Introduction
Alternatives to bank branches and cash machines exist and offer several advantages over their traditional counterparts. While bank branches aren’t entirely obsolete, ATMs have made them redundant in many places. Thanks to ATMs, your nearest bank branch could be an hour away or a week away rather than the 10 minutes it used to be. If you haven’t experienced what it’s like to use an ATM, you are truly missing out on something special.
What is an ATM?
An Automatic Teller Machine, commonly known as an ATM, is a computer specifically designed to allow you to withdraw money from your bank account using a machine rather than at a bank branch. Most ATMs ask for your card, then your PIN, and then ask you to choose either debit or credit withdrawal. It takes money from your account and dispenses it through a slot.
How Does an ATM Work?
The average ATM only weighs about 100 kilograms and stands about 1.95 meters tall. It’s pretty light and small, although the average machine can contain up to 380 notes of different denominations and 160 cards. That way, there is plenty of money for you to withdraw – up to ,000! The ATM has been designed to be installed virtually anywhere, ensuring you’re never more than a few steps away from your debit card.
ATMs are Everywhere!
In the US, there are approximately 330,000 ATMs and approximately 300,000 in Britain. These machines have revolutionized the way that people won’t think about bank branches. Today, a single cash machine charges customers approximately 4% to withdraw money from their accounts. These machines can save you a lot of money over time, allowing you to save for important things like housing and retirement.
Finding an ATM Near You
Use an ATM locator to find the nearest ATM to your location. You can use the maps provided in these locators to plan your route and find a convenient ATM. They include:
- Visa ATM locator
- Discover ATM locator
- Simple ATM locator
- Money Pass ATM locator
Why Use ATMs Rather Than Bank Branches?
There are many reasons to use an ATM rather than a cash machine.
1. Convenience
ATMs are ideal for people who want convenience. Thanks to modern technology and ease of use, most customers can get what they need with just a few taps of their cards. It is ideal for people who don’t have time to go to the bank regularly or those who live in marginalized areas with little access to public transportation. It’s quick, easy, and convenient.
2. Safety
ATMs don’t have to be manned at all times, which means you can access your money anytime. Of course, staff usually operate cash machines, and customers can call the bank and freeze or unfreeze their cards should anything go wrong. Nonetheless, ATMs are still a much safer option than carrying a large amount of cash on the street.
3. Flexibility
The best thing about ATMs is their flexibility. You can choose to withdraw your cash at a different time and place if you so wish. Bank branches are set up in the same way. It means that you can access your bank account any day/time that suits you best, secure in the knowledge that you won’t have to wait for long periods.
4. Cost
ATMs are less expensive than bank branches and cash machines. Some customers are charged up to 4% for withdrawing their money from a bank. That’s quite a high figure and one you can easily avoid using ATMs instead.
Additional ATM Tips and Advice
1. Know What You Can Withdraw
Generally, it’s best to know what you can withdraw from your bank account anytime. For example, if you have $20,000 in your account and want to withdraw that amount each month, you should ask your bank whether you can withdraw $100 worth each month.
2. Where to Withdraw
It’s always worth knowing where you can withdraw money in your area. It will change according to your geographic location and the population in the area. Nevertheless, some banks are better than others at providing different locations for their machines.
3. Find an ATM That Offers Instructions
Most ATMs offer instructions for those who don’t know how to use them. It’s always better to find out what instructions you need to follow before adventuring into the wild world of ATM withdrawal. Most banks offer free instructions, and there have been high-tech ATMs that give step-by-step instructions on their screens.
4. ATM Security
Some ATMs are not as secure as others. Be aware of this fact, and make sure you check the security category of your ATM before withdrawing money from it. If you need to, ask the staff to call a security guard or a police officer to ensure everything is in order.
5. Get Your Card Back
You should always get your card back after withdrawing your money. If it hasn’t been returned, you must find the machine again and tell a staff member. Some ATMs may retain your card for a short period if they need to check an unusual transaction.
6. Complaints
If you’re having a problem with an ATM, you should call the manager or supervisor. If an ATM is out of order, then look for another one. There are many other machines in the area, and if you can’t do anything to fix the problem, then it may be worth your while to get a refund and move on.
Conclusion
ATMs have transformed the way that people use their bank accounts. Thanks to their convenience, flexibility, and security, ATMs are the best way that people can use their bank accounts. Thanks to new technology, ATMs are getting smaller and more secure daily!
