Smart Tips for Safe ATM Usage

Your ATM or MasterCard® card provides safe, quick, and convenient access to cash worldwide. The following Smart Tips will help ensure that you use your card wisely wherever you travel in the U.S. or abroad.

Protecting Your ATM Card

• Keep your card in a safe place -- away from prying eyes, and where it won't bend or scratch.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Never write your PIN down on anything in your wallet, or on the card itself.
• Keep your PIN number private. When selecting a PIN, avoid numbers and letters that can be easily identified with you. For example, don't use your initials, birthday, telephone or Social Security number. If you have such a number, contact your bank and get a new PIN issued.
• Report a lost or stolen card to your financial institution immediately.
• Keep your ATM receipts, until you check them against your monthly statement. It's a good way to guard against fraud and makes record-keeping easier.

Common Sense Usage Tips

• Observe your surroundings before using an ATM. If the machine is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another ATM.
• Take along a friend, if possible, especially at night.
• Remember that accessing cash with your credit card is easy and will come in handy.
• Have your card ready. Don't fumble through your wallet trying to find it.
• Shield the screen and keyboard so anyone waiting to use the ATM cannot see you enter your PIN or transaction amount.
• Put your cash, card, and receipt away immediately. Count your money later. And always take your receipt with you.
• If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave immediately. If anyone follows you after making a transaction, go to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
• If you are using an enclosed ATM that requires your card to open the door, avoid letting anyone come in with you that you do not know.
• If you are using a drive-up ATM, make sure all car doors are locked and windows are rolled up, except the one window you are using.
• Do not leave your car unlocked or the engine running when you get out to use an ATM.
• While many ATMs are available 24 hours a day, some may be open only during local business hours. To be on the safe side, plan your withdrawals ahead of time.
• Check with your financial institution to determine the daily limit of funds that can be withdrawn.

Tips When Traveling Abroad

• International ATMs may save you money, because withdrawals (dispensed in local currency) are debited from your account in U.S. dollars based on a favorable, exchange rate.
• All Cirrus® ATMs feature easy-to-read instructions in both the local language and English. And the steps for making a transaction are the same or similar to those used at your local ATMs.
• Some international ATMs are available only during normal business hours, and hours vary from country to country.
• Most international ATMs do not permit transactions involving multiple accounts, so your transaction will be routed to your primary account.
• Four-digit numeric PINs are standard in most countries. If you have an alphabetic PIN, translate the letters into numbers before leaving the country.