How to easily withdraw money using an ATM card: 2 tips to avoid losing money when using ATMs.

Withdrawing money using an ATM card is a familiar operation, but for many first-time users, the first time standing in front of an ATM can still be quite confusing: how to insert the card, how to enter the PIN, and where to withdraw money to avoid fees. This article will guide you on how to use your ATM card to withdraw money simply, easily, and safely, from the most basic steps to important considerations when choosing an ATM. Just a few minutes of reading will give you the confidence to withdraw money, check your account, and avoid common mistakes that waste time or incur unnecessary fees.

Things you need to know when using an ATM card.

How to insert your card and operate an ATM correctly.

• Insert the ATM card into the slot following the arrow, with the chip side facing forward, so the machine can read the information accurately.

• Enter your PIN , cover your hand when pressing for security.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to withdraw money, check your balance, or perform other transactions.

• Wait for the system to finish processing before moving to the next step to avoid transaction errors.

Prioritize using ATMs from the same bank that issued your card.

• You should withdraw money from ATMs of the same bank that issued your card in order to:

  • Avoid or reduce ATM withdrawal fees at other banks.

  • Transactions are more stable and less prone to errors.

• If you are required to use an ATM belonging to a different bank, carefully check the fees displayed on the screen before confirming.

Ensure safety when withdrawing money using an ATM card.

• Choose ATMs located in well-lit, high-traffic areas such as banks, supermarkets, and shopping malls.

• Do not ask strangers for help with operations, especially when entering PIN codes.

• After the transaction is complete, remember:

  • Get your ATM card back.

  • Receive the full amount of cash.

  • Obtain a receipt if you need to verify the transaction.

• Leave the ATM immediately after completing the transaction to avoid unnecessary risks.

Tip 1: How to log in to your ATM account quickly and securely

Step 1: Find an ATM near you that is compatible with your card.

• Use Google Maps or a map app to find the nearest ATM.

• Prioritize choosing ATMs from the same bank that issued your card for stable transactions and lower fees.

• You can still withdraw money at ATMs of other banks, but you will usually be charged an additional withdrawal fee.

Note about services available only at ATMs of the same bank.

• Some functions, such as depositing cash or transferring money to an account, are only supported at ATMs of the specific bank.

• ATMs belonging to different banks usually only allow cash withdrawals and basic balance checks.

Understanding the different fees when withdrawing money from ATMs.

• When withdrawing money from a different bank, you may experience the following:

  • Card-issuing banks charge fees.

  • Banks that own ATMs charge additional transaction fees.

• The fee is usually displayed on the screen before confirmation, so read it carefully before agreeing.

Prepare in advance if you need to withdraw cash from ATMs while traveling or abroad.

• Call your bank before your trip to:

  • Announce your travel or business trip plans.

  • Ask for clarification on international ATM withdrawal fees and transaction limits.

• This helps avoid having your card temporarily blocked or incurring unexpected charges.

Step 2: Ensure safety when using ATMs

Observe your surroundings before making a trade.

• Check that the ATM area is well-lit and shows no signs of abnormality.

• Stand directly in front of the ATM to cover the screen and press the keys, preventing others from seeing your PIN.

• Maintain necessary vigilance, especially when withdrawing money during off-peak hours.

Prioritize ATMs in crowded areas and during daytime hours.

• You should choose ATMs located in banks, shopping malls, supermarkets , or areas with high foot traffic.

• Avoid withdrawing money at ATMs that are deserted or out of sight.

• If possible, withdraw funds during the day to reduce risk and trade with greater peace of mind.

Step 3: How to properly insert your ATM card into the machine.

Make sure you identify the correct card type and orientation when inserting it into the ATM.

• Insert the card into the slot as instructed, with the chip side facing forward for accurate information reading.

• In most cases, you will use a debit card when withdrawing money from an ATM.

  • Withdrawals will be deducted directly from the bank account linked to the card.

• Some credit cards can also be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, but:

  • This amount is considered a cash advance.

  • The transaction will show up on your credit card statement and often includes fees and higher interest rates.

What to do when inserting an ATM card incorrectly?

• If you accidentally insert the card in the wrong direction, do the following:

  • Gently remove the card.

  • Rotate the card in the opposite direction.

  • Put it back into the machine and continue trading.

• Do not force the card to avoid jamming.

Observe the instructions directly on the ATM machine.

• Many ATMs have illustrations or short videos displayed right next to the card slot.

• Simply follow the on-screen instructions to safely and flawlessly withdraw money using your ATM card.

Step 4: Select the appropriate language on the ATM.

Set the language before making a transaction.

• Most ATMs support multiple languages , depending on the country and location of the machine.

• Some ATMs allow you to select your language right from the welcome screen , before inserting your card.

• Some machines will require you to select a language after inserting the card and before entering the PIN.

Why you should choose the right language from the start.

