Q.1. What is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)?

Ans 1. Automated Teller Machine is a computerized machine that provides the customers of banks the facility of accessing their account for dispensing cash and to carry out other financial & non-financial transactions without the need to actually visit their bank branch.

Q.2. What are White Label ATMs (WLAs)?

Ans 2. ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-banks are called White Label ATMs. Non-bank ATM operators are authorized under Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India.

Q.3. What is the difference between ATM and WLA (White Label ATM)?

Ans 3. i) In White Label ATM scenario, logo displayed on ATM machine and in ATM premises pertain to WLA Operator instead of a bank. However, for a customer, using WLA is just like using the ATM of other bank (bank other than card issuing bank). ii) Acceptance of cash deposits at the WLAs is not permitted at present.

Q.4. What has been the rationale of allowing non-bank entities for setting up of WLAs ?

Ans 4. The rationale of allowing non-bank entity to set up White Label ATMs has been to increase the geographical spread of ATM for increased / enhanced customer service.

Q.5. What type of cards can be used at an ATM/WLA?

Ans 5. The ATM/ATM cum debit cards, credit cards and open prepaid cards (that permit cash withdrawal) issued by banks can be used at ATMs/WLAs for various transactions.

Q.6. What are the services/facilities available at ATMs/WLAs?

Ans 6. In addition to cash dispensing, ATMs/WLAs may offer many other services/facilities to bank customers. Some of these services include:

• Account Information
• Cash Deposit (Acceptance of deposits are not permitted at WLAs)
• Regular Bills Payment (not permitted at WLAs)
• Purchase of Re-load Vouchers for Mobiles (not permitted at WLAs)
• Mini/Short Statement
• PIN change
• Request for Cheque Book

Q.7. How can one transact at an ATM/WLA?

Ans 7. For transacting at an ATM/WLA, the customer inserts /swipes his/her Card in the ATM/WLA and enters his/her Personal Identification Number (PIN). Usually the transactions are menu driven for facilitating easy operation.

Q.8. What is Personal Identification Number (PIN)?

Ans 8. PIN is the numeric password which is separately mailed / handed over to the customer by the bank while issuing the card. Most banks require the customers to change the PIN on the first use. Customer should not disclose PIN to anybody, including to bank officials. Customers should change the PIN at regular intervals.

Q.9. Can these cards be used at any bank/non-bank ATM (WLA) in the country?

Ans 9. Yes. The cards issued by banks in India may be used at any bank / white label ATM in the country.

Q.10. Is the customer charged for ATM transactions?

Ans.10. With effect from November 01, 2014, Savings bank account holders can do a minimum of three transactions (including both financial and non-financial transactions) free of charge in a month at other bank ATMs in case of ATMs located in six metro locations, viz. Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. At other locations, the savings bank account holders can transact a minimum of five transactions (including both financial and non-financial transactions) free of charge in a month at other bank ATMs. Similarly, Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account holders will continue to get five free transactions (including both financial and non-financial transactions) in a month at other bank’s ATM at all locations including the above six metro locations, subject to other conditions associated with such accounts.

Further, savings bank account holders can transact a minimum of five transactions (including both financial and non-financial transactions) free of charge in a month at own bank ATMs irrespective of location of ATMs.

Banks on their own can decide to offer more number of transactions free of cost to their customers. In case of charges to be levied on customers, the customer can be charged a maximum of ₹ 20/- per transaction (plus service tax, if any) by his/her bank.

Q.11. What should be done if card is lost / stolen?

Ans 11. The customer should contact the card issuing bank immediately on noticing the loss / theft of the card and should request the bank to block the card.

Q.12. From where the customer can get the contact numbers for lodging a complaint?

Ans 12. Banks are required to display the name and the contact numbers of concerned officers/toll free number/help desk numbers in the ATM premises. Similarly, in WLAs, contact number of officials/toll free numbers/ helpline numbers are also displayed for lodging any complaint regarding failed/disputed transactions.

Q.13. What steps should a customer take in case of failed ATM transaction at other bank/white label ATMs, when his / her account is debited?

Ans 13. The customer should lodge a complaint with the card issuing bank at the earliest. This process is applicable even if the transaction was carried out at another bank’s/non-bank’s ATM. In case of WLAs, the contact number/toll free numbers are also available for lodging complaints regarding failed transactions at their ATMs.

Q.14. Is there any time limit for the card issuing banks for recrediting the customers account for a failed ATM/WLA transaction indicated under Q. No. 13?

Ans 14. As per the RBI instructions (DPSS.PD.No.2632/02.10.002/2010-2011 dated May 27, 2011), banks have been mandated to resolve customer complaints by re-crediting the customer’s account within 7 working days from the date of complaint.

Q.15. Are the customers eligible for compensation for delays beyond 7 working days?

Ans 15. Yes. Effective from July 1, 2011, banks have to pay compensation of ₹ 100/- per day for delays in re-crediting the amount beyond 7 working days from the date of receipt of complaint for failed ATM transactions. The compensation has to be credited to the account of the customer without any claim being made by the customer. If the complaint is not lodged within 30 days of transaction, the customer is not entitled for any compensation for delay in resolving his / her complaint.

Q.16. What is the course of action for the customer if the complaint is not addressed by his/her bank within the stipulated time / not addressed to his satisfaction?

Ans 16. The customer can take recourse to the Banking Ombudsman, if the grievance is not redressed by the his/her card issuing bank.

Q.17. What is the Grievance Redressal Mechanism available to users of WLAs in case of failed/disputed WLA transactions?

Ans 17. The Grievance Redressal Mechanism available to users of WLA is same as that available to users of banks’ ATMs for failed/disputed transactions. While the primary responsibility to redress grievances of customers relating to failed transactions at such WLAs will vest with the card issuing bank, the sponsor bank will provide necessary support in this regard, ensuring that White Label ATM Operator (WLAO) makes available relevant records and information to the Issuing bank.

Q.18. What should be done to the ATM card when the card is expired or the account is closed?

Ans 18. Customer should destroy the card upon card expiry or closure of account, cut it into four pieces through the magnetic strip/chip before disposing it off.

Q.19. How shall the customer keep his/her ATM/WLA transaction secure?

Ans 19. Customers should observe following Do’s and Don’ts to keep their transaction safe and secure at ATM/WLA:

• Customer should conduct any ATM/WLA transaction in complete privacy.
• Only one card holder should enter and access ATM/WLA kiosk at a time.
• He/she should never lend his/her card to anyone.
• Do not write PIN on the card.
• Never share PIN with anyone or seek help from anybody by handing over the card and revealing the PIN.
• Never let anyone see the PIN while it is being entered at the ATM
• Never use a PIN that could be easily guessed. e.g. his/her birthday, birthday of spouse or telephone number.
• Never leave card in the ATM/WLA.
• Register mobile number with the card issuing bank for getting alerts for ATM /WLA transactions. Any unauthorized card transaction in the account, if observed, should be immediately reported to the card issuing bank.
• Beware of any extra devices attached to the ATMs/WLAs. These may be put to capture customer’s data fraudulently. If any such device is found, inform the security guard / bank/ white label ATM entity maintaining it immediately.
• Keep an eye on suspicious movements of people around ATMs/WLAs. Customer should beware of strangers trying to engaging him/her in conversation or offering assistance / help in operating the ATM
• Remember that bank officials will never ask for card details or PIN over telephone / email. So, do not respond to any vishing / phishing mails from people indicating that they represent your bank.