>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, have you ever experienced your ATM card being swallowed by the machine? This can be a frustrating situation, especially if you need to withdraw cash urgently. You don’t have to worry as there are several ways to retrieve your card. In this article, we will discuss 20 consecutive headings on how to get your card back.
1. Remain Calm
The first thing you need to do if your ATM card is swallowed is to remain calm. Don’t panic, as this can lead to making the wrong decisions. Take a deep breath, relax and then proceed to the next step.
Why is it important to remain calm?
When you’re in a panicked state, your mind tends to be clouded, and you may not think straight. This can lead to making irrational decisions that may affect the retrieval of your card. Being calm allows you to assess the situation and make informed decisions.
2. Contact Your Bank
After calming down, the next step is to contact your bank. Most ATM machines have a contact number displayed on their screen. Call your bank immediately and inform them that your card has been swallowed by the machine.
What should you say to the bank representative?
When you call the bank, ensure that you inform the representative of the card’s details, such as the card number and the ATM’s location. By providing this information, the bank can trace your card easily and provide further assistance.
3. Check the ATM Machine
Before contacting your bank, check the ATM machine for any prompt messages. Some machines may display messages that request you to press a particular button to retrieve your card. Check for any written prompts or visual signs that may suggest how you can retrieve your card.
Can you retrieve your card by following the prompts?
Yes, some ATM machines have prompts that allow cardholders to retrieve their cards. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen to retrieve your card. If the prompts don’t work, you may proceed to the next step.
4. Wait for the Machine to Release the Card
Due to certain technical issues, some ATM machines may hold onto the card for a while before releasing it. If you’ve followed all the prompts and still can’t retrieve your card, wait for some time for the machine to release the card.
How long should you wait?
You can wait for about 10 to 15 minutes for the machine to release the card. If the machine doesn’t release the card within that period, contact your bank immediately.
5. Request Assistance from Security
Most ATM machines have security personnel around the premises. If you can’t retrieve your card, request assistance from the security personnel. The security personnel may have access to the ATM machine’s backend system and help retrieve your card.
What should you do if there’s no security personnel around?
If there’s no security personnel around, you may proceed to the next step.
6. Report to the Bank
If you can’t retrieve your card, report to your bank immediately. The bank may take some time to retrieve your card, but they will ensure that you get it back. You may be required to fill in some forms or provide some details to facilitate card retrieval.
What information should you provide to the bank?
You should provide the bank with details such as the card number, the ATM location, the time of the transaction and any other relevant information.
7. Check Your Bank Statement
After your card has been retrieved, ensure that you check your bank statement for any unauthorized transactions. Fraudsters may use your card when it gets stuck in the machine, leading to unauthorized transactions.
If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report to your bank immediately. The bank will investigate the matter and refund the money if found to be fraudulent.
8. Request for a New Card
After your card gets retrieved, you may request for a new card from your bank. The bank may issue you with a new card or provide you with a procedure to follow when getting a new card.
What should you do if you don’t get a new card?
If you don’t receive a new card, contact your bank immediately for further assistance.
9. Check the ATM Card Slot
If your card gets swallowed, check the card slot to ensure that it’s not blocked. Blocked card slots may cause your card to get stuck in the machine.
How do you unblock the card slot?
If the card slot is blocked, you may use a piece of cardboard or any other flat object to unblock it. Insert the object into the card slot and slide it up and down to remove the blockage. After unblocking the slot, try to retrieve your card again.
10. Report to the ATM Machine’s Provider
After encountering the ATM machine’s issues, you may report the problem to the ATM’s provider. The provider may take necessary measures to fix the machine, reducing the chances of card swallowing in the future.
What information should you provide to the provider?
You should provide the provider with details such as the location of the machine, the date and time of the occurrence, and any other relevant information.
11. Check Your Card’s Expiry Date
Ensure that you check your card’s expiry date before visiting the ATM. Expired cards may not work in the machine, leading to card swallowing issues.
What should you do if your card is expired?
If your card is expired, contact your bank immediately for a new one.
12. Ensure that the Card is Inserted Correctly
When inserting your card into the machine, ensure that you insert it correctly. Inserting your card wrongly may cause it to get stuck in the machine.
What should you do if you insert your card wrongly?
If you insert your card wrongly, press the cancel button and reinsert it correctly.
13. Avoid Shaking the Machine
After your card gets swallowed, avoid shaking the machine as this may cause damage to the machine.
What should you do if the machine swallows your card?
If the machine swallows your card, follow the steps mentioned earlier to retrieve it. Don’t shake the machine or use excessive force to get your card out.
14. Check for any Visible Damages
Before inserting your card into the machine, check for any visible damages such as cracks on the card or the ATM card slot. Damages on either the card or the ATM may cause your card to get stuck in the machine.
What should you do if you notice visible damages?
If you notice any visible damages on the card or the ATM, don’t insert your card. Report the incident to your bank or the ATM provider.
15. Ensure that Your Account is Active
Ensure that your account is active before using the ATM. Inactive accounts may not allow you to withdraw cash, leading to card swallowing issues.
What should you do if your account is inactive?
If your account is inactive, contact your bank immediately to reactivate it.
16. Avoid Using Force
When trying to retrieve your card, avoid using force. Using force may cause damage to the machine or the card.
What should you do instead of using force?
If you can’t retrieve your card, follow the steps mentioned earlier or contact your bank immediately for further assistance.
17. Keep Your PIN Safe
Ensure that you keep your PIN safe and secure. Don’t share your PIN with anyone and avoid writing it down on a piece of paper. Fraudsters may use your PIN when they access your card, leading to unauthorized transactions.
What should you do if you suspect fraud?
If you suspect fraud, report to your bank immediately. The bank will investigate the matter and refund the money if found to be fraudulent.
18. Avoid Using the ATM at Night
Using the ATM at night may be risky, especially if the area is not well lit. Criminals may take advantage of the situation and steal from you or try to access your card details.
When is the best time to use the ATM?
The best time to use the ATM is during the day and in well-lit areas. If possible, use the ATM when there are people around, reducing the chances of criminal activities.
19. Use Trusted ATM Machines
Use ATM machines provided by trusted providers. Untrusted providers may have faulty machines that may cause your card to get swallowed or may result in fraudulent activities.
How do you identify trusted ATM providers?
You can identify trusted ATM providers by checking for the provider’s logo on the machine, checking for reviews online, or asking trusted friends and family members for recommendations.
20. Always Have a Backup Plan
Always have a backup plan in case of card swallowing issues. Carry some cash with you or have a backup card in case of emergencies.
What should you do if you don’t have a backup plan?
If you don’t have a backup plan, follow the steps mentioned earlier or contact your bank for further assistance.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What should I do if my card gets swallowed by the machine? | Stay calm, contact your bank immediately, and follow the steps mentioned earlier to retrieve your card. |
| Can I retrieve my card by shaking the machine? | No, shaking the machine may cause damage to the machine or the card. Follow the steps mentioned earlier or contact your bank for further assistance. |
| How long should I wait for the machine to release my card? | You can wait for about 10 to 15 minutes for the machine to release your card. If it doesn’t release the card, contact your bank immediately. |
| What should I do if there are unauthorized transactions on my account? | Contact your bank immediately and report the matter. The bank will investigate the matter and refund the money if found to be fraudulent. |
| Can I use the ATM at night? | It’s advisable to use the ATM during the day and in well-lit areas. If possible, use the ATM when there are people around, reducing the chances of criminal activities. |