gas station customers already have their card in hand. They’re paying at the pump, grabbing something quick, and leaving. There’s not much friction pushing them toward cash.

That doesn’t mean ATMs don’t work here. They do. Especially in locations that have:

• Lottery-heavy sales

• Skill machines or gaming

• Late-night traffic

When those elements are present, usage jumps fast. We’ve seen strong performance in the right setups, especially when paired with smart placement. If you’re curious how placement affects results, take a look at our ATM placement insights for Pennsylvania and Ohio businesses

Still…gas stations usually sit in the middle of the pack.

Bars: Where Cash Starts to Win Again

Bars create a completely different environment. People stay longer, order multiple rounds, tabs get messy, and suddenly, cash starts to feel easier. When someone runs out of cash mid night, they don’t leave. They walk to the ATM. That moment alone drives a huge percentage of withdrawals. We’ve seen this repeatedly in Pennsylvania and Ohio bars, especially those that stay busy late, run events or live music, and/or deal with high volume weekend crowds.

If you’ve already read our breakdown on bar placement, you know how strong this can be. If you haven’t read it, click here.

But bars still aren’t the top performer.

Clubs and Private Organizations: The Clear Winner

Clubs, VFWs, Eagles, Moose lodges, and similar spaces consistently outperform almost everything else when it comes to ATM usage. Why? Because everything inside pushes people toward cash.

These environments usually have:

• Pull tabs, gaming machines, or raffles

• Lower reliance on card processing

• A tight-knit, repeat customer base

• Longer visits per customer

And here’s the part that really matters…people don’t want to leave. So when they need cash, they use what’s right in front of them. That’s why ATM machines in these locations don’t just get used. They get used a lot. If you want to see how this plays out in real scenarios, we broke it down here.

So… Where Does an ATM Perform Best?

If everything else is equal, clubs and member-based organizations win. Bars come next. Gas stations follow behind. But the truth is, a well placed ATM in a strong gas station can outperform a poorly placed one in a busy bar. Performance isn’t just about category. It’s about execution. That’s where most providers fail. They drop a machine and hope for the best. We don’t do that.

When we install ATMs, we look at layout, flow, and behavior inside your business before anything else. That’s the difference between a machine that gets used and one that doesn’t.

If you want to see what that process actually looks like, we walk through it here.

What Business Owners in PA & OH Should Take From This

You don’t need the “perfect” business type, you just need the right conditions. If your customers stay, spend, and occasionally need cash, an ATM makes sense. If they’re in and out with zero friction, you need a smarter placement strategy or a different approach.

The best part about working with Hart Communications is not only the competitive fee split, you don’t pay for the machine. We handle installation, cash loading, and maintenance. You get a share of the transaction revenue.

If you’re still unsure, start here.

Or just skip the overthinking and contact us today!

FAQ: ATM Placement Performance in Pennsylvania & Ohio

Do ATMs make more money in bars or gas stations? Bars typically generate more ATM transactions because customers stay longer and are more likely to need additional cash during their visit.

Why do clubs perform so well with ATMs? Clubs often rely heavily on cash for games, raffles, and social spending, which drives repeat withdrawals.

Can a gas station still be a good ATM location? Yes, especially if it has gaming, lottery activity, or strong late-night traffic.

How do I know if my business is a good fit? The best way is to look at customer behavior and layout. We help evaluate that before installation so you’re not guessing.