How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (2024)

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A quick tutorial for using an ATM with your debit card—or credit card

Co-authored byJohnathan FuentesReviewed byAlex Kwan

Last Updated: June 18, 2024Fact Checked

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  • Accessing Your Account
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ATMs, a.k.a. “Automated Teller Machines,” make banking fast, simple, and reliable. You can use them for everything from getting cash, depositing checks, and even paying bills. If you haven’t used an ATM before, this guide will show you how easy it can be. Keep reading to learn how to use an atm with a debit card, how to withdraw cash or make deposits in different accounts, and how to pick the right ATM to avoid extra fees and save yourself money.

Things You Should Know

  • Insert your card into the ATM with the card’s chip facing forward. Enter your PIN, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete your transaction.
  • Whenever possible, use ATMs affiliated with the bank that issued your card. You may be charged additional fees if your card doesn’t match the ATM’s bank.
  • For your safety, use ATMs in well-lit, high-trafficked areas. Remember to take your card, cash, and receipt at the end of your transaction.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Accessing Your Account

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  1. 1

    Locate a nearby ATM using map software. If possible, find an ATM that matches the bank that issued your debit card (like using a Chase debit card at a Chase ATM). Though you can use your debit card at any ATM, you may be charged additional fees for withdrawing money from an ATM that’s not affiliated with your bank.

    • Some ATM services, like depositing cash, may only be available at ATMs that match your bank.
    • You may also be charged additional fees by your bank and the ATM itself.[1]
    • Call your bank in advance to report travel plans and ask if there are extra fees for international ATM withdrawals.
  2. 2

    Check your surroundings to ensure you’re safe. Make sure the area is well-lit; in most cases, you won’t have to worry about your safety, but be on your guard and stand in front of the ATM so that your screen and key presses are not visible to anyone around you.[2]

    • If possible, choose ATMs in well-trafficked areas and use them only during the day.

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  3. 3

    Insert your card into the ATM with the card’s chip facing forward. In most cases, your card will be a debit card.[3] Debit cards are most frequently used in ATMs and are linked directly to your bank account—so the money you withdraw will come from that account.[4] Some credit cards can also be used at ATMs, but the money comes from the card’s line of credit, so the ATM transaction will appear on your credit card bill.[5]

    • If you accidentally insert the card incorrectly, simply remove it, flip it in a different direction, and try again.
    • The ATM may also have a diagram or animation showing the correct way to insert the card.
  4. 4

    Select your language. Most ATMs will offer transactions in multiple languages, depending on where the ATM is located. Some ATMs will allow you to select your language before inserting your card, while others will ask you afterward.[6]

  5. 5

    Enter your PIN when prompted. "PIN" stands for "personal identification number," and it's typically a four- to six-digit password people use to access their bank account. Enter your PIN when asked to by the machine, making sure to shield the pad with your hand so that nearby onlookers can't see it.[7]

    • The exact length of your PIN may vary depending on the financial institution associated with your ATM card.
    • For security, never share your PIN with anyone.
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Part 2

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Withdrawals, Deposits, & Other Transactions

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  1. 1

    Withdraw cash from the ATM. Depending on the ATM, you’ll have the option for a “Fast Cash” withdrawal or a regular withdrawal. Fast Cash allows you to quickly select and withdraw a certain amount of cash from a list of common amounts—such as $40, $60, or $100. A regular withdrawal allows you to type an exact amount of cash to withdraw.[8]

    • If you use your debit card at an ATM affiliated with your bank, you can select which account you want the withdrawal to come from.
    • For example, if you have a checking and a savings account, you can choose to withdraw money from your savings account instead of the checking account that’s normally linked to the debit card.
    • Be careful not to exceed your withdrawal limits. Most ATMs and banks limit how much cash you can withdraw at a time, or per day. The exact limit depends on your bank and the ATM you’re using.[9]
  2. 2

    Deposit checks or cash into an ATM affiliated with your bank. After entering your PIN, you’ll see an option for making deposits. Select “Deposit Cash” or “Deposit Checks.” A small door will slide open near the card reader, revealing a slot where you can insert the cash or checks. Insert them, then let the machine count them. You’ll be asked to confirm the total amount for the deposit. If the amount shown is wrong, edit it to reflect the correct amount. Once the correct amount is shown, hit confirm to complete the deposit.[10]

    • If you have multiple accounts, you’ll be given the option to select the account where the money will be deposited.
    • Your deposit may not be immediately available, or only a portion of it may be available at first. It may take a few days before the full amount is made available.
    • Most ATMs don’t allow you to deposit checks and cash at the same time. If you want to deposit both cash and checks, you’ll need to do two separate deposits.
    • You cannot make deposits if the ATM that is not affiliated with your bank.
  3. 3

    Check your account balance using an ATM affiliated with your bank. After entering your PIN, you’ll see an option for checking your account balance. Your balance is the amount of money available in your account. This balance may be displayed on the screen or printed on a receipt, depending on the ATM.[11]