• This helps you understand each step of the process when withdrawing money, checking your balance, or confirming transactions.

• Avoid accidentally selecting the wrong option, especially if you're using an ATM card for the first time or when making transactions in an unfamiliar place.

• Information about withdrawal fees, limits, and security warnings is easily visible on the screen.

Step 5: Enter your PIN to verify the transaction.

Understanding PIN codes correctly when using ATM cards.

• A PIN is a personal security code used to access a bank account.

• Typically, a PIN has 4–6 digits , depending on the regulations of the card-issuing bank.

• The ATM will require you to enter your PIN before allowing you to withdraw money or complete a transaction.

How to enter your PIN securely on an ATM.

• Enter your PIN as instructed on the screen.

• Use your hand to cover the keyboard while typing to prevent others from seeing.

• Perform the operation slowly and accurately to minimize multiple incorrect entries that could lead to card suspension.

Security principles you must remember.

• Do not reveal your PIN to anyone , including acquaintances.

• Do not write your PIN on the card or keep it together with your ATM card.

• If you suspect your PIN has been compromised, change it immediately at the ATM or through your banking app.

Tip 2: The most detailed guide on how to withdraw and deposit money at ATMs.

Step 1: Withdraw cash at the ATM correctly.

Choose a suitable withdrawal method.

• ATMs typically offer two cash withdrawal options:

  • Fast Cash : Quickly select from available denominations such as 500,000 VND, 1,000,000 VND, 2,000,000 VND.

  • Withdraw a different amount : manually enter the exact amount you wish to withdraw .

• If you need to withdraw quickly with few steps, the quick withdrawal option will save you more time.

Choose the account to withdraw money from when using a debit card.

• When withdrawing money at an ATM of the same bank that issued your card , you can choose:

  • Withdraw money from your payment account.

  • Or withdraw from your savings account (if the card is linked to multiple accounts).

• This feature allows you to proactively manage your cash flow , without being required to withdraw from the default account.

Note regarding ATM withdrawal limits

• Each bank and each ATM has a maximum withdrawal limit :

  • Limit per withdrawal

  • One-day limit

• If the limit is exceeded, the transaction may be rejected even if there is still money in the account.

• You should check the ATM withdrawal limit of your bank to avoid wasting time repeating the process.

Step 2: Deposit cash or check at the correct bank's ATM.

Only deposit money at ATMs of the same bank that issued the card.

• The ATM cash deposit function is only available at ATMs of the bank that issued your card.

• ATMs belonging to other banks do not support cash or check deposits , although withdrawals are still possible.

Steps to deposit cash or check into an ATM

• After entering the PIN , select the function:

  • Pay in cash or

  • Deposit check

• The payment slot near the card slot will open automatically.

• Insert cash or a check into the slot as instructed.

• The ATM will automatically count the money and display the total amount on the screen.

• Carefully check the displayed amount:

  • If correct , select confirm to complete.

  • If incorrect , correct it before confirming.

Choose which account to receive money from when you have multiple accounts.

• If the card is linked to multiple accounts, you can choose:

  • Payment account

  • Or a savings account

• This allows you to proactively allocate your money as soon as you submit it.

Note regarding the time it takes for funds to be credited to the account.

• Money deposited via ATM may not be credited 100% immediately.

• Part or all of the funds may be held up for processing for several days.

• The time a sum of money is available depends on each bank's regulations.

Do not deposit cash and checks at the same time.

• Most ATMs do not allow cash and checks to be deposited in the same transaction.

• If you need to submit both, you must make two separate submissions.

Step 3: Check your account balance using an ATM.

View your balance at ATMs of the same card-issuing bank.

• After entering your PIN , select the option to view your account balance.

• The displayed balance is the amount of money currently available and available in the account.

• Depending on the ATM, the balance information will be:

  • Display directly on the screen.

  • Or it can be printed out as a receipt for you to keep.

Select the account you want to view when there are multiple accounts.

• If your ATM card is linked to multiple accounts, you can:

  • Select a specific account to view the balance.

  • Alternatively, you can view the total balance of all accounts (depending on ATM and bank support).

• This feature helps you manage your money clearly , especially when using both a checking account and a savings account simultaneously.

Things to note when checking your balance at ATMs of other banks.

• Some other bank ATMs still allow you to view your account balance.

• However, you may be charged a fee for the inquiry, as per the bank's and ATM's regulations.

• Please read the on-screen notification carefully before confirming the transaction.

Step 4: Transfer money and pay the bill via ATM.

Transferring money between accounts within the same bank.

• The ATM money transfer function is only available at ATMs of the bank where you have your account.

• After entering your PIN , select the transfer option.

• Follow these steps in order:

  • Choose the account to send money to.

  • Choose the receiving account

  • Enter the amount to transfer.

  • Verify the information and confirm the transaction.

