Using an ATM is straightforward once you know the sequence: insert your card, enter your PIN, choose your transaction, and collect your cash. Whether you’re withdrawing money for the first time or trying a cardless transaction from your phone, the whole process takes about 60 seconds. Here’s exactly what to do.
Step-by-Step Cash Withdrawal
Walk up to the ATM and insert your debit card into the card slot, usually located on the right side of the screen with a small icon showing which direction to slide it in. Some machines ask you to leave the card inserted during the transaction, while others read the chip and prompt you to remove it right away. Follow whatever the screen tells you.
Next, enter your four-digit PIN (personal identification number) using the keypad. This is the code your bank assigned or you chose when you opened your account. After verification, the screen displays a menu of transaction types. Select “Withdrawal,” then choose which account to pull from, typically checking or savings. Enter the dollar amount you want, confirm it, and wait a few seconds for the machine to count and dispense your cash.
Before you walk away, the ATM will ask if you want a receipt. Take one if you’re keeping records or want proof of the transaction. Grab your card if it’s still in the machine, collect your cash, and you’re done.
Other Transactions You Can Do
ATMs handle more than withdrawals. Most machines let you check your account balance, deposit cash or checks (at your own bank’s ATMs), and transfer money between your checking and savings accounts. The menu screen lists all available options after you enter your PIN. Deposits typically require you to feed bills or checks into a slot or envelope, and the machine confirms the amount on screen before you approve it.
Using an ATM Without a Card
Many banks now let you access ATMs using just your smartphone, no physical card needed. To get started, you need your bank’s mobile app installed on your phone, or your debit card information stored in a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
There are two common methods. With NFC (near-field communication), you open your bank’s app or digital wallet, select the account you want to use, and tap your phone against the contactless symbol on the ATM. It looks like a small Wi-Fi icon turned on its side. The other method uses QR codes: open your bank’s app and use your phone’s camera to scan the code displayed on the ATM screen. Either way, the machine will ask you to enter your PIN to verify your identity before completing the transaction.
Fees to Expect
Using your own bank’s ATMs is almost always free. The costs add up when you use an out-of-network machine, meaning an ATM that belongs to a different bank or a private operator. You can get hit with two separate charges: one from the ATM owner and one from your own bank. Combined, the average out-of-network ATM fee is now $4.64 per transaction, according to a 2026 MoneyRates survey. That means withdrawing $40 from a convenience store ATM could effectively cost you nearly $45.
To avoid these fees, stick to ATMs in your bank’s network. Most banking apps have an ATM locator that shows free machines near you. Some online banks reimburse a certain number of out-of-network fees each month, so check your account terms if you frequently need cash on the go.
Your bank also sets a daily withdrawal limit, which controls how much cash you can pull out in a 24-hour period. Limits vary by bank and account type but commonly fall between $300 and $1,000 per day. You can call your bank to ask about your specific limit or, in some cases, request a temporary increase for a large purchase.
Staying Safe at the ATM
ATM skimming, where criminals attach hidden devices to steal your card data, is a real threat. The FBI recommends inspecting the card slot and keypad before every transaction. Look for anything loose, crooked, damaged, or scratched around the card reader. Give the edges of the keypad a gentle tug. If anything feels wobbly or looks like it was added on top of the original hardware, don’t use that machine.
When you type your PIN, cup your free hand over the keypad to block the view. Criminals sometimes install tiny pinhole cameras on or near the ATM to record your keystrokes. Covering the keypad defeats that tactic. Choose ATMs in well-lit, indoor locations whenever possible, like inside a bank lobby or a grocery store, rather than standalone machines in dimly lit areas.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If the ATM swallows your card and doesn’t return it after you cancel or finish the transaction, contact your bank’s customer service line immediately. A retained card can sometimes mean a foreign device is interfering with the machine. Ask the bank to block the card to prevent unauthorized use, and request a replacement. If the ATM is inside a bank branch, staff may be able to retrieve it for you on the spot.
If the machine debits your account but doesn’t dispense cash, don’t panic. Keep the receipt or write down the transaction details, including the date, time, location, and amount. Most banks resolve these errors within 24 hours by automatically reversing the charge. If the reversal doesn’t appear, call your bank with the transaction information so they can investigate and credit your account.