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ATM Information in Plain English
Learn the essential equipment parts, program options and industry terms that help business owners make informed decisions about purchasing and operating an ATM.
Typical Retail ATMKnow the Main Parts of an ATM
Display
Guides the cardholder through each step of the transaction.
Card Reader
Reads the card and EMV chip information needed to begin authorization.
Encrypted PIN Pad
Securely captures the customer’s PIN and transaction selections.
Cash Dispenser
Counts and presents notes from the ATM’s cash cassette.
Receipt Printer
Provides an optional printed record of the transaction.
Safe & Cassette
The secured lower cabinet and removable container that hold cash.
Three Common ATM Program Options
The responsibilities for equipment, cash and maintenance depend on the program you select.
Own Your ATM
Your business purchases the equipment, loads the cash and generally receives the applicable surcharge revenue after processing-related costs. Ocean ATM provides programming, training and support.
ATM Partnership
Ocean ATM supplies and supports the equipment while your location handles cash replenishment and first-line maintenance. Surcharge revenue is shared under the program agreement.
Full-Service Placement
For qualifying higher-volume locations, Ocean ATM can provide the equipment, programming, maintenance, cash loading and ongoing management.
A Practical ATM Glossary
These are the terms business owners are most likely to encounter during setup and daily operation.
ATM Surcharge
The disclosed fee paid by the cardholder to use the ATM. It is separate from any fee charged by the cardholder’s own financial institution.
Processor
The service provider that connects the ATM to participating payment networks for authorization, settlement and reporting.
Network Fee
A pass-through cost associated with routing a transaction through participating ATM and card networks.
Terminal ID
The unique identifying number assigned to an ATM on the processing platform.
Cassette
The removable container inside the ATM dispenser that holds currency for customer withdrawals.
CDU / Dispenser
The cash-dispensing unit that counts and presents currency from the cassette.
EMV Reader
A card reader designed to process chip-card information and support modern transaction security standards.
EPP
The Encrypting PIN Pad used to securely enter a PIN and other cardholder selections.
Electronic Journal
The ATM’s transaction log, used for reconciliation, troubleshooting and dispute research.
Settlement
The movement and reconciliation of funds associated with completed ATM transactions.
First-Line Maintenance
Routine operator tasks such as loading cash and paper, clearing simple jams and checking connections.
Communication Connection
The internet or cellular connection the ATM uses to communicate with the processor. A dedicated phone line is generally no longer required for modern retail ATMs.
A Note About Transaction Disputes
If a cardholder is charged but does not receive the expected cash, the cardholder should contact the bank or financial institution that issued the card to begin the dispute process. The issuer investigates under applicable electronic-funds-transfer rules. The ATM owner or processor may be asked to provide journal and balancing information, but should not promise a particular outcome or resolution timeframe.
Questions Worth Answering
A clear location profile makes it easier to choose suitable equipment and a realistic operating structure.
Find the Right ATM for Your Business
Explore the Genmega G2500, estimate your potential transaction income or speak with an Ocean ATM specialist about your location.
