Using an ATM for the first time is usually simple. Insert or tap the card, enter the PIN, choose the transaction, follow the screen prompts, take the cash, receipt, and card, then leave the machine only after the session ends. ATM screen layouts vary by brand and model, so ATMTrader’s ATM Menu Navigation page is a useful related resource for seeing how menu flows can look on Hyosung and Genmega machines.
For readers who want extra context on ATM hardware, ATMTrader also has ATM Machines, ATM Support, and Understanding ATM Parts. Those pages are more operator-focused, but they help explain why machines can look different from one location to another.
What does an ATM machine do?
An ATM lets a bank customer complete basic banking actions without going to a teller. The most common actions are cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, PIN-based confirmation, and sometimes deposits or transfers depending on the machine and bank.
What is needed before using an ATM for the first time?
A first-time user usually needs:
- a debit card or ATM card
- the correct PIN
- a bank account linked to that card
- enough balance for the withdrawal and any fee
- a machine that accepts the card network
Some ATMs also support contactless or cardless flows, but the basic first-time experience is still built around the card and PIN. ATMTrader’s NFC guide explains that contactless ATM use depends on both hardware and processor support, which is why not every machine offers the same experience. See NFC Card Reader for ATMs: Use Cases, Checklist, Processor.
How do you start using an ATM machine?
Start by standing at the machine and reading the screen. Most ATMs will prompt for one of these first actions:
- insert the card
- dip the card
- tap the card or phone
- choose a language after the card is read
Once the machine reads the card, it will usually ask for the PIN. Enter the PIN carefully and shield the keypad with a hand for privacy.
How do you withdraw money from an ATM?
The usual withdrawal flow is:
-
Insert or tap the card
Follow the screen prompt. Some machines keep the card during the transaction. Others return it earlier in the process. - Enter the PIN
Use the keypad and shield it from view. - Choose “Withdrawal” or “Cash Withdrawal”
This appears on the main transaction menu. - Choose the account
Most users will choose checking or savings, depending on the account linked to the card. - Enter or select the amount
Some machines offer preset amounts like $20, $40, or $100. Others let the user type an exact amount. - Review any ATM fee shown on screen
The machine will usually display the surcharge before the transaction is completed. - Confirm the transaction
Once confirmed, the machine dispenses the cash. - Take the cash, receipt, and card
This is where many first-time users get distracted. The card and receipt should be checked before walking away.
How do you check your balance at an ATM?
After entering the PIN, choose “Balance Inquiry” or a similar option. The machine may show the balance on screen, print it on a receipt, or both. Some banks may charge a fee for balance checks on out-of-network ATMs.
What happens when the ATM asks about fees?
The fee shown on screen is usually the ATM surcharge charged by that machine operator. The user can either accept it and continue or cancel the transaction. That on-screen step is normal. It is meant to show the cost before cash is dispensed.
What should a first-time ATM user do after the transaction?
The correct order is simple:
- take the cash
- take the card
- take the receipt
- wait for the session to end
- leave only after the screen resets or clearly returns to the welcome screen
The card matters more than the receipt. A surprising number of first-time users focus on the cash and forget the card.
What are the most common mistakes first-time users make?
The biggest mistakes are basic ones:
-
Forgetting the card
This happens when the user grabs the cash and walks away too fast. -
Entering the wrong PIN too many times
Too many wrong attempts can lock the card or stop the transaction. -
Choosing the wrong account
A card linked to both checking and savings can cause confusion at this step. -
Ignoring the fee screen
The surcharge is normally shown before completion. That screen should be read before pressing confirm. -
Standing too close to another person in line
Privacy matters at the ATM. Space should be kept between users.
Is it safe to use an ATM for the first time?
Yes, but basic precautions matter:
- use a machine in a well-lit area
- avoid sharing the PIN
- cover the keypad while typing
- look for anything unusual around the card slot or keypad
- take the card, cash, and receipt before leaving
- cancel the transaction if the machine behaves strangely
For ATM owners and operators, ATMTrader’s support resources cover troubleshooting, menu flows, software downloads, and service help, which is useful on the machine side of the experience. Visit ATM Support and ATM Menu Navigation.
What should happen when the ATM gives the card back?
The card should be removed as soon as the machine returns it. Some machines return the card before the cash comes out. Others return it after the transaction finishes. Either way, the correct move is to take it immediately and keep watching the screen until the session is fully done.
What should be done when the ATM keeps the card?
When an ATM keeps the card, the user should not leave in a panic. The better response is to read the screen, note the location, contact the bank, and follow the bank’s instructions for freezing or replacing the card if needed. ATM support or branch staff may help depending on where the machine is located.
Can a first-time user deposit money too?
Some ATMs allow deposits, but not all do. Deposit steps vary more than withdrawal steps, so first-time users should not assume every ATM has that feature. Machines also vary by envelope-free deposit support, bill acceptance, and bank network rules.
What is the easiest way to feel more comfortable before using one?
The easiest way is to know the basic order before walking up:
card, PIN, transaction, amount, confirm, cash, card, receipt, done.
That sequence removes most of the anxiety. For anyone curious about how different ATM interfaces look, ATMTrader’s ATM Menu Navigation shows click-through screen paths for Hyosung and Genmega models.
FAQ
How do you use an ATM machine for the first time?
Insert or tap the card, enter the PIN, choose the transaction, select the amount, confirm the fee if shown, then take the cash, card, and receipt before leaving.
What button do you press to get money out of an ATM?
After entering the PIN, press the on-screen option for “Withdrawal” or “Cash Withdrawal,” then choose the account and amount.
Do ATM machines give the card back before or after cash?
It depends on the machine. Some return the card before dispensing cash, while others return it after the transaction ends.
What happens if the wrong PIN is entered?
The machine will usually reject the attempt. Repeating the wrong PIN too many times can lock the transaction or trigger a bank security restriction.
Do all ATMs charge a fee?
No. Some are surcharge-free for certain users or networks, while others show a fee on screen before the transaction is completed.
Can a first-time user check balance without withdrawing money?
Yes. Most ATMs offer a balance inquiry option after the PIN is entered.
What should be done first after the ATM dispenses cash?
Take the cash, then immediately check for the card and receipt before stepping away from the machine.