woman credit debit card atm_iStock-1394405458
For people who were used to making in-person visits to their banks to withdraw or deposit money, ATMs were nothing less than miracles. Offering the convenience of getting money on the go, ATMs are now such an ideal solution for avoiding wait times at the bank or grabbing an extra couple of bucks for a night out that most people simply take them for granted.
Learn More: How Can You Withdraw Money From a Bank Account? 3 Ways To Know
Try This: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money
However, there are times when you should reconsider using an ATM. While some instances are obvious, such as clear signs of tampering, there are other elements to watch out for. To help you make the safest possible decisions around using ATMs, GOBankingRates checked in with personal finance writer Naomi Strong and Todd Stearn, founder and CEO of the Money Manual.
Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.
You Need To Perform a More Complex Transaction
While ATMs offer speedy service for simple procedures like withdrawals and balance inquiries, Strong cautions you against assuming all ATMs will be able to cover everything you need.
“Most ATMs offer basic transactions, such as withdrawals and balance inquiries, but they often lack features like depositing checks or transferring funds between accounts,” she said. “For these more complex transactions, it’s best to visit a bank branch or use online banking services.”
Strong also noted that ATMs often come with withdrawal limits that might not allow you to complete a larger transaction.
“Opting for an isolated ATM for large withdrawals puts your security at risk. It’s safer to head to a bank branch, where you can access higher withdrawal limits and benefit from better security measures,” she said.
Be Aware: 7 Things To Know If You Withdraw More Than $10,000 From Your Checking Account
You Don’t Want To Be Hit With Extra Fees
One of the most common complaints about using ATMs has long been the added fees whenever you have to rely on one that isn’t affiliated with your bank. It’s an issue that Stearn is familiar with.
“CNBC recently reported that ATM fees had hit an all-time high of $4.73. If you withdraw money a few times a month or more, that could add up fast,” he said. “It definitely pays to know what ATMs are in-network for your bank, so you don’t waste money on ATM fees.”
You’re Concerned About Safety
Standard wisdom advises you to stay clear of ATMs in areas that aren’t well-lit or in locations that don’t feel safe. Stearn added that if you see someone loitering near an ATM, that might be your cue to turn around and find another way to access your money.
In addition to fears that someone may be out to rob you, scammers might try other routes, like offering to “help” you with a supposedly malfunctioning ATM — thus gaining access to confidential information like your PIN.
“Also make sure that your transaction has concluded and that the ATM has returned to its home screen before walking away, so your account won’t be potentially vulnerable to someone who might approach quickly after you walk away,” he said.
You Want To Protect Yourself From Scammers
Though it’s getting harder to detect skimmers — card readers that are disguised to resemble part of an ATM but help scammers steal your card information — scam artists and thieves have also branched out into new ways of conning people out of confidential information, especially their PINs.
Stearn said that you can apply a few basic precautions to help protect your confidential information from digital pickpockets.
“Look for anything near or in sight of the keypad that could be hiding a camera to record your pin, and check the card slot for any sign of a plastic sheath that isn’t part of the machine,” he said. “You’ll also want to take precautions with your PIN, like never carrying it on you and blocking visibility of the PIN pad with your other hand as you type.”
More From GOBankingRates
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Finance Professional: 4 Times You Should Never Use an ATM
News Related
-
Window opens for Zahid to ride off into the sunset – but at Anwar’s cost Sources within Umno have not ruled out strong speculation since last month about a so-called “exit plan” for Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, a move that could pave the way for his political retirement having survived more ...
See Details:
Window opens for Zahid to ride off into the sunset – but at Anwar's cost
-
Brianna Ghey died after she was found with fatal stab wounds in a park Two teenagers accused of murdering Brianna Ghey showed a “preoccupation” with “violence, torture and death”, a court has heard. The body of Brianna, 16, who was transgender, was discovered by dog walkers in a park in ...
See Details:
Murder-accused teens 'had preoccupation with torture'
-
ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY Guard Corps Commander-in-Cheif Major General Hossein Salami speaks at an anti-Israel protest in Tehran on Saturday. The IRGC trained Hezbollah to use human shields, say the writers. The conflict in Gaza has raised a deeply troubling issue: Reports suggest that Hamas is deliberately using civilians as shields, a ...
See Details:
A plea for Islamic voices against using human shields - opinion
-
Photo for illustration purposes only. – BERNAMA FILE PIX SHAH ALAM – The government needs to strengthen the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, especially with the exemption of visas for Chinese and Indian citizens visiting the country starting Dec 1. Universiti Tun Abdul Razak economic expert Emeritus Professor Dr ...
See Details:
Strengthen MM2H programme, promote multiple entry visa
-
GEG element removed from anti-smoking Bill KUALA LUMPUR: The generational end-game (GEG) element has been removed from the revised Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 28). This is as the Health Ministry tries for the ...
See Details:
GEG element removed from anti-smoking Bill
-
-
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Malaysia Airlines launches year-end sale
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Dr M accuses govt of bribery over allocations
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Malaysia to check if the Netherlands still keen to send flood experts
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Appeals court to rule in Isa’s graft case on Jan 31
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Elephants Trample On Axia With Family Of Three Inside
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Sirul fitted with monitoring device
-
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 28): National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has launched its year-end sale with ticket prices starting from RM79 to domestic destinations and from RM229 to international destinations, for travellers who book flights between Nov 28 and Dec 11 this year. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said all-in one-way Economy Class ...
See Details:
Nigerian airliner lands at wrong airport
OTHER NEWS
THOSE looking for fresh produce may find themselves spoilt for choice at the biggest wet market in Klang, but visitors to the place say the condition of the facilities and ...
Read more »
Olive Grove is the first-ever gated-and-guarded development in Bercham, Ipoh with 24-hour security. IPOH: YTL Land and Development Bhd announced that Phase 1 of Olive Grove is fully sold while ...
Read more »
Screenshots of a video showing a teenager pointing a knife at an elderly e-hailing driver. PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested a 13-year-old boy for holding an elderly e-hailing driver at ...
Read more »
Sprint Highway’s Semantan To KL Slip Road Fully Closed Until Dec 31 If you’re a regular user of the Sprint expressway, you’ll need to do some planning for your trips ...
Read more »
Genshin Impact Version 4.3 Leak Showcases Update to Domains New leaks reveals a quality-of-life update to Domains in Genshin Impact, making it easier for players to repeat and farm resources. ...
Read more »
CG Computers will host the Urban Republic (UR) Warehouse Clearance from 30 November to 3 December at the Atria Shopping Gallery in Petaling Jaya. During the event, visitor can get ...
Read more »
Photo for illustrative purposes only – 123RF KUALA LUMPUR – Hyperinflation has never happened in Malaysia and the government hopes it will never happen, according to the Economy Ministry. It ...
Read more »