Sep. 01, 2025
7 Min read
Digital Banking
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The growth of digital payments hasn’t completely replaced the need for cash. People still rely on cash for payment of rent, wages, and essential purchases. RBI data shows that, although ATM withdrawals declined from 57 crore in January 2023 to 48.8 crore by January 2025, the average monthly withdrawal value still averaged ₹1.43 crore in FY24. However, bank branches and ATMs are still out of reach for much of rural and semi-urban India. To withdraw cash or check their balance, customers in these regions sometimes have to travel long distances or wait in long queues. This is where shopkeepers and small business owners can step in by offering Micro ATM devices.
With Finkeda’s Micro ATM (mATM), registered merchants can offer banking services, such as cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, and mini statement, directly from their shop counters. It’s a convenient solution for the community and a practical way to increase footfall and earn additional income through transaction-based commissions. The following article outlines the operational process of Micro ATMs and highlights their potential advantages for retail businesses.
Micro ATM is a small, handheld device that has internet or mobile network connectivity. It operates with the help of a biometric scanner or debit card swiping system and communicates directly with the bank of the customer through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) or the NPCI network. Through Finkeda’s Micro ATM for small businesses, you can:
| Feature | Traditional ATM | Micro ATM / Mini ATM |
| Size & Setup | Large kiosk; fixed location | Small device; portable and mobile |
| Who Operates It | Fully automated machine | Operated by a merchant |
| Cash Availability | Dispenses cash directly from the machine | The merchant hands over cash |
| Power & Network | Requires electricity, internet | Works on a mobile network or SIM |
| Authentication | ATM card + PIN | Only an ATM card along with a PIN |
| Cost to Set Up | High | Low |
| Where It’s Used | Urban and semi-urban areas | Rural, remote, or low-infrastructure areas |
| Services Offered | Cash withdrawal, balance check, transfer | Cash withdrawal, balance check |
Unlike traditional ATMs that need heavy infrastructure, a mini ATM device is easy to install and fits right on your shop counter. Finkeda offers this service exclusively to its onboarded merchants to ensure both trust and accountability in the process.
A Micro ATM is different from the large cash machines that you find at petrol pumps or bank branches. It’s a small device, usually connected to a mobile phone, operated by local shopkeepers or merchants to provide ATM-like services. Here is how they differ from traditional ATMs:
If you run a kirana shop, mobile recharge point, pharmacy, dairy, or even a stationery store, a Micro ATM can give you a steady income boost without needing any technical skills. Here’s how it benefits your business:
Every time a customer withdraws cash or checks their balance at your shop, you earn a commission. Finkeda does not guarantee or promise specific income levels, but every successful transaction processed through your Micro ATM may result in a commission. Over time, even small amounts from each transaction can add up to a significant side income.
Many villages or small towns don’t have ATMs or bank branches nearby. People often travel several kilometres for a simple cash withdrawal. With a mini ATM device, your shop becomes the trusted financial spot in the area. It brings in more footfall and more sales of your regular products, too.
You don’t need a banking license of your own. Once Finkeda onboards you as a merchant partner, you are authorised to operate Micro ATM services under our compliance framework. With a small device and internet access, you can start offering banking services right from your shop.
Banks stay closed on holidays. But your shop doesn’t have to. A mini ATM keeps working every day, even when regular branches are shut. This is especially useful during emergencies when customers need quick cash. You serve more people and never miss a day of earnings.
Most shops still sell regular items. When you add financial services like balance enquiry and cash withdrawal, you give customers more reasons to visit your shop. It sets you apart from other nearby stores. This increases your daily foot traffic and gives your business a modern image. You’re seen as tech-friendly and ahead of the curve, all with a low-cost Micro ATM device.
You might find other mATM providers in the market, but here’s what makes Finkeda a reliable partner for shopkeepers:
Finkeda’s Micro ATM is offered only to verified merchants, ensuring a secure and controlled user base. This exclusivity ensures better support, transparency, and a focused community of partners.
The device is user-friendly. You don’t need any special training or technical knowledge to run it. Our onboarding team assists you throughout the process.
All mATM transactions are powered by secure banking networks. Both the merchant and customer get real-time SMS alerts confirming the transaction.
Facing an issue? Finkeda provides dedicated support for merchants to resolve queries and ensure smooth operations.
With Finkeda, you can provide a full range of services by using a mini ATM for business. Your customers can complete:
All transactions are secure and happen in real time. The system is connected with NPCI and supported by major banks.
Yes, 100%. Finkeda’s Micro ATM service is:
It’s the same backend network used by banks and UPI services in India. Your customers’ money stays safe and your earnings are recorded transparently in the app dashboard.
Finkeda has designed the process to be straightforward for shopkeepers and business owners. Here’s a clear breakdown of how to get started and how the transaction process works:
To access the mATM service, you must be a registered merchant with Finkeda. This ensures compliance, safety, and smooth operations. Here’s how onboarding works:
Only after onboarding and verification will you be able to offer mATM services at your store.
Once your device is active, here’s how a standard transaction takes place:
The entire process is quick and doesn’t require technical expertise.
There are many mini ATM service providers in India, but here’s what sets Finkeda apart:
| Feature | Finkeda | Others |
| Commission Payout | Instant to wallet | Delayed |
| Onboarding | Quick KYC | Paper-heavy |
| Language Support | Hindi, English, +8 languages | English only |
| Extra Services | Bill pay, AEPS, Insurance, Travel Booking | Limited |
| Customer Support | 24×7 human support | Chatbots or emails only |
Finkeda is designed with Bharat in mind, simple, reliable and helpful for real shopkeepers and everyday users.
A Micro ATM device isn’t just another device on your counter. It is an efficient way to turn your regular shop into a reliable financial point for your entire locality. You earn on every transaction, such as withdrawals, balance checks, and more, without extra investment or technical skills. It boosts customer engagement and monthly income. In places where ATMs or bank branches are far, your shop becomes the go-to financial stop.
If you’re looking for an easy way to grow your earnings and build customer trust to serve your community, join the Micro ATM business. Sign up today on the Finkeda platform, finish your merchant KYC, and transform your shop into a neighbourhood banking point.
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