How Long Before ATM Eats Card and Swallowing Prevention

ATMs are designed to prevent card-eating incidents, but they can still malfunction.

In the past, some ATMs have been known to eat cards due to mechanical failures, with the average repair cost being around $1,500.

Card-eating incidents are often caused by worn-out or damaged card readers, which can be avoided by regularly cleaning the reader and checking for any blockages.

Most modern ATMs have advanced sensors that detect when a card is being inserted incorrectly, preventing the machine from consuming the card.

Expand your knowledge: Hot Dog Eating Contest

If your ATM eats your card, don't panic. You have two options to get a new card.

You can request a new card from your bank, which will cancel the eaten card and send out a replacement. This can take seven to 10 days if you have to call, but you can get one immediately if you go into the bank in person.

Alternatively, you can ask your bank to retrieve the card when they service the ATM next. This can be a faster option, but you do run some small risk of the card being intercepted before it's returned to you.

Here are your two choices:

Contacting your bank is the first step in resolving any issues with an ATM. If your deposit is swallowed, call your bank immediately to explain the situation to the customer service representative.

You can use the number on the back of your debit card to contact your bank. Don't panic, this is a common issue and your bank will usually credit you for the deposit and perform an investigation.

Consumers use ATMs often, with 61 percent visiting an ATM at least once a month. This leaves plenty of room for potential ATM grabs.

You can request a new card or retrieve the eaten card. If you request a new card, it will take seven to 10 days to arrive, but you won't have a debit card during that time.

Here are your options:

You'll need to have a debit card or credit card to access your money at the ATM.

Take a deep breath and be prepared to enter your PIN to withdraw cash or check your account balance.

Make sure to check your account balance before you withdraw cash to avoid overdraft fees.

You can also use the ATM to deposit cash or checks into your account.

Be aware of any fees associated with using the ATM, such as foreign transaction fees if you're traveling abroad.

If you're having trouble with the ATM, don't hesitate to ask for help from the bank staff or a nearby customer service representative.

To prevent your ATM card from being eaten, it's essential to insert it correctly. Make sure the card is aligned with the slot and not at an angle.

The average time it takes for an ATM to eat a card is around 30 seconds, but this can vary depending on the machine and the type of card. This is due to the mechanical nature of the card reader.

To avoid this, always check the card reader for any signs of wear or damage before inserting your card.

ATM card swallowing is a rare but serious issue that can occur when an ATM's mechanical components malfunction and ingest a card.

The average cost of repairing an ATM that has swallowed a card can range from $500 to $2,000.

To prevent ATM card swallowing, it's essential to regularly inspect your ATM's mechanical components for any signs of wear and tear.

ATM manufacturers typically recommend inspecting the machine's card reader and eject mechanism every 3-6 months.

The likelihood of an ATM swallowing a card is higher if the machine is not properly maintained.

In 2019, a study found that 70% of ATM-related card swallowing incidents could have been prevented with regular maintenance.

To stay safe while using ATMs, always choose a well-lit and secure location, like a bank or a busy shopping area.

Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Keep your PIN private and never share it with anyone, including bank employees or friends.

Use a cover or your hand to shield the keypad when entering your PIN, to prevent others from seeing it.

Avoid using public computers or ATMs to access your account information or make transactions.

If you notice any tampering or damage to the ATM, don't use it and report it to the bank immediately.

Regularly check your account statements for any unauthorized transactions and report them to your bank right away.

Don't leave your card or cash unattended while using the ATM, and make sure to take it with you when you're finished.

For another approach, see: ATM Burglaries Using Explosives