Your guide to using ATMs

In the past, if you wanted to withdraw money, make a deposit or cash a check, you went into the bank and waited for a teller to assist you. Today, you can bank on your own schedule at an automated teller machine, known as an ATM. These machines are a convenient, easy way to manage your money on the go, but there are a few things you should know.

What is an ATM?

ATMs are essentially computer terminals that allow you to access your bank accounts. You can check your balance, make a deposit or withdrawal, transfer funds and access other financial services — all around the clock from just about anywhere.

Where can you find one?

Most banks have ATMs in their drive-through teller lines. Just pull up, insert or swipe your card, and go. But you can also find ATMs in high-traffic places like grocery stores, airports, convenience stores and shopping centers. Anywhere you might need cash, you're likely to find an ATM. It's important to note that ATMs found in stores, malls and other public spaces might be owned and operated by a business that isn't affiliated with a bank's ATM network, and they might charge a fee. Apps like Google Maps™ and Waze® also can help you search for nearby ATMs, as can the USAA Mobile App.

How do ATMs work?

Though ATMs can vary by financial institution, most of them are used the same way.

1. Insert your ATM or debit card.
2. Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number, or PIN.
3. Select a transaction: withdrawal, deposit, balance inquiry, transfer or payment. Options will vary based on your bank.
4. Follow the prompts on the ATM screen.
5. Take your cash, receipt and card from the machine when you're done.

Withdrawals are the most common ATM transaction, but you may be able to do other things, including viewing checking or savings account balances and transferring money. Depending on where you bank, you might also be able to deposit cash and checks if you use their ATMs. But just like when you make a deposit in person, your money may not be available right away. It could take up to seven business days, so be sure to read your bank's deposit policies.

While ATMs make banking convenient and accessible, they do have limitations. Most ATMs can only dispense cash in $20 increments. And many financial institutions set limits on the amount that can be withdrawn from ATMs per day, ranging from $300 to $5,000 or more. These limits help ensure that ATMs don't run out of cash, as well as help protect you and your account from fraud or theft if someone steals your bank card and PIN.

Do I need a debit card or an ATM card?

Generally, there are two types of cards that can be used to access your account. Both types of cards can be used at ATMs, but they come with different limitations.

• Debit cards. A tool linked to your bank account that lets you use money from your account anywhere, from withdrawing cash at the ATM to shopping or purchasing items like groceries or shopping online.
• ATM cards. The name is self-explanatory. These can only be used at ATMs. You can't use it to make purchases in stores or online.

ATM cards often are linked to money market accounts or savings accounts. Most checking accounts use debit cards. The maximum daily withdrawal limit is usually lower for ATM cards vs. debit cards, and while debit cards offer flexibility and may have higher maximum daily withdrawal limits, they may also include a daily purchase limit.

A note on credit cards: While you can use your debit card like a credit card, the two are not interchangeable. When you use your debit card to make a purchase, the money is removed from your account immediately. When you use a credit card, you're “borrowing” money from the credit card company that you'll have to pay back. Depending on the card, you might be able to use your credit card at an ATM to get a cash advance, but you'll pay fees and interest when you do.

How much are ATM fees?

Generally, when you use a machine in your bank's ATM network, you won't pay fees. The same can't always be said if you use an out-of-network ATM. You could pay fees from both the other bank and your own. For example, if the other bank charges you $3 to use its machine and your bank charges you $2 for using another bank's ATM, you'll pay $5 on top of the cash you're taking out. But some banks, like USAA Federal Savings Bank, don't charge out-of-network fees and will reimburse you for the other bank's fee up to a certain limit per month.^{See note1} You may also be able to avoid fees altogether by requesting cash back from a retailer with your debit card.

Another way you could be hit with fees is if you travel and use international ATMs. These fees are usually a percentage of the transaction amount.

Bottom line: It's a good idea to review your bank's terms and pay attention to the ATM screen so you understand all charges.

ATM safety tips

Using an ATM can be convenient, but it's not without risk. Depositing or withdrawing large sums can attract unwanted attention, and tech-savvy criminals will try to use skimming devices or hidden cameras attached to the ATM to copy your card number and PIN. Here are few tips to help keep you — and your money — safe.

• Be aware of your surroundings. If using an ATM at night, make sure the area is well-lit, and if you see anyone or anything suspicious, go to a different location. If you're at a drive-through ATM, keep your car doors locked, windows rolled up and the engine running.

• Give the ATM itself a quick look before inserting or swiping your card. If it looks like it has been tampered with, don't use it.
• If there are other people around you, use your other hand to cover the keypad as you enter your PIN.
• Don't sit at the ATM and count the money you've just withdrawn. This could make you a target; immediately put it in your wallet or pocket and count it later.
• Keep your ATM card or debit card in a safe place when not in use and keep your PIN secret. Don't write it down anywhere, including on your card.
• Ensure the door to the ATM location is closed if you're using an enclosed ATM, and do not open the door for others.
• Don't leave your receipt (not even in a trash can at the location) or card at the ATM.

For more USAA ATM and debit card tips, view USAA Federal Savings Bank's Depository Agreement and Disclosures.

The USAA Advice Center provides general advice, tools and resources to guide your journey. Content may mention products, features or services that USAA Federal Savings Bank does not offer. The information contained is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by USAA or any affiliates. All information provided is subject to change without notice.