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Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about Using an automated teller machine, or ATM, is a common part of personal finance for most Americans. You can use an ATM to deposit and withdraw cash at your bank or credit union, as well as transfer money between accounts and check on your account balance. If you’re new to using ATMs or are worried about doing so safely, review our step-by-step guide to deposit and withdraw cash at an ATM. How to Use an ATM: Step-By-Step Guide To use an ATM: 1. Insert Your Debit Card If you don’t have a debit card for your checking account, your bank likely provided you with an ATM card. ATM cards are also common if you have a savings account without an associated checking account or maybe be attached to accounts at credit unions, including money markets. You can also use a credit card at an ATM, but this qualifies as a “cash advance” and is very expensive. Fees can surpass $8 or 3% of the total transaction. Only use a credit card at an ATM when you have no other option. If you have a debit card with a chip, make sure you insert the chip end into the ATM. Pro Tip You must activate a debit card before you can use it at an ATM. Activate a card via phone or online when you receive it in the mail rather than waiting until you arrive at the ATM. Newer ATMs allow for cardless transactions. Instead, you can use your smartphone digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay...

At one time, the primary way to do business with a bank was by heading to a bank branch. A flesh-and-blood teller at a bank branch accepts deposits, handles withdrawals, cashes checks and undertakes many other tasks. But in the 1960s, an invention known as the automated teller machine (ATM) made its debut. This innovation revolutionized the banking industry by letting customers withdraw cash and perform other tasks without interacting with a human teller. Today, many things that a human bank teller does can also be done at an ATM. In 2020, more than 5.1 million ATMs operated around the world. Here’s everything you need to know about ATMs, from how they work to ATM withdrawal limits and how to use one safely. What Is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)? An ATM is essentially a computer where you can check your account balance, deposit or withdraw cash and access other financial services. This machine eliminates the need to interact with a human teller for many basic banking needs. You can often take advantage of ATM services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How Do ATMs Work? In most cases, you use an ATM by inserting a debit card, ATM card or credit card into a slot on the machine. Regardless of where the ATM is located, it connects electronically with your bank account via the internet or phone line. You can find an ATM at a bank branch, a grocery store, convenience store, shopping mall, restaurant, bar or another location. If an ATM is at a bank, look for it to be owned a...

ATMs can be intimidating for first-timers, but once you get the hang of them, they're incredibly quick and convenient. There's no need to drive across town to your bank branch or deal with inconvenient hours—you can handle your business just about anywhere and any time. If you're a newcomer or need a refresher, here's what you need to know to use an ATM safely and effectively. Image Source / Getty Images The first thing to remember when using an ATM is to be safe. That machine has direct access to your bank account, and you might have a lot of cash on hand immediately before or after you use the ATM (depending on whether you're making a deposit or withdrawal). For those reasons, thieves target ATMs and the people using them. Be aware of your surroundings and don't use an ATM if anything looks suspicious. When in doubt, just walk away and find a different, Marc Romanelli / Getty Images Once you've determined that an ATM is safe to use, insert your card into the card reader. There should be an image of a card showing you exactly how the card needs to be inserted. Look for the black magnetic stripe for guidance, or possibly an image showing how your In some cases, you'll insert the card completely into the ATM, and the machine will hold onto it until your transaction is complete. Other machines allow you to just "dip" your card quickly so that you can get it back in your wallet as soon as possible. If the machine holds onto your card, make sure to get the card back before lea...

What Is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)? An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic banking outlet that allows customers to complete basic transactions without the aid of a branch representative or teller. Anyone with a credit card or debit card can access cash at most ATMs, either in the U.S. or other countries. • ATMS, or automated teller machines, are banking outlets where you can withdraw cash without going into a branch of their bank. • Some ATMs only dispense cash, while others allow transactions such as check deposits or balance transfers. • The first ATMs appeared in 1960s and now number more than 2 million worldwide. • Today’s ATMs are capable of accepting deposits as well as administering several other banking services. • To avoid ATM fees, try to use an ATM by your own bank. • Card reader: This part reads the chip on the front of your card or the magnetic stripe on the back. • Keypad: The keypad is used to input information, including your • Cash dispenser: Bills are dispensed through a slot in the machine, which is connected to a safe at the bottom of the machine. • Printer: If required, you can request receipts that are printed out of the ATM. The receipt records the type of transaction, the amount, and the current account balance. • Screen: The ATM issues prompts that guide you through the process of executing the transaction. Information about accounts and their balances is also transmitted on the screen. Most ATMs in banks are multifunctional, whi...

Can You Use a Credit Card At an ATM? Yes, a credit card may be used at an ATM to withdraw cash, but it’s not a recommended practice. Taking cash from an ATM using a credit card is called a cash advance and not only involves a cash advance transaction fee (often 3% to 5% of the transaction amount) but is also subject to a separate, often much higher cash advance APR. Because cash advance transactions begin to accrue interest the same day a transaction is made, high fees are typically unavoidable when using a credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM. What Is a Cash Advance? A cash advance is a cash withdrawal from an ATM using a credit card. The cardholder is essentially purchasing cash from the credit card company as opposed to purchasing an item from a store. Money withdrawn from an ATM gets added to the account balance and will be reflected in monthly statements. One-time fees and high interest rates often accompany cash advances. The average APR for a cash advance ranges from 20% to 25%, which is generally higher than APRs for regular purchase transactions. For these reasons, cash advances should be used only as a last resort or in an emergency situation. Things To Consider Before Taking a Cash Advance With few exceptions, cardholders should pay off credit card balances every month to avoid paying interest. Always pay off cash advances as quickly as possible to avoid falling into debt. High Interest Rates Interest rates for cash advances are usually higher than interest ...

You are leaving the Wells Fargo website You are leaving wellsfargo.com and entering redcross.org. Although Wells Fargo has a relationship with this website, Wells Fargo does not provide the products and services on the website. Please review the applicable privacy and security policies and terms and conditions for the website you are visiting. Digital wallet access is available at Wells Fargo ATMs for Wells Fargo Debit Cards and in Wells Fargo-supported digital wallets. Availability may be affected by your mobile carrier’s coverage area. Your mobile carrier’s message and data rates may apply. Some ATMs within secure locations may require a physical card for entry. The American Red Cross name, emblem, and copyrighted materials are being used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion, or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit