ATM Machine Sales and ATM Services - Parts of the ATM Automated Teller Machine

Parts of the ATM Automated Teller Machine

As we already mentioned in our How ATMs Work section, an ATM has two input devices:

Card reader – The card reader reads the account information stored on the magnetic stripe on the back of a debit or a credit card. The switching company uses this information to switch the transaction to the cardholders’ bank. Our ATMs use both swipe and dip card readers.
Keypad – The keypad lets the cardholder tell his or her bank what sort of transaction (cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, etc.) he or she wants and for what amount. Also, the bank needs the cardholder’s personal identification number to verify his or her identity. Australian law requires that the PIN be sent to the switching company in an encrypted form for security. The latest Commonwealth regulation requires that this is done in a triple encrypted form. You can find out more about triple encryption in our Automated Teller Machine Security section. Our ATMs have tactile feedback keyboard with integrated Braille for visually impaired persons.

The four output devices of the ATM Automated Teller Machine are:

Speaker – The speaker provides the cardholder with an audio signal when a key on the keypad is pressed.
Display screen – The display screen guides the cardholder through each step of the transaction process. Leased-line ATMs usually use a monochrome or colour CRT (cathode ray tube) display. Dial-up machine normally use a monochrome or colour LCD (liquid crystal display).
Receipt printer – The receipt printer provides the cardholder with a paper receipt of the transaction.
Cash dispenser – The safe and cash-dispensing mechanism are located deep inside the ATM Automated Teller Machine. This mechanism stores and dispenses cash when prompted by an ATM user.