What are 5 transactions you can do on an ATM?

Five Things You Can Do at an ATM (Because Sometimes You Just Gotta Avoid the Bank)

Okay, let’s be real. Nobody loves going to the bank. The lines, the tellers who seem perpetually exasperated, the vaguely sterile smell…it’s just not a vibe. That’s where the trusty ATM comes in. Sure, sometimes you get stuck behind someone who seems to be doing their entire month’s banking, but for quick transactions, it’s a lifesaver. Here are five things I regularly use the ATM for (because adulting is hard enough without adding extra trips to the bank):

1. The Obvious One: Cash Withdrawals. This is the bread and butter of ATM usage. Need cash for the weekend market? Groceries? That emergency vet visit for your cat who decided to eat a string? (Don’t ask.) The ATM has you covered. My bank limits me to R5000 a day, which honestly, is usually more than enough. I remember once needing to withdraw a larger sum for a deposit on an apartment, and having to go inside the actual bank. Shudders.

2. Bill Payments: Conquering Adulting One Transaction at a Time. This is a game-changer. I used to dread paying bills. Now, I just swing by the ATM and pay everything from my electricity bill to my phone bill. Even those pesky traffic fines (I swear, that speed camera appeared out of nowhere!) can be paid at most ATMs. It saves me so much time and hassle. According to a 2021 survey by Bankrate, 63% of respondents prefer to pay their bills online or via mobile devices, reflecting the growing trend towards digital banking solutions like ATM bill payments.

3. Cash and Cheque Deposits: No More Awkward Teller Interactions. This is especially handy for freelancers or anyone who deals with cash and cheques regularly. I used to have to physically go into the bank to deposit earnings from my side hustle, and let’s just say it wasn’t my favorite part of the week. Now, I can just pop down to the ATM and deposit it without having to make small talk with the teller. Winning!

4. Airtime and Data Top-Ups: Staying Connected in a Pinch. Running low on data and about to miss the latest episode of your favorite show? No problem! Most ATMs offer airtime and data top-ups for various mobile networks. It’s a quick and easy way to stay connected without having to hunt down a physical store. Plus, who wants to run out of data mid-doomscroll? Not me.

5. Prepaid Electricity: Keeping the Lights On (Literally). This is another essential for me. Prepaid electricity is the norm in my area, and the ATM is my go-to spot for topping up. It’s so much more convenient than searching for a vendor, especially late at night or on weekends. I remember one particularly frantic Sunday night when I almost ran out of electricity, and the ATM saved me from a candlelit dinner (which, let’s face it, is only romantic in movies).

So, yeah, ATMs. They might not be perfect, but they’re a pretty indispensable part of modern life. They definitely make adulting a little bit easier, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Now, if only they could somehow magically shorten those queues…