Q&A for How to Use an ATM

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  • Question
    How do I use a debit card in an ATM for the first time?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    First, you’ll need to select a PIN. You may need to call or visit your bank to do this, or there may be instructions on the paperwork that came with your card. Typically, you can activate your new card by using it in an ATM and entering the PIN. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call the number on the card and activate it over the phone before you can use it in an ATM.
  • Question
    Which side of the card do I insert into the machine?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    That depends on the machine. Most ATMs will have an image on the screen or next to the card reader showing which way to insert the card, especially if the card slot is vertical. For horizontally oriented card readers, the card is typically inserted face up, with the magnetic strip facing down and to the left.
  • Question
    How do you use a credit card at an ATM?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    First, you’ll need to check with your card provider to make sure your account is set up to allow cash withdrawals. They can help you set up a PIN for your credit card, if you didn’t already do so when you activated it. Once you have your PIN, you can use the credit card the same way you would use a debit card. However, be aware that you’ll probably need to pay a hefty cash advance fee.
  • Question
    How can I change my PIN?
    Community Answer
    (1) Insert your ATM/Debit Card and enter your existing PIN. (2) At the bottom of the screen, select "More." (3) Select "Change PIN." (4) Enter new PIN. (5) Re-enter new PIN and select "OK."
  • Question
    How do I identify my PIN number?
    Community Answer
    Either you ask for it directly in the bank, over the counter, or it should be sent to you in a letter through mail when you start up your account. It is advised to discard this letter once you have memorized your PIN number.
  • Question
    I don't know my PIN. How do I get it?
    Community Answer
    You have to ask it from the bank connected to your ATM card. Call the bank, or go on its website.
  • Question
    Can I cancel a transaction if I've entered my PIN and the amount to withdraw, but the cash hasn't appeared yet?
    Community Answer
    Hitting the cancel button should stop the process before the ATM debits your account. However, since it was so late in the process, it's a good idea to check your bank account balance or transaction history. If your account was debited but you didn't get your cash, contact your bank immediately to sort it out.
  • Question
    When do I remove the card after putting it in the ATM?
    Community Answer
    Some ATMs allow you to withdraw your card right after putting it in. Others make you wait until after you finish the transaction. Follow the instructions on the screen if you're not sure.
  • Question
    I put my debit card in and entered my PIN, then changed my mind and took the card out. Did I leave anything the next person could use?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    This depends on the type of machine and card. If it is a chip and PIN card, or an ATM that requires the card remain in for the transaction to proceed, there should not be a problem. But some ATMs allow the transaction to continue after the card is taken out, in which case your account could have been compromised if someone came up after you before the transaction timed out. Watch your account closely for any suspicious transactions, and in the future make sure to hit "cancel" and make sure the screen returns to the default display before walking away from the ATM.
  • Question
    How can I change the PIN for my ATM card?
    Community Answer
    Contact your bank by phone or in person and request the change.
  • Question
    Why can't I get a receipt when I withdraw money from an ATM?
    Community Answer
    Many ATMs in Europe do not give reciepts, probably because so many people track their bank balances online. In most other regions, the ATMs do print receipts. Try asking a bank teller to confirm that you haven't overlooked the option.
  • Question
    The ATM said I could enter any amount in tens, but when I entered 200 pounds the machine displayed an error. What's happening?
    Community Answer
    Each ATM has a maximum daily withdrawal limit, although 200 pounds should be within the limit for most UK machines. Double-check that the account you're withdrawing from contains that amount of money, as some banks block overdrafts. If neither of those explain the issue, the machine may be faulty.
  • Question
    Is the withdrawal amount displayed in words or figures?
    Community Answer
    It is displayed in figures on the ATM.
  • Question
    What are card skimmers?
    Top Answerer
    They are electronic devices placed by crooks near the slot on an ATM or other card-reader in order to record keystrokes and learn the account number and PIN on someone's card.
  • Question
    Which side of the card should be up and what direction should it be facing to go into the slot?
    Top Answerer
    There is probably a diagram printed next to the slot. If not, insert the card so that you can read it as you slide it in. If you insert it wrong, the machine will just reject the card until you insert it the correct way.
  • Question
    Do I put the debit card in with the blank side up?
    Community Answer
    There will be a picture at the insertion slot showing the correct way to insert it. The printed side should be up. If you insert it incorrectly, the machine will eject it immediately.
  • Question
    Should I select DEBIT or CREDIT when directed?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the type of card you are using. If you are using a debit or prepaid card you should use the debit option and if you are using a credit card from a bank then you should use credit option on the ATM.
  • Question
    How do I withdraw from a money market account at an ATM if the screen that comes up only has fast cash, checking, or savings for options?
    Community Answer
    Select Checking. then, there will be an Other Amount option. Choose that one to withdraw your specified amount of cash.
  • Question
    Can I use an ATM card on another bank's ATM machine?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use any debit card on any ATM, but you will be charged an additional fee for withdrawing money if the ATM is for a bank other than one you have an account with.
  • Question
    How do I get a new card after its expiration date?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    You should have automatically received a new card in the mail before your current card expired. If you did not receive a new card, then you should go speak with your bank immediately. Be sure they have the correct address on file for you, and check if they issued you a new card. If they did, explain you did not receive it, and they will cancel that card (as it may have been intercepted or received by someone else!) and issue you another one.
  • Question
    If I have no money in my account and want to put it in through an ATM, how can I do it?
    Top Answerer
    Assuming you have an ATM card linked to a bank account, insert your card and follow the instructions on the ATM display. Insert the currency (with or without an accompanying envelope) in the slot provided.
  • Question
    How do I activate my ATM card?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    Review the instruction sticker or letter that came with your card for specifics. Most cards can be activated using your preference of either of two methods: calling the customer service line, or going to a local ATM, swiping your card, and entering the PIN that came with it.
  • Question
    If I don't take the cash right away, how long will it stay out before the machine retracts it?
    Top Answerer
    It varies with the machine. Plan on it being less than a minute.
  • Question
    Can I change my ATM PIN twice?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you should be able to change your PIN as many times as you like. Most banks allow you to change your PIN any time at an ATM (it should be an ATM for your own bank), or you can visit a branch.
  • Question
    How much can I withdraw from an ATM?
    Community Answer
    This can be limited by your bank and the ATM in question.
  • Question
    How do I transfer money from my account to another bank account?
    Community Answer
    You may or may not be able to do this. Follow the prompts and instructions on the screen. If you can't transfer money, call the bank and ask for some help.
  • Question
    I have tried my pin 3 times, and it said I had the wrong password. Will it work if I wait 24 hours and try the correct pin again?
    Community Answer
    Usually if you enter your ATM pin incorrectly 3 times, it will get locked for 24 hours or until midnight. You need to wait until that time, or if your bank allows you to change your pin via the ATM, an app, online banking, etc., you can do that and you should be able to use the new pin more or less immediately.
  • Question
    Do ATM machines take pictures of the people making the transaction?
    Aasim
    Top Answerer
    To prevent vandalism or attachment of skimmers, there may be CCTV cameras pointed at a set of ATMs. They will not record your PIN, but they will capture your movements and your face. Remember: only use a supervised or attended ATM.
  • Question
    Which transaction type should I choose?
    PreuxFox
    Top Answerer
    If you want to take money out of your account, you should select "withdraw." If you have cash or checks that you want to put into your account, you should select "deposit." If you have two accounts attached to the card and would like to move money between them, you should select "transfer."
  • Question
    How do I withdraw money from an ATM?
    Top Answerer
    Read Part 2 above.
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