    • If you have multiple accounts, you’ll be given the option to select which account balance you want to view. You may also be able to view all balances at once.
    • In some cases, you can still check your account balance using an ATM that’s not affiliated with your bank. But you may be charged fees for doing so.
  4. 4

    Transfer money between accounts using your bank’s ATM. If you have multiple accounts with your bank, you can transfer money from one account to another using one of your bank’s ATMs. After entering your PIN, choose the “transfer” option. Select which account you want to transfer from, followed by the account you want the money moved to. Specify the amount of money you want to transfer, then hit confirm to complete the transfer.[12]

    • Some banks allow you to pay bills using their ATMs.
    • For example, if you have a credit card with your bank, you may be able to pay your credit card bill by transferring money from a bank account to the credit card balance.
    • Check with your bank to confirm whether you can pay bills via an ATM. Depending on your bank, you may need to authorize ATM payments through an online portal first.
  5. 5

    Press the red “X” button on the keypad to end your session. Depending on the ATM, you may also select an option onscreen such as “Cancel,” “End Session,” or “Return my card.” If you cancel your session in the middle of a transaction, the transaction will be canceled.[13]

    • If you have already completed a transaction, hitting the red “X” button will not undo the transaction. For example, if you have finished depositing a check, pressing “X” will not cause the machine to return the check.
  6. 6

    Take your card, cash, and receipt. It's easy to forget to take your money, card, or receipt when you're in a hurry. Be sure to grab these and put them away safely in your wallet or purse. Depending on the ATM, you may be asked if you want a printed receipt. Hit “Yes” to obtain a printed copy, or hit “No” if you prefer to review the transaction later via your bank’s website.[14]

    • If you forget your card, return to the ATM right away to retrieve it. If it’s lost, call your bank and cancel the card right away. Your bank will issue you a new card.[15]
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  • Question

    How do I use a debit card in an ATM for the first time?

    How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (16)

    wikiHow Staff Editor
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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (17)

    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.

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  • Question

    Which side of the card do I insert into the machine?

    How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (18)

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    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (19)

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    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.

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  • Question

    How do you use a credit card at an ATM?

    How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (20)

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    How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (21)

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    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.

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      Tips

      • If your card is lost or stolen, call your bank as soon as possible to obtain a replacement.

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      • Some ATMs provide audio feedback tones or spoken assistance and braille for disabled users.

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      • Some ATMs have headphone inputs for users with visual impairments.

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      Warnings

      • Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN.

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      • Never share your PIN with anyone.

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      • Check your surroundings before using an ATM. If possible, only use ATMs in well-lit, high-trafficked areas.

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      • Be sure to end your session and take your card, cash, and receipt from the machine.

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      About This Article

      How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (37)

      Reviewed by:

      Alex Kwan

      Certified Public Accountant

      This article was reviewed by Alex Kwan and by wikiHow staff writer, Johnathan Fuentes. Alex Kwan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the CEO of Flex Tax and Consulting Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has also served as a Vice President for one of the top five Private Equity Firms. With over a decade of experience practicing public accounting, he specializes in client-centered accounting and consulting, R&D tax services, and the small business sector. This article has been viewed 2,276,748 times.

      36 votes - 74%

      Co-authors: 60

      Updated: June 18, 2024

      Views:2,276,748

      Categories: Banks and Financial Institutions

      Article SummaryX

      To use an ATM, first insert your debit card into the machine. Select your language if necessary, then enter your account’s secure 4-digit PIN number. For security, cover the number pad while typing to make sure nobody sees your PIN. Once the menu screen pops up, select whether you want to withdraw money, deposit money, transfer money, make a payment, or check your account balance. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to complete your transaction. To learn how to switch to mobile banking, read on!

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,276,748 times.

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        "This article really helped me a lot, because I have never seen nor I know how to use a ATM. So when Googled, I..." more

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      How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Use an ATM: Withdraws, Deposits, & Tips to Avoid Fees? ›

      Use in-network ATMs

      There are several ways for you to avoid ATM fees, with the most simple one being to only use ATMs within your bank's network. You can generally locate the nearest fee-free ATM using your bank's mobile app. Online-only accounts often offer access to larger ATM networks than brick-and-mortar banks.

      How can I avoid ATM withdrawal fees? ›

      Ways to avoid ATM fees
      1. Get cash back. When you check out at a grocery store or other retailer, you'll typically have the option to get cash back with the purchase. ...
      2. Find in-network ATMs. ...
      3. Go digital with a payment app. ...
      4. Withdraw larger sums, less frequently. ...
      5. Open an account that reimburses fees.
      Nov 2, 2023

      How to withdraw money from ATM without a fee? ›

      Use in-network ATMs

      There are several ways for you to avoid ATM fees, with the most simple one being to only use ATMs within your bank's network. You can generally locate the nearest fee-free ATM using your bank's mobile app. Online-only accounts often offer access to larger ATM networks than brick-and-mortar banks.

