What is an ATM Credit?

ATM credit means that a credit was added to your account through a transaction at an ATM. It may appear as “ATM credit" on your bank statement.

Why did I receive an ATM credit?

You would see an ATM credit in your bank account for several reasons: 

• If you deposited cash or checks into your bank account via a deposit enabled ATM. Some people do this if they need to make a deposit after normal banking hours, or because it's faster than waiting at an in-person queue. 
• If you were overcharged for fees by an ATM as an error and the bank credits you. 
• Charges for utilizing another bank's ATM. Depending on the kind of checking account you have, banks may reimburse you for these fees. Or some banks may allow a certain number of free ATM transactions.

Should I inform my bank if I do not receive an ATM credit?

In some cases, ATMs do not dispense money as requested. However, banks generally try to solve those issues quickly. You'll want to notify the bank that made the error if you encounter one. Here are the recommended steps to take: 

1. Contact the ATM operator or bank. Sometimes you'll find an intercom attached to the ATM, or you can walk inside the bank. If it's after business hours, leave a voicemail or send an email indicating that you've experienced an error. 
2. Document the error. Note which bank and ATM this occurred at and, if possible, use your phone to take photos of the ATM screen and your deposit slip. 
3. Give the bank a chance to review and correct the mistake. Banks must comply with the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, a consumer protection act which protects people when they transfer funds electronically. This includes through the use of ATMs, debit cards and automatic withdrawals or deposits between a bank account. This act also provides a way to correct errors and limit consumer liability. An investigation will take place, and if the error is found to be credible, your account will be corrected. The bank must notify you in writing of their findings.

How do I make a deposit at an ATM?

ATMs offer a convenient way to deposit cash or checks. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Check that the ATM you want to go to allows deposits.
2. Insert or tap your debit card and enter your pin.
3. Select the option to make a deposit.
4. Choose the account you want the funds to be deposited in.
5. Insert cash and/or checks. For checks, be sure to sign the back.
6. Confirm the deposit amount is correct.
7. Print receipt and remove your debit card from the ATM.

Can I use my credit card at an ATM?

Yes, most credit card companies allow cardmembers to use their credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash, which will show up as a cash advance on your credit card statement. You can use your credit card at most ATMs the same way you'd use a debit card, but you aren't drawing from a bank account. Instead, you're drawing from your line of credit. 

It's common to incur fees to use your credit card at an ATM so make sure you know what those fees are before you withdraw money with your card.

What is a credit card cash advance?

A cash advance is a loan offered by your credit card issuer. When you take out a cash advance, you're borrowing money against your card's line of credit. You must repay this loan and the amount you withdraw cannot exceed the current balance available on your credit card. The amount that is withdrawn is then added to your credit card balance. 

Getting a cash advance from an ATM requires your physical card, as well as a personal identification number (PIN) provided by your card issuer. You might also be subject to daily ATM withdrawal limits and fees similar to those imposed on checking accounts. 

Taking cash out of an ATM with your credit card is much different than making a withdrawal using your debit card. Cash advances are considered short-term loans and can be expensive after fees and interests apply if the balance is not paid in full by the due date.

In conclusion

ATMs are helpful for making withdrawals from or deposits to your bank account. You can also take out a cash advance or even pay your credit card balance using cash at an ATM. Once in a while, you may see an ATM credit on your account. This could be due to an error or because your financial institution is reimbursing you for fees incurred at other ATMs. If you experience an error at an ATM, it's best to notify the bank right away.