Automated teller machine facts for kids

An ATM, which stands for Automated Teller Machine, is a special machine that helps people manage their money. It's like a mini-bank that you can find in many places. You can use an ATM to take out cash from your bank accounts. In some places, like the UK, people might call them cash machines or cashpoints.

What is an ATM?

An ATM is a computer-controlled machine that lets you do many banking tasks without needing to go inside a bank branch. Its full name is Automated Teller Machine. The main thing people use ATMs for is to get cash from their bank accounts.

Some ATMs can do even more! Besides taking money out, you might be able to put money into your account. You can also check how much money you have in your bank account.

Where Can You Find ATMs?

ATMs are very common and can be found in many different places. You will often see them inside stores and shopping malls. Sometimes, they are in places like bars or restaurants.

For special events, like a fundraiser, people might even set up a temporary ATM. This makes it easy for guests to get cash if they need it.

How Do You Use an ATM?

To use an ATM, you usually need a debit card or a credit card. These cards are linked to your bank account. You will also need a secret code called a PIN. PIN stands for Personal Identification Number.

The PIN is a special code that only you know. It helps keep your bank account safe. You enter your PIN into the ATM to prove that you are the owner of the card. This lets you get into your account and do your banking.

Staying Safe at the ATM

It is important to be careful when you use an ATM to keep your money and information safe. Always protect your PIN. When you type it in, make sure no one is looking over your shoulder. This is sometimes called "shoulder surfing."

Also, be aware of your surroundings. If something looks strange about the ATM, like a part that seems loose, it's best not to use it. Always keep your PIN a secret and never share it with anyone.

Images for kids

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  An NCR Personas 75-Series interior, multi-function ATM in the United States

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  An NCR SelfServ 6632 from Otto., a Finnish ATM network operator

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  Smaller indoor ATMs dispense money inside convenience stores and other busy areas, such as this off-premises Wincor Nixdorf mono-function ICA ATM in Sweden.

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  An old Nixdorf ATM

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  Actor Reg Varney using the world's first cash machine in Enfield Town, north London on 27 June 1967

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  Sberbank ATM in Tolyatti, Russia

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  The world's highest ATM at the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, which is located at the height of 4,693 metres (15,397 ft) above sea level

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  An ATM in the Netherlands. The logos of a number of interbank networks to which it is connected are shown. PIN card logo are not placed, although this system was in use here at the time.

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  A Diebold 1063ix with a dial-up modem visible at the base

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  HSBC Express Banking ATM in, Shatin, Hong Kong

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  Assortment of ATMs in Siam Paragon shopping centre, Bangkok, Thailand

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  A block diagram of an ATM

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  Two Loomis employees refilling an ATM at the Downtown Seattle REI

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  Although Microsoft discontinued support for the operating system in 2014, a significant number of ATMs as of 2020 still use versions of Windows XP, as seen with this machine at a branch of Tesco Express in Slough, Berkshire.

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  A Wincor Nixdorf ATM running Windows 2000 (system screen removed due to copyright infringement)

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  A Wincor Nixdorf Procash 2100xe Frontload that was opened with an angle grinder

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  A BTMU ATM with a palm scanner (to the right of the screen)

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  ATMs that are exposed to the outside must be vandal- and weather-resistant.

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  Dunbar armored personnel watching over ATMs that have been installed in a van

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  Two NCR Personas 84 ATMs at a bank in Jersey dispensing two types of pound sterling banknotes: Bank of England on the left, and States of Jersey on the right

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  Gold vending ATM in New York City

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  A NCR Interactive Teller Machine running uGenius software

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  An ATM running Microsoft Windows that has crashed due to a peripheral component failure

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  ATM lineup

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  10 euro notes from an ATM robbery made unusable with red dye

See also

In Spanish: Cajero automático para niños