[kat82]

ATM Machine.png (133.5 KiB) Viewed 45 times

On my way to home after a long day work, I passed by the ATM machines powered by Interswitch with my VISA card to get some cash to use over the weekend. Little did I know that the end result would be not how I expected it to be. After staying in the queue for over 10 minutes, my turn came and I was inside the room where the ATM machine is hosted.

Off I inserted my card as usual, selected the cash withdraw option, entered the cash-out amount, my usual PIN and waited for funds to be disbursed. Unlike other times I have used the same ATM machine where I took a few seconds for the task to be completed, this time round it was different. The machine sounded like it was counting notes, recounted and continued for over a minute plus.

Eventually, there came no cash and nor the ATM released. The machine temporarily shut down and on it restarted as I waited in panic. After 3 minutes of waiting, the guard of the ATM machine came in and asked what had happened. I narrated the whole story and he said softly, "that happens from time to time but sadly you can't get your ATM out until Monday". Being a Friday and having no money with me, I felt like the world had ended.

I asked if there was something else I would do and he responded that it was non working time since banking halls close at 2pm on weekends. I remained stranded while others who were behind me in the line successful got cash from the same ATM machine which took hold of my card.

Unable to wait until Monday, those are 2 days from today, I asked for the emergency phone number of the bank from the guard. He assured me that whatever I would do wouldn't help since it was a Saturday. Luckily, my efforts were fruitful. The call I made helped me attract the attention of the bank manager who by that time was still inside the bank. The call attendant assured me how he was going to help me after I explained that the card was my last resort as we entered the weekend.

Here is what I did..

1. I called the emergency number.
2. I explained what had happened.
3. I explained the urgency of the money
4. I told the the location of the ATM machine
5. I proved to them that I was the account holder

Within about 30 minutes of waiting, the manager came, asked me to enter the small waiting room, asked me for my identification, made me sign a document and also asked to me explain the circumstances under which the card was held. He gave me the card and also led me to the machine without going back to the long line. I successfully got the money and continued with my errands.

The nex6t time this happens to you, don't panic. Just find the emergency number and make that call. You will disapprove anyone who thinks that you won't be helped, just like I did to the ATM guard.

[Fergal]

Glad to hear that worked out for you kat82. You were lucky to get in contact with a manager who was prepared to be helpful out of hours. I suppose a good lesson would be to be careful not to be completely dependent on getting money from the machine. That way if something goes wrong you have something to fall back on.

[Jem Smith]

Good advice, and I'm glad it worked for you. I've had that happen on a weekend and I had to wait until business hours on Monday to get it sorted out. It was a pain because I had plans for the weekend and suddenly no money.

-- 04 Jun 2025, 10:46 --

Glad to hear that worked out for you kat82. You were lucky to get in contact with a manager who was prepared to be helpful out of hours. I suppose a good lesson would be to be careful not to be completely dependent on getting money from the machine. That way if something goes wrong you have something to fall back on.

Yeah, I suppose it's good to have a little emergency cash.

[germainebull]

Wow, that experience is really bad. When an ATM eats your card, it feels like the world has rejected you. But the way you organized yourself with an emergency number is a game changer. Many people are stranded waiting for Monday. You can call directly and get a manager to help you. You must know your location and verify your account. That's what gives you strength and confidence. The next time someone tells you there is no solution, don't agree. Try all the ways and you will overcome stress.