Tuesday, March 19, 2024

ATM Etiquette | Five moves that we can all bank on

So many of us use the automated teller machine (ATM). There are even certain times of the month when it seems as if people are having a convention around these machines. So, it only makes sense for us to practice common courtesy when we do our transactions.

That said, here are some ATM etiquette dos and don’ts that will hopefully make our encounters with other users much easier. Who knows? We may even make new friends.

Photo courtesy of BPI

1. Keep your distance. Give the person using the ATM the privacy that he or she needs. This can be quite tricky when there are no demarcation lines at the ATM site. Fortunately, we can take our cue from a paper presented to the EUROPARC Federation. It asserts: “Social distance ranges from [at least] four to eight feet away from the person and is reserved for strangers, newly formed groups, and new acquaintances.” In case it really isn’t possible for you to be at least four feet away from the person who is currently using the ATM, then just do your best not to make him or her uncomfortable. To get rid of any suspicion that you are “spying” on him or her, you can, “I am so sorry, there isn’t much room for me to move back further.”

2. Don’t take too long if there’s a line behind you. Although there’s no limit to the number of consecutive transactions that you can do when you use the ATM, it’s best if you limit it to two (three, at most) at a time if there is a long line behind you. We’ve seen people put in as many as 15 ATM cards ? one after the other ? even with a long line behind them. We get that there are some people who ask one work colleague to make withdrawals for them, but it’s a risky move. Imagine one person being in charge of so many ATM cards!

3. Be helpful. We are told not to talk to strangers when we’re using or are about to use the ATM, but there are times when some people need our help. This usually happens when a person is not too familiar with how to use the machine or they’ve pressed the wrong buttons and are overcome with anxiety because of it. Instead of judging them for their ATM errors, we can politely information or assistance to them. In case there’s someone who’s encountered ATM trouble, you can try to calm them down by alerting the bank personnel about their problem.

4. Throw your receipts in the trash bin. How many times have you encountered an ATM kiosk that has receipts all over the floor even when there’s a trash bin right beside the machine? In case the trash bin is already full, just keep your ATM receipt and discard it when you find the proper receptacle for it.

5. Be alert. Don’t let your guard down when you use ATMs that are not within bank premises. It pays to be safety-conscious. A BPI safety reminder points out: “In case you notice anything or anyone suspicious within the vicinity of the ATM, immediately ask the bank personnel for assistance or call the bank’s hotline.” This is pretty much standard warning from all the banks in the world.

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