How to Use an ATM

How to Deposit Cash at an ATM

The process of depositing money in an ATM varies from bank to bank, but it's usually pretty straightforward and includes the following steps.

1. Confirm the bank allows cash deposits since many banks don't allow you to deposit cash at an ATM that's out of their network.
2. Access your account by inserting or tapping your debit or ATM card and entering your personal identification number (PIN), which is the security code you set up with your bank. Make sure your card's magnetic strip aligns with the icon on the machine.
3. Choose "deposit" from the menu options and select the desired account that will receive your cash.
4. Insert your bills into the deposit slot and follow the prompts on the screen. Some older machines may require you to deposit your bills in an envelope.
5. Once the ATM calculates and displays your deposit amount for your approval, confirm the amount to initiate the deposit.
6. Retrieve your receipt and debit or credit card from the ATM.

Depositing checks into an ATM is essentially the same as depositing cash, except you must insert checks into the machine's check slot rather than the cash slot. Also, don't forget to sign the back of the check and write "For deposit only" as an added security measure.

Be aware that banks often limit the number of bills—but not the amount—you can deposit at an ATM. For example, if your bank limits you to 40 bills per transaction, your deposit amount could range from $40 to $4,000, depending on the denomination of the bills you deposit.

How to Withdraw Cash at an ATM

ATMs provide fast access to cash when you need it by taking a few easy steps:

1. Insert your ATM, debit or credit card into the machine and enter your PIN to confirm your identity.
2. If you have multiple accounts linked to your card, the ATM will ask you to choose between them. Select the account you want to withdraw money from.
3. Specify the amount you want to withdraw. Some machines allow you to choose the denominations you receive, such as $5, $10, $20 and $100 bills.
4. Review the withdrawal details on the screen and confirm if they are correct.
5. Remove your card from the ATM, collect your cash and take your transaction receipt.

Remember, the process of making an ATM cash withdrawal can vary from one machine to another, but the steps are generally the same. If you're using an out-of-network ATM, you'll likely need to agree to pay an ATM fee to complete the transaction.

How to Check Your Balance at an ATM

The steps to check your balance are similar to other ATM transactions and can be completed very quickly.

1. Insert your debit or ATM card into the card slot.
2. Enter your PIN when prompted by the screen.
3. From the menu options, select "balance inquiry" or "check balance."
4. Choose the account you want to access.
5. View your account balance displayed on the ATM screen. Typically, you can also print a receipt with your balance and take it with you.
6. Remember to remove your card from the machine and visually confirm the ATM session has ended for security reasons.

For added security, use ATMs in well-lit public areas. In particular, ATMs inside banks or grocery stores are often safer than outdoor ATMs. Always shield the ATM keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent someone from seeing your code.

It's also a good idea to quickly inspect the ATM for tampering before using it. Look for unusual markings or devices attached to the card slot, which could be signs of a card skimming scheme to steal your information.

FAQS

Got questions about using an ATM? Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about ATMs.

• Can You Use a Credit Card at an ATM?

  If you have available credit on your credit card, you can use it to withdraw cash, but it's not the same as using a debit card. When you use a credit card at an ATM, you're borrowing cash against your credit limit instead of withdrawing it from your bank account.

  The withdrawal will then appear as a cash advance on your credit card statement, with the amount susceptible to an interest rate that will likely be higher than rates for regular purchases. Unlike a credit card balance, there's no grace period with a cash advance, which means interest starts accruing immediately.

  Additionally, cash advances come with an upfront fee, usually 5% of your advance amount or $10, whichever is greater, but the amount can vary among card issuers.

• How Do I Find an ATM?

  Locating an ATM is simple. Most banks and credit unions have ATM locators on their websites or mobile apps, guiding you to the nearest machine. Alternatively, Google Maps and other online mapping services can direct you to the nearest ATMs. You can also call your bank's customer service department to find nearby ATMs within their network. Remember to use ATMs associated with your bank or its partners to help you avoid extra fees.

• How Much Can You Withdraw From an ATM?

  Typically, banks and credit unions set daily and per-transaction limits on ATM withdrawals. While withdrawal limits vary by institution, they typically range from $300 to $1,000 per day. You can access your account online or call your bank to determine its daily and transaction withdrawal limits. Keep in mind, some ATM operators outside your bank's networks may have their own withdrawal limits in addition to those set by your bank.

• Can I Withdraw Money From an ATM in Another Country?

  You can withdraw money when traveling to a foreign country, but you may incur significant fees, including an out-of-network fee, ATM operator fee, foreign transaction fee and the ATM operator's currency conversion markup. Fee amounts vary but can quickly add up. For example, the foreign transaction fee is about 1% to 3% of the amount you withdraw. You may limit or avoid international ATM fees by using machines in your bank's network, withdrawing funds in the local currency and using a debit or credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees (or refunds you for them).

Keep Tabs on Your Credit

Checking your bank account for ATM fees is an important part of maintaining your financial health. Keeping track of these fees can help you plan your ATM use, minimize extra costs and manage your money more effectively.

It's also important to keep track of your credit health by signing up for free credit monitoring from Experian. You'll be informed of changes in your credit report and receive real-time alerts of new inquiries, suspicious activity and more. And if you're working on your credit score, Experian's FICO^® Score^☉ tracker can help you visualize your progress and be informed when your score changes.