Editor’s note: Today’s special guest blogger is Cyrus, who runs the Thousand Mile Secrets blog. Cyrus got into blogging last month and is eager to share his wealth of knowledge with friends and the rest of the blogosphere!
Hi everybody! I’m Cyrus from Thousand Mile Secrets, and I’m here to tell you about a little something called Automatic Teller Machines, or “ATMs” as they’re known to those of us in The Hobby.
An “ATM” is a machine that lets you get money even when the bank is closed! A lot of people are hesitant to try these things at first but believe me, you’ll come to love them! I just started using them in December of last year and now I can’t imagine how I lived without them.
This is what an ATM looks like:
WARNING: Not all ATMs have A-T-M on them in big letters. Look at this one, for example:
So if you want to get into the ATM game, you’ll have to learn to recognize certain key features so that you can use these amazing machines. Here’s a picture I made with primary ATM elements identified:
This is a picture of my girlfriend using an ATM. She lives in Canada, so my friends haven’t met her yet:
What makes ATMs so awesome? You can get money from them, that’s what! When you sign up for an ATM account, your bank will send you a card, called an “ATM card”. If you see an ATM, you just put your ATM card in and boom! Free money!
ATMs can be used with a variety of cards….I was able to get $100 instantly at a cost of $4, a great return on investment.
There’s a catch, though: before you get the free money, you first have to enter a “Personal Identification Number”, or “PIN” as it’s known to those of us in The Hobby. The bank will let you pick a PIN, so make you don’t forget that PIN or else you won’t be able to get your money! I like to write my PIN on the back of my “ATM card” so that I won’t forget it.
You also want to pick a PIN that other people can’t guess in case you lose your ATM card, so don’t pick something easy like 1-2-3-4. I picked 2-4-6-8… you’re welcome to use that for your PIN! I always like to give back to my readers.
That’s all for today… if you want to know more, I’ve got a 14-part series on ATMs over on my blog, Thousand Mile Secrets! Thanks for reading!
Dude
I cant ffin believe you guys outed how to use an ATM.
Wtf! I thought that was double secret down low chat only stuff and shouldnt be blogged about by you people who are only doing this to get free stuff!
Geesh
There are not nearly enough pictures, arrows, or circles in this post. You will learn to use them as you blog more.
Another deal ruined by greedy bloggers!
That’s right, RUINED!
Up til now everybody secretly knew that ATM stood for “At The Moment” in chat speak and now you have so totally outed it!
I saw the memo online and asked my bank manager, who then said, “Well, now that you mention it, we may as well just tell everybody”
PFD, the graphics and arrows on your post are especially nice today and inspired me to update my post with a few lightning bolts. Oh Yeah!
As a loyal Saverocity reader I’m not sure I should admit this but…
I think Mr. bowtie is a genius. People make fun of him but it’s only because he is so damn successful. He developed a formula that works for the masses. People are lazy and want to be spoon fed. His blog is at the top of the charts for lazy noobs – although I know I’ve read some stuff on his blog that I haven’t seen anywhere else. If his blog disappeared there would be a hundred copycats to take his place. Love him or hate him – he is ‘Merica capitalism at it’s best (or worst)…
Gosh, I thought I was still new at this game but I already knew about ATMs. Does that make me officially an Intermediate? I can’t wait to tell all my friends! Can I stop calling myself a newbie and move up to middie? MiddieItUp!
I actually agree with that, he’s pretty good for noobs.
Damn. Now everybody will be using them. Think of the line-ups.
They’re probably going to close all of the ATMs now the word’s out. Besides, those things can be used for fraud.
Cyrus, you have so much to learn. You should’ve had your girlfriend proudly held the ATM card and put a big smile on it. That would kick your blog up a few notches.
I just saw a memo that said ATM’s will no longer dispense cash but will only dispense Vanilla Reload cards starting April 4.
I heard this article was originally written by a different blogger, but then Cyrus ninja-edited the “written by” line to falsely claim that he had done it.
It’s great content either way. When can we expect the 5 part series on writing checks (or “cheques” as they’re known to us savvy international travellers)?
Best part about ATM’s are that they usually dispense $20 bills, which is one of the best US paper currencies out there….
http://www.onlinetravelreview.com/2014/01/20/top-5-us-paper-currency-denominations-for-january/
That’s from January, are $20 bills still on the list? I heard there was a devaluation.
Nothing changed with them, but the U.S. mint stopped paying a commission on it, so the bloggers stopped posting about $20’s
Loyal TMS reader Robert writes:
“My wife is an Authorized User on my checking account. If she uses her ATM card at the ATM, will she to be able to withdraw funds too?”
Only if she has the Companion Pass, which is well worth getting [ATM Companion Pas Link].
But better hurry, the offer ends soon!
Can you explain what kind of card goes into the ATM? I ran out and used my drivers license but I didn’t get any money… or my DL back. I’ve already spread the news through FT and MP.
Close, but the correct answer is
[3,000 words and 4 credit card links, 5 links to previous TMS posts, 6 pictures]
… so yes, yes you can.
My health insurance card didn’t work either. One more thing Obamacare messed up!
BREAKING NEWS! I went to an ATM in Peoria and it