ATM ISO (independent selling organization)



ATM ISOs are independent selling organizations that offer the marketplace low cost ATM cash dispensers for retail locations through direct marketing. Surcharge revenue provides easy money for a simple service. ATM products and services fill a variety of needs, from hotels to convenience stores, by authorizing electronic transactions, and enabling customers to perform withdraw money from their bank safely and securely from the convenience of a remote location. Operators are contracted with complete service providers that also provide maintenance and other related functions.



ISO business models are in a state of change because of declining revenue based on lower per machine transaction due to lower margins: the market has become too saturated. Various solutions are being considered. The ATM transaction network is expanding through the use of co-branding to do more than just perform bank debit. Co-branding is one of the new solutions, being touted by ISOs as a promise to reinvigorate revenue. A number of alternate functions related to vending are being considered, such as the sale of lottery or movie tickets.

The payment industry has now matured into a self-regulating body that includes the NAAIO, or National Association of ATM ISOs and Operators. The NAAIO invites new members to join the ranks of vendors, agents, ATM operators and ATM ISOs to be part of the payment processing industry. NAAIO can provide solution resources for the company, business or retail chain that is setting up a new ATM machine program.

ISOs offer many services, including a short list of manufacturers that includes ATMs made by Triton, Nautiulus, Qualtex, TRANAX, NCR and Diebold. These machines are reliable, having a user interface that is simple and easy to use. Run by new CE operating systems, the machines include a color monitor, as well as a touch screen to make using easier than ever. Also, enhanced SSL encryption means data is secure. Some ATM providers have a fraud detection system, designed to detect fraudulent transactions using stolen or fake cards when they are swiped at the terminal, revealing fake or sensitive cardholder data.