Automated Teller Machines, Banking Kiosks and self-service terminals

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are electronic devices that allow customers to autonomously perform many banking transactions without the need for a bank teller. Nowadays, ATM machines provide customers with 24/7 access to their accounts.

The range of services offered by bank ATM and self service kiosks has broadened from cash withdrawals and balance inquiries. At a state-of-the-art ATM you can:

• make money transfers
• deposit cash and checks
• pay bills,
• purchase prepaid products
• request video assistance from a remote teller
• many other options, depending on the country and on the bank that owns the machine.

Many ATMs are located in convenient places, such as shopping malls, airports, and gas stations, making it easy for customers to access their accounts wherever they are.

One of the main issues about ATMs is that they require a high level of security. The reason is simply: ATMs are full of cash, so they naturally attract criminals. ATMs are subject to both physical and logical attack: they need to be robust and solid, so to resist any attempt to tamper with them or to hack them. 

ATM transactions are secured using encryption and personal identification numbers (PINs), ensuring that only the account holder can access their funds. ATMs also have built-in security measures, such as cameras and tamper-proof technology, to prevent fraud and theft.

A recent trend in the banking industry is the use of a shared network of ATMs: the single machine is not owned by a Bank, but used simultaneously by a network of banks. This kind of ATM machine must be able to run different ATM software.

ATMs are also used by independent companies, that allow customers worldwide to withdraw cash in exchange for a commission. These cash point are usually located in strategic places, such as airports, train stations, or high street areas in touristic cities.