4 Essential Questions to Find the Best ATM Location in Illinois
- November 18, 2025
- 4:16 pm
Choosing the right ATM location is one of the biggest factors in generating consistent revenue. In a diverse state like Illinois—where customer behavior varies across cities such as Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, Naperville, and smaller rural towns—placing your ATM in the ideal spot can significantly increase withdrawals and foot traffic.
Before installing an ATM, every Illinois business owner should ask four key questions to determine if the location will be profitable and convenient for customers.
1. Does the Illinois Location Have Strong, Consistent Foot Traffic?
Foot traffic is the foundation of a successful ATM.
High-traffic areas across Illinois—such as retail centers, convenience stores, bars, gas stations, nightclubs, college areas, and transit-heavy zones—naturally drive more ATM usage.
Illinois hotspots where ATMs typically perform well include:
- Chicago neighborhoods (Wicker Park, Loop, Lakeview, Uptown)
- College towns (Champaign–Urbana, Normal)
- Tourism areas (Navy Pier, downtown Springfield, Galena)
- Busy suburban corridors (Naperville, Schaumburg, Joliet)
If people naturally pass through the area daily, your ATM has strong earning potential.
2. Is There Close Competition from Other ATMs Nearby?
In Illinois, competition plays a major role in your ATM’s success.
If customers already have access to multiple bank ATMs or low-fee machines nearby, yours may perform less effectively.
However, underserved areas—such as local bars, independent shops, small restaurants, and residential neighborhoods—offer excellent opportunity for ATM ownership.
Ask yourself:
- Are there bank ATMs within walking distance?
- Do nearby machines charge higher fees?
- Is this location underserved?
If your ATM can offer more convenience or lower fees, the Illinois market will respond strongly.
3. Does the Business Attract Customers Who Prefer Using Cash?
Many Illinois customers still choose cash for small purchases, tipping, nightlife, and convenience shopping. ATMs perform exceptionally well in locations where customers regularly pay with cash or need quick access to money.
Great Illinois cash-friendly locations include:
- Liquor stores
- Bars and nightclubs
- Local diners
- Barber shops
- Tobacco shops
- Gaming lounges
- Gas stations
- Festivals and seasonal markets
If your business attracts cash-spending visitors, an ATM will generate predictable monthly income.
4. Is the ATM Visible, Safe, and Easy to Access?
Visibility and accessibility are crucial in Illinois ATM placement.
Your ATM should be:
- Easy to spot upon entering
- Located in a well-lit, secure area
- Positioned near checkout lines or common pathways
- Accessible during high-traffic business hours
Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield locations especially benefit from strategic placement due to larger customer volumes and more consistent cash demand.
An ATM hidden in a corner or behind an obstacle will receive fewer withdrawals. Strategic visibility leads to higher transaction counts.