A wireless ATM system (30) comprises one or more wireless ATMs (32, 34, 36) that are operative to wirelessly communicate with a wireless ATM server (38). The wireless ATMs each include a wireless network interface (41). The wireless ATM server includes a corresponding wireless access point or wireless hub (40). Wireless transmission between the wireless ATMs and wireless ATM server is secured with a wireless encryption protocol. The wireless ATM server is operative to communicate with at least one host banking system (46) through at least one public or private network (44). The wireless ATM server is operative to route transaction and event messages between the host banking system and each of the wireless ATMs using a message gateway router (43). The wireless ATM server further includes a firewall (42).