Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

Both withdrawals and deposits of funds can be facilitated at Automated Teller Machines, or ATMs, across the UK. An ATM machine allows you to take money out of your account, or deposit money into your account, at any time of the day or night, and so you do not need to visit the local branch of your bank or building society during working hours. You can make withdrawals from any ATM, regardless of whether it is an ATM operated by your bank or building society. You may be charged a fee if you withdraw money from an ATM operated by another bank or building society but there should be a notice on the ATM indicating which cards are accepted free of charge and which will be charged a fee. You will usually only be able to make a deposit into your account if you are using an ATM operated by your bank or building society.

In order to use an ATM, you will require an electronic account card and a Personal Identification Number or PIN. Your PIN is a four digit number which will be issued to you when you receive your electronic card. This number is a way to verify the identity and presence of the card holder, removing the need for a signature to authorise the financial transaction; for more information see Fraud Protection and Security. When you stand in front of an ATM you will be required to insert your electronic or debit card into the machine, whereupon you will be asked to enter your four digit PIN. You will be given a list of options, such as cash withdrawal or account balance, and you can use the keypad to indicate your choice and, if appropriate, the amount of money you would like to withdraw.

Cash withdrawals made at an ATM are instantaneously deducted from the current account balance, provided that the funds requested are available and that the amount requested does not exceed the maximum daily withdrawal limit (see Balance Limits, Fees & Charges). This limit may vary depending on your individual current account. Cash deposits made at ATMs owned by the account provider are also instantaneous and so the funds deposited should be available in the account on the same day, provided that the deposit is made within regular banking hours.

Many ATMs offer additional services, such as allowing you to change your Personal Identification Number, or PIN, enabling you to view your current account balance and print an account statement. There are usually no fees for using an ATM operated by your account provider, but some machines charge a so-called 'convenience fee' for cash withdrawals. ATM machines abroad will operate a different charge structure (see International Transactions) and usually offer a very limited range of services: often cash withdrawal is your only option.