32. ATM

An automated teller machine (ATM) is a computerized telecommunications device that provides the customers of a financial institution with access to financial transactions in a public space without the need for a human clerk or bank teller. On most modern ATMs, the customer is identified by inserting a plastic ATM card with a magnetic stripe or a plastic smartcard with a chip, which contains a unique card number and some security information, such as an expiration date or CVC (CVV). Security is provided by the customer entering a personal identification number (PIN). A computer terminal that allows a bank customer to deposit, withdraw or transfer funds automatically

It can be used at an ATM for deposits, withdrawals, account information, and other types of transactions, often through interbank networks. Some ATM cards can also be used: at a branch, as identification for in-person transactions. At merchants, for EFTPOS (point of sale) purchases. Unlike a debit card, in-store purchases or refunds with an ATM card can generally be made in person only, as they require authentication through a personal identification number or PIN. In other words, ATM cards cannot be used at merchants that only accept). In some countries, the two functions of ATM cards and debit cards are combined into a sin credit card.

Using an ATM, customers can access their bank accounts in order to make cash withdrawals (or credit card cash advances) and check their account balances as well as purchasing mobile cell phone prepaid credit. ATMs are known by various other names including automated banking machine, money machine, bank machine, cash machine, hole-in-the-wall, cashpoint, Bancomat (in various countries in Europe and Russia), Multibanco (after a registered trade mark, in Portugal), and Any Time Money (in India).

However, other types of transactions through telephone or online banking may be performed with an ATM card without in-person authentication. This includes account balance inquiries, electronic bill payments or in some cases, online purchases (see Interac Online card called a debit card or also commonly called a bank card. These are able to perform banking tasks at ATM's and also make point-of-sale transactions, both functions using a PIN. Canada's Interac and Europe's Maestro are examples of networks that link bank accounts with point-of-sale equipment. ATM Cleaning Cards are the primary means of cleaning ATM machines to ensure that the machine stays functioning properly.