Also known as "cash machines," and "money machines," ATMs (short for automated teller machines) allow users to access their bank accounts to make deposits and cash withdrawals and to check account balances. ATM transactions can be made at any time of day without the need for a teller.

A bank customer inserts a plastic ATM card with a magnetic strip or a plastic smartcard with a computer chip into an ATM machine and enters a personal identification number (PIN) for security.

Most ATMs are part of interbank networks, such as PLUS and Cirrus. These networks enable users to make transactions on ATM machines that do not belong to the bank where their account is located. Many ATMs are not located at financial institutions at all but at venues such as airports and shopping malls.

Before completing an ATM transaction, watch for a notice about fees. Banks may charge fees for ATM usage under these circumstances:
* for users who do not have accounts with the bank that operates the ATM.
* for all ATM users.
* for using an ATM out of the bank's approved system.

It is not a good idea to rely solely on the balance provided at ATM machines to reconcile your account. Remember that some transactions, such a check not yet cashed or deductions for usage fees, may not be reflected in the balance.

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