An ATM Just Swallowed My Card. What Should I Do?
ATMs sometimes keep your card. It’s frustrating, but it’s not unusual. There’s usually a reason, and you can handle it without much hassle. Here’s what to do if you find yourself stuck in front of a machine that won’t give your card back.
Wait and Watch a Bit
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Don’t bolt immediately. ATMs sometimes freeze, restart, or lag due to connection issues. There’s a slim chance your card could still pop back out. Give it up to 15 minutes, especially if the screen suddenly goes blank or flickers. If the machine reboots, it may eject the card.
Get the Facts Down Immediately
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Grab your phone or a scrap of paper and write down everything—where the ATM is, the time, what bank owns it, and any weird messages on the screen. It may seem excessive, but this info helps your bank trace what happened. ATM errors are logged and investigated, and details like location and time are your best proof.
Know the Common Triggers
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Machines don’t swallow cards randomly. Repeatedly entering the wrong PIN is one of the most frequent causes. Other triggers include expired cards, damaged chips, or suspicious account activity flagged by your bank. If the ATM decides your card looks risky, it might hold onto it for security.
Scan for Sketchy Add-ons
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Take a quick look around the card slot. See anything loose, bulky, or mismatched? That might be a sign of tampering. Devices like the “Lebanese Loop” are made to trap your card and steal your PIN. If something seems off, alert the bank or nearby store staff. It’s better to over-report than let scammers have a payday.
Try the Cancel Button
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It sounds basic, but tapping “Cancel” a few times might wake the machine up, especially if it froze mid-transaction. Some systems respond to that command even during glitches. It’s not a guaranteed fix, but it takes two seconds and doesn’t hurt to try.
Step Inside If You’re at a Bank
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If the machine is attached to a bank and it’s during business hours, walk in and let a staff member know. They might be able to retrieve your card or check the ATM status. You’ll need ID, but this could save you from waiting days for a new card. Some branch ATMs are directly linked to in-house systems.
Call Your Bank Right Away
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Even if you’re unsure whether the card’s permanently lost, contacting your bank sets things in motion. They’ll lock the card to stop unauthorized use and begin the process of sending you a new one.
Don’t Waste Time Calling the ATM Owner
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It might seem logical to contact the ATM company listed on the machine, but most will not help you directly. Your card issuer, not the ATM operator, is the only party that can cancel the card or issue a replacement.
Use Your Bank’s App to Lock It
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Many banking apps now let you freeze or lock your card instantly. If you’re not sure whether your card will be recovered or misused, this option offers peace of mind without committing to a full cancellation. If the card resurfaces, you can unlock it.
Get Cash at the Branch
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You might need money while you wait for a replacement card. In such a case, you can visit a branch with a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or passport. Many banks can help you withdraw cash at the counter. It may not be ideal or convenient, but it works in a pinch, especially if your bills won’t wait.
Look Into Emergency Cash Services
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Some banks, like Barclays, NatWest, and RBS, offer cardless cash withdrawal services. If you’re signed up for online or mobile banking, you may be able to withdraw a set amount using a code or an app feature. The amounts vary, and eligibility depends on your bank, but it’s worth knowing what your app can do in a jam.
Chances Are, the Card Is Gone
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Once an ATM retains your card, it’s usually not coming back. Machines often destroy swallowed cards within hours to stop fraud. Banks rarely attempt to retrieve them unless it’s their own ATM and you’re right there. That’s why most banks don’t hesitate to cancel the card and move on.
Expired Cards Get Flagged Instantly
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An expired card can trigger the ATM to retain it without warning. Even if it seems to work at some places, using an expired card at an ATM is more likely to raise a red flag. If a newer card has already been issued, the old one might be rejected and eaten on the spot.
Not Happy With How It Was Handled? Escalate
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If your bank doesn’t resolve the issue or you feel your claim was dismissed unfairly, you can file a formal complaint. In the U.S., the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) takes banking complaints seriously. These channels exist to protect you, and sometimes, just mentioning them nudges your bank into action.
Check Nearby Cameras if Something Feels Off
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If the machine acted strangely or you suspect foul play, look around for any visible security cameras nearby. Many ATMs, especially those at bank branches or inside stores, have surveillance. While you can’t access the footage yourself, noting the presence of cameras can help when filing a fraud report or dispute.