ATM Instructions



As technology progresses, we find ways to make our lives easier through machines. But sometimes the machines can be confusing, and the part of 'making life easier' has an obstacle which has to be surmounted. A perfect example is in the ATM, or Automatic Teller Machines, that have become common all over the united states. Though designed to be decently intuitive, sometimes the ATM instructions can be confusing and hard to understand. I've taken it upon myself to give a more comprehensive, set of detailed instructions for using an ATM.



To start, insert the debit card that your bank gives you face-up. From just inserting the card, don't worry about being charged money (Which can be used if you use a non-bank ATM; more on that later), or losing your card. After inserting the card you'll be asked for your 4-digit PIN number, which you should enter using the keypad provided. Some ATMs let you use the touchscreen.

At this point, you have several options. 'Withdrawal', 'Check Balance', and 'Transfer Funds' are the main choices. Before going into detail as to those options, it's worth noting that if the ATM doesn't belong to your bank you can still use it to make withdrawals and to check your balance, but you will likely be charged a nominal fee. In this case, you will be warned on-screen about the fee, and given the option to simply take your card if you choose not to pay the fee. An ATM belonging to your bank will not charge you.

Following the instructions on the ATM screen, you can quickly withdraw cash with a few presses of a button. The layout of the buttons on an ATM screen varies, but the desired action will appear on the screen next to one of the buttons next to the screen, at which point you can press that button. To withdraw cash, choose 'Withdraw' or 'Quick Cash', at which point you'll be given the option to choose to withdraw from your checking or your savings account. The rules of withdrawing from your accounts via ATM are the same as withdrawing from a teller at the bank, so any limits on withdrawing from your savings account are carried over. After choosing where to withdraw your cash from, you can choose to withdraw in increments; most ATMs only give cash in $20 increments, but there are a few which give cash in smaller increments such as 5 or 10 dollars. If you try to withdraw more money from your account than you have in the account, most banks and credit unions won't hit you with an overdraft fee, they simply won't allow you to withdraw.