ATMs: Are They Really That Convenient?

It goes without saying that most, if not, all folks (at least those with a banking or credit union account) has a debit card. I use mine a lot, but not too much. I keep some cash on hand, especially for purchasing gas.  I rarely pay at gas pumps that charge me additional fees. Many stations, and my bank charges me up to $3 extra/time at the pump. This means more frequent trips to the ATM.

 

ATMs are usually the most crowded on paydays (1st and 16th if each month, and Thursdays and Fridays) . Once upon a time, this was a rapid way to get some quick cash from your account without having to actually see a live teller or banker. Plus they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unlike banks and credit unions.   Now it seems some people have no respect or etiquette for others in regards to ATMs. Often at the drive thru, people will take the longest time! They will literally be balancing their checkbooks right there at the machine.  If not that, they are making multiple withdrawals, deposits, and the like. I believe that if you're going to do this, go inside and see the teller. These devices are for quick and easy withdrawals and deposits. One should have in mind how much money they have in their account first of all, and make an appropriate withdrawal or deposit. This doesn't have to be rocket science, especially now with online banking.

 

I normally have to plan ahead when making an ATM run just because of folks that make it inconvenient and time consuming. I don't even want to get started on the smaller banks that only have one machine at their location. During peak times (and other times), at least two are necessary. I don't think this is asking too much.

 

Often I will get cash when I pay with my debit card at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, and other such stores. I avoid fees, plus it is actually pretty convenient. I usually won't ask for large amounts for the simple fact that I know that many registers don't keep a lot of cash on hand. They are stores and not banks.

 

I usually always have a good ATM story every week as crazy things never cease to happen. I'm sure this week will be no different. Now if only my bank had an automatic teller in the local Wal-Mart. There's one in the local Prime Outlets Mall (the Yellow Mall), but I don't frequent that mall. Hence, another inconvenience for a machine designed to revolutionize how we receive and deposit monies from our accounts.