How to Use an ATM

How to Use an ATM

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ATMs are everywhere, but if you’ve never used one — or want to make sure you’re doing it safely — it helps to walk through the process once. This guide covers everything from inserting your card to taking your cash, plus what to watch out for.

What is a debit card?

Before using an ATM, you need a debit card. A debit card is issued by your bank and linked directly to your checking account. When you use it, the money comes out of your account immediately — you’re spending your own money, not borrowing.

This is the key difference from a credit card: with a debit card, there’s no bill to pay later and no interest charges, but you also can only spend what’s actually in your account. Most debit cards work at ATMs, in stores, and online.

How to use an ATM: step by step

Most ATMs follow the same basic flow regardless of which bank owns the machine.

  1. Find an ATM. Your bank’s own ATMs are the safest option and usually free. ATMs at other banks or standalone machines in stores often charge a fee — sometimes $3–$5 per transaction, on top of any fee your own bank charges. Many banks have ATM locators in their mobile apps.
  2. Insert your card. Slide your debit card into the card slot. Most modern ATMs are chip-first: insert the card with the chip end going in and the chip facing up. If the ATM is older and swipe-only, insert it with the magnetic strip facing down and toward the machine. The screen will prompt you if you’ve inserted it the wrong way.
  3. Enter your PIN. Type in your four-digit Personal Identification Number. Cover the keypad with your other hand while you type — this blocks anyone nearby or any hidden camera from seeing your PIN. If you enter it wrong too many times, the ATM will lock your card.
  4. Choose your transaction. The screen will show options: withdraw cash, check balance, transfer between accounts, or deposit (if it’s a deposit-capable ATM). Select what you need.
  5. Select the account. If you have a checking and savings account on the same card, the ATM will ask which account to use. For cash withdrawals, choose checking unless your cash is held in savings.
  6. Enter the amount. Type in how much you want to withdraw. Most ATMs dispense in $20 bills, so your amount needs to be a multiple of $20. Make sure you have enough in your account — withdrawing more than your balance may trigger an overdraft fee.
  7. Confirm and take your cash. Review the amount on screen and confirm. The ATM will count and dispense your bills. Take your cash promptly — some ATMs will retract bills left in the slot after a short delay.
  8. Take your card. The ATM will return your card before or after dispensing cash depending on the machine. Don’t walk away without it. This is one of the most common mistakes people make.
  9. Take or decline your receipt. You’ll be offered a receipt showing the transaction amount and your remaining balance. Take it if you want a record; decline if you don’t — but never leave a receipt in or near the ATM where someone can read your account balance.

ATM safety tips

ATM fraud is real, and most of it is preventable with basic habits.

  • Use bank-owned ATMs when possible. ATMs attached to a physical bank branch are inspected more regularly and are harder to tamper with than freestanding machines at gas stations or convenience stores.
  • Check for skimmers before inserting your card. A card skimmer is a device criminals attach over the real card slot to steal your card data. Before inserting your card, wiggle the card slot — if it feels loose or looks like it doesn’t match the machine’s color, don’t use it.
  • Shield the keypad. Cover the keypad with your other hand every time you enter your PIN. Hidden cameras are one of the most common ways thieves capture PINs.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t use an ATM if someone is standing too close. It’s fine to ask someone to step back or to wait until they leave. If you feel uncomfortable, walk away.
  • Never share your PIN. Your bank will never ask for your PIN — not by phone, email, or text. Anyone who asks for it is running a scam.
  • Use ATMs during daylight when possible. If you need cash at night, use an ATM in a well-lit, busy area — inside a bank lobby, at a 24-hour pharmacy, or a busy gas station.
  • Check your account after each transaction. Review your bank account the next day to confirm the amount matches what the ATM displayed. Report any discrepancy to your bank immediately.

Common ATM mistakes

  • Forgetting to take your card — some ATMs return it before dispensing cash; others after; pay attention to both
  • Leaving your receipt behind — it shows your account balance and transaction history
  • Withdrawing more than your balance — can trigger a $30–$35 overdraft fee
  • Using a foreign ATM without checking fees — out-of-network ATM fees stack up fast (your bank’s fee + the ATM’s fee)
  • Entering your PIN in the open — always shield the keypad
  • Ignoring ATM alerts — some ATMs display warnings about tampering; take them seriously

What to do if something goes wrong

  • ATM keeps your card: Call your bank immediately using the number on the back of a backup card or on your bank’s website. Do not leave the ATM until you’ve noted the ATM’s location (bank name, address, machine ID number if visible).
  • Cash not dispensed but account charged: This is a known issue called a “failed transaction.” Your bank is required to investigate and return the funds. File a dispute right away and keep your receipt if you have one.
  • You suspect a skimmer: Don’t use the machine. Call the bank that owns the ATM to report it. If you already used it, call your bank immediately and request a new card.

Further Reading

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Banking policies and ATM procedures vary by institution — check with your bank for specific details.

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