      Which of the following is a way to reduce ATM fees? ›

      Withdraw larger amounts rather than making several smaller withdrawals. Withdraw the minimum amount each time you withdraw. Withdraw from ATMs closest to you regardless of which bank owns the ATM.

      How can I avoid withdrawal fees? ›

      Use your bank's ATMs, both locally and abroad. ATMs outside your bank's network may charge a fee. Get cash from in-store purchases. Use your debit card to get cash back when checking out at a store to avoid taking out cash at other bank's ATMs that may charge a fee.

      What's the best strategy for avoiding ATM fees? ›

      How to avoid bank ATM fees
      • Choose a bank with no ATM fees. Not all banks charge out-of-network ATM fees. ...
      • Choose a bank that refunds ATM fees. Even if an institution doesn't charge you for using an out-of-network ATM, the machine provider may. ...
      • Choose a bank with easily accessible ATMs. ...
      • Withdraw more money at once.
      Jul 23, 2024

      What is the etiquette for ATM withdrawal? ›

      Shield the screen and keyboard so anyone waiting to use the ATM cannot see you enter your PIN or transaction amount. Put your cash, card and receipt away immediately. Count your money later, and always keep your receipt.

      What is the cheapest way to withdraw money? ›

      The cheapest way to get cash from an online bank account is by ATM if the bank belongs to an ATM network, such as Allpoint or MoneyPass.

      What bank from an ATM doesn't charge a fee? ›

      Certain banks and credit unions—especially online banks—offer checking accounts with no ATM fees (including no fees for ATM usage or ATM reimbursements). Some of our top-rated accounts are provided by Axos Bank, Needham Bank, LendingClub, and Alliant Credit Union.

      What is the best example of a way to reduce fees paid for ATM transactions? ›

      Use a bank that reimburses fees.

      Some banks and credit unions offer ATM fee reimbursement up to a certain amount each month. These rebates can save you money if you have to use an out-of-network ATM once or twice a month. Some premium bank accounts reimburse all ATM fees, no matter how much is charged each month.

      Do any banks waive ATM fees? ›

      Banks That Reimburse ATM Fees

      Alliant Credit Union. Ally. Axos Bank (Axos Bank Rewards Checking) Bank5 Connect.

      What bank has the cheapest ATM fees? ›

      Money Market Rates
      BankAccountOut-of-Network ATM Fees
      Citizens BankQuest Checking Private Client Checking$0
      Comerica BankAll accounts$2.50
      Dime Community BankAll accounts$0
      EverBankAll accountsUnlimited reimbursement with $5,000 minimum balance
      14 more rows
      Aug 14, 2024

      How to save money on ATM? ›

      Tips to save when withdrawing money from ATMs
      1. use your own financial institution's ATMs whenever possible to avoid extra fees when you withdraw cash.
      2. fees can add up quickly when you use an ATM that your financial institution doesn't own.
      3. stay within your monthly transaction limit by making fewer withdrawals from ATMs.

      How to withdraw from ATM without a fee? ›

      How To Avoid ATM Fees
      1. Only use your bank or credit union's ATMs to steer clear of surcharges and transaction fees.
      2. Ask your financial institution if they offer refunds on surcharge fees if you use an out-of-network ATM.
      3. If you're unsure which banks you can use without incurring fees, be sure to inquire.
      Jul 22, 2024

      What should you do before you withdraw money from the ATM? ›

      Always insert your card into the ATM with the chip facing forward, enter your PIN, and follow the prompts for your transaction on the screen. Furthermore, choose ATMs affiliated with your bank to avoid extra fees. Opt for well-lit, high-traffic ATM locations for safety. Avoid leaving your card at the ATM.

      How many withdrawals can you make without being charged a fee? ›

      This means you could get charged an excessive withdrawal fee—or risk having your account closed—if you make more than six outgoing transactions a month. For this reason, it's important to review your savings account disclosure or call your bank to see what limits and fees may apply.

      How can I stop ATM card charges? ›

      Some banks have a policy of waiving the annual maintenance charge if you have the minimum balance in your account. You can check your bank's terms and conditions regarding this. A few banks offer combo accounts with benefits like no AMC debit cards and other financial benefits.

      Why do some ATM withdrawals have fees? ›

      Most banks and credit unions have a network of ATMs that offer free access to your money. But if you go outside of the network, a fee may be imposed, including: ATM operator fee. Also known as the surcharge, an operator fee is charged by the ATM owner to noncustomers using its ATMs.

      Can I use another bank's ATM to withdraw money? ›

      Withdrawing cash using an ATM

      Automated teller machines (ATMs) link your debit card to your checking account, giving you full access to your funds. As most machines accept all cards, you can most likely use any ATM, no matter who you bank with.

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