ACFN
ACFN franchisees operate as part of the ACFN automated teller machine (ATM) network, providing ATM services, financial transaction processing, and related financial services to businesses and individuals. Franchisees market and install ATMs at no cost to host locations such as hotels, retail stores, entertainment, and travel-based businesses, performing all maintenance while the franchisor monitors the network and authorizes transactions across major ATM networks. The business model generates revenue from surcharged transactions, with payments shared to host businesses, targeting high-traffic commercial venues.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
1% Regional/National Brand Fee + $12/mo per ATM administration fee + tiered Virtual Office Fee ($0 if < $750 monthly share, otherwise $50-$150+/mo) + $12.50-$15/mo wireless connection per wireless ATM
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: Projections for franchisee annual earnings across 36 different scenarios, covering operations with 1, 5, or 10 ATMs, each with daily surcharge transactions ranging from 1 to 12 per ATM.
* The financial performance data presented in the tables are 'Possible Results of ACFN Franchisee Operating 1 ATM, 5 ATMs and 10 ATMs', representing projections of future financial performance for various scenarios (number of ATMs operated by a franchisee and daily transaction rates per ATM). The 'Annual Total' (Annual Amount Paid to Franchisee) from all 36 projected scenarios (12 for 1 ATM, 12 for 5 ATMs, 12 for 10 ATMs) was used to calculate the average, median, and quartile figures. These figures do not represent the actual historical performance of a sample of existing franchisees. The document explicitly states that the figures in the tables do not reflect the cost of sales, operating expenses, or other costs or expenses that must be deducted from the gross revenue or gross sales figures to obtain net income or net profit; therefore, net income, net profit, EBITDA, and profit range estimates are set to null.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How ACFN Compares to Other Business Services Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower investment than 83% of Business Services franchises
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Business Services
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ACFN Current | $38K - $60K | $25K | N/A | 233 |
| Bimbo Foods Bakeries Distribution, LLC | $14K - $607K | N/A | N/A | 6,454 |
| THE UPS STORE (TRADITIONAL) | $216K - $609K | $30K | 5.0% | 4,500 |
| JACKSON HEWITT TAX SERVICE | $71K - $105K | $25K | 15.0% | 2,744 |
| CRUISE PLANNERS | $2K - $21K | $11K | 3.0% | 2,655 |
| SERVPRO (UNIT) | $259K - $380K | $100K | 10.0% | 2,286 |
Business Services Average 187 franchises | $118K - $285K | $46K | 10.4% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 187 Business Services franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+25 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for ACFN franchisees (2014 - 2014)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a ACFN franchise?
The total initial investment to open a ACFN franchise ranges from $37,838 to $59,921. This includes a franchise fee of $25,000.
How much revenue does a ACFN franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a ACFN franchise is $25,814.42. The median revenue is $16,533.
How many ACFN franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, ACFN has 233 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2003.
Can you get an SBA loan for a ACFN franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for ACFN franchises. Historical data shows 2 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for ACFN franchisees, with an average loan amount of $35,400. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is ACFN a good franchise to buy?
ACFN shows several positive indicators: established brand with 233+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in ACFN?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if ACFN is the right fit for you.
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