• Funds are usually transferred instantly , giving you flexibility in managing cash flow between accounts.

Pay your bill directly at an ATM (if your bank supports it).

• Some banks allow bill payments via ATM , for example:

  • Pay off your credit card debt with the bank.

  • Transfer money from your checking account to your credit card account .

• This method is suitable when you don't use Internet Banking or need to process transactions quickly.

Things to check before use

• Not all ATMs support bill payments.

• Some banks require you to:

  • Register or activate the service in advance on the bank's app or website.

  • Confirm the beneficiary account beforehand.

• It's best to check with the bank to avoid wasting time on the process.

Step 5: Complete the transaction and exit the ATM properly.

How to end a transaction on an ATM

• Press the red “X” button on the keyboard to end the work session.

• Some ATMs allow you to select options directly on the screen, such as:

  • Cancel transaction

  • The session ended.

  • Return card

• After the transaction is complete, the ATM will return your card and take you back to the initial screen.

Understanding the correct function of the "Cancel" button during a transaction.

• If you cancel midway , the ongoing transaction will not be processed.

• For example, if you are entering the withdrawal amount but haven't confirmed it, clicking cancel will stop the transaction.

Important note after the transaction is complete.

• Once the transaction is complete, clicking the "X" button cannot be undone.

• For example:

  • You have successfully deposited the check or cash.

  • Pressing the "X" button afterward will not cause the machine to return the check or the deposited money.

Habits to remember when leaving an ATM

• Always double-check:

  • Get your ATM card back.

  • Get the full amount of cash.

  • Get a receipt (if applicable).

• Leave the computer immediately after use to avoid security risks.

Step 6: Receive your card, money, and receipt after the transaction.

Check and keep all cash safe after withdrawing from an ATM.

• After the transaction is complete, make sure you have:

  • Get your ATM card back.

  • Get the full amount of cash.

  • Get a transaction receipt (if available).

• Rushing out can easily lead to forgetting your card or money, so double-check before leaving the machine.

Choose whether or not to print the receipt

• Many ATMs will ask if you want to print a receipt :

  • Select Yes if you need to save it for verification.

  • Select No if you are used to viewing your transaction history on your bank's app or website.

• Not printing receipts also helps limit the disclosure of account information.

Take immediate action if you forget or lose your ATM card.

• If you forget your card at an ATM, return to the machine immediately to check.

• If the card is not found:

  • Call the bank immediately to block the card.

  • Request a new card to ensure account security.

Important tips for using ATM cards safely.

Take immediate action if your ATM card is lost or stolen.

• Call the card-issuing bank as soon as possible to:

  • Temporarily block the card

  • Request for a new ATM card

• Reporting early helps avoid the risk of unauthorized withdrawals.

Features to assist people with disabilities on ATMs.

• Some ATMs have:

  • Audio guidance or voice feedback

  • Braille assists the visually impaired.

  • Headphone jack for more private listening to instructions.

• If you are unfamiliar with the operation, you can ask a bank employee for direct assistance at the ATM location.

Absolute security when entering your PIN.

• Always cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN.

• Do not let anyone around you see your keystrokes.

• Never share your PIN with anyone, not even acquaintances.

Ensure safety before and during transactions.

• Look around before using the ATM.

• Prioritize ATM locations in well-lit, high-traffic areas , such as banks or shopping malls.

• Avoid withdrawing money in secluded areas or late at night.

Close the transaction properly.

• Always end the trading session on the screen or using the cancel button.

• Please double-check that you have received everything:

  • ATM card

  • Cash

  • Receipt (if any)

• Leave the machine immediately after use to ensure safety.

References

1. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/
   services/banking/atm-fees.html
2. https://portal.ct.gov/DOB/Consumer/
   Consumer-Education/ATM-Safety-Advice
3. https://www.jtvaecu.org/pdfs/ChipCards-FAQs.pdf
4. https://consumer.gov/managing-your-money/using-debit-cards
5. https://www.chase.com/content/feed/public/
   creditcards/cma/Chase/COL00095.pdf
6. https://www.eaglerivercu.com/SharedContent/images/
   ONlineBanking101/ATMinstructions.pdf
7. https://www08.wellsfargomedia.com/assets/pdf/personal/
   debit-card/terms-and-conditions.pdf
8. https://www.pnc.com/content/dam/pnc-com/pdf/
   personal/Services/ATM-chart.pdf
9. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/
   how-to-check-bank-account-balance/
10. https://www.chase.com/content/dam/chase-ux/documents/personal/checking/ABSF-en.pdf
11. https://www.essexice.co.uk/media/49262/
    how-to-use-an-atm-and-stay-safe.pdf
12. https://www.pnb.com.ph/wp-content/
    uploads/docs/userguide-atm.pdf
13. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/
    lost-or-stolen-credit-atm-debit-cards

Translated by: Lesley Collins Tran .