How To Withdraw Money From The ATM in 9 Simple Steps
An Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a great modern invention that’s very easy and convenient to use. You can access your bank account wherever and whenever you find an ATM.
If your ATM card is new, and you tried it in the machine with no luck, don’t panic! Some banks take 24 hours or more to activate their ATM cards. If you can, give your banking service provider a call to make sure that your card will be activated.
It’s best if you use the ATM that is connected to the bank that issued your ATM card. Otherwise some services may not be available, or the bank will charge an extra fee as you are not their customer.
There are several simple steps to withdrawing cash from an ATM:
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Make sure you are safe
People often target ATMs to commit robbery, so make sure the area is well lit and no one is standing too close to you. Stand in a way that hides your screen and key presses.
Make sure there are no strange devices on the ATM. Card skimming machines are becoming more common worldwide.
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Insert your card into the ATM machine
ATM cards come in debit or credit card types. Debit cards are more commonly used in ATMs. You can draw cash from your savings or cheque account.
If using your credit card, it will draw from your credit account. Some banks will charge extra fees if you draw cash from your credit account, so make sure you understand your bank’s policies.
Insert your ATM card in the ATM machine where you see a blinking light. Make sure to insert your card with the magnetic strip facing whichever way the machine indicates. There is usually a diagram on the machine itself. The machine will not be able to read your card if it is inserted incorrectly, and will reject the card.
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Select your language of choice
Select whichever language you are most comfortable with. Some countries have several languages available. Make sure you carefully select the right language, or you will have to cancel the transaction and start again, which wastes time.
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Enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number)
This can be the trickiest part of using the ATM. You will be issued a 4-digit PIN number by the bank that gave your ATM card. If you put in the wrong PIN number more than 3 times, the ATM machine may swallow your card, and you will have to cancel it and get it re-issued by your bank.
It’s best to make sure this number is something that you can easily remember. Don’t write the number on your card, or on a piece of paper that you put in your wallet near your card. If your wallet is stolen, thieves can access your bank account and steal your funds from the ATM.
Make sure nobody is watching over your shoulder when you enter your PIN. Check the ATM for strange objects that could be cameras pointed at the ATM keypad.
Don’t accept help from anyone at the ATM if you are struggling to put in the number. Rather cancel the transaction and walk away with your card. You can always come back when the ATM is free of other people, or go to a different ATM.
Some ATMS have the numbers in Braille so if you have bad eyesight or are completely blind, you’ll be able to use the ATM without help.
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Enter the type of transaction you want
The screen of the ATM will offer you options like Withdraw Money, Deposit Money, Balance Enquiry, Bill Pay etc. If you want to draw cash, you must choose the Withdraw Money option.
You can select Balance Enquiry if you want to check how much money is available in the account for drawing.
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Choose your account type
The ATM screen will then show the various types of account. Select the right account type, for example savings or current account.
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Enter the amount of cash you want to withdraw
The ATM screen will show you options of how much money you want. You can also choose “own amount” on some ATMs.
Choose the amount you want to withdraw, making sure that it is not more than your balance. If the balance is not enough to withdraw the amount you want, the ATM will cancel your transaction and your slip will say “Insufficient Funds”.
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Take Your Money!
This is of course the best part! But it can also be the most risky.
Make sure you know where the money comes out of the ATM. The cash dispenser slot may be in different areas on different ATMs. Take out the money quickly or the machine may suck the money back in.
Check your money before you move away from the ATM, in case you have left some behind.
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Take your receipt
The ATM screen will ask you if you want a receipt. Press yes, and you will have proof of your withdrawal. You can also then check your remaining balance.
Make sure you take your ATM card from the machine, and put both your card and cash safely in your wallet before walking away.