• ATMs are a modern convenience.24 Hour ATM - English Sign in Chinese Place image by evillager from Fotolia.com
  
  Automated Teller Machines, or ATMs, are a modern convenience that most bank customers are used to by now. These machines can do almost all functions that tellers handle. This means a consumer can avoid waiting for a teller by using an ATM, since ATMs generally provide faster service. Banks provide their customers with cards to access these machines. When you don't have access to your own bank's ATM, you might have to pay a charge to access an ATM run by a different bank.
  
  

Make Deposits

• Bank customers deposit money and checks into ATMs. The ATM accepts the check or cash and provides a receipt. Make a deposit by slipping the check or cash into a specified slot at the ATM. Many ATMs don't require customers to put the check or cash into an envelope first. The ATM then provides confirmation that the money has been deposited into the customer's account (see references 1, 2).
  
  

Withdraw Money

• Now that there are ATMs available on nearly every corner, bank customers have learned that they need not carry their cash with them all the time. If you need access to money, just head for the nearest ATM. Banks set limits on how much cash can be withdrawn within a specified time period. With an ATM, you can always access your cash, even at times when bank branches are closed (see references 1, 2).
  
  

Other Banking Functions

• ATMs provide a variety of other banking functions. They provide a statement of your transactions and balance available in your bank account after each transaction. Use an ATM to transfer money between your different bank accounts. For instance, if you have a savings account and a checking account with the same bank, you could transfer money from one account to another. If your credit card is linked to your ATM card, you could make payments to your credit card account through the ATM. ATMs provide mini-statements that show some of the recent transactions on your bank account (see reference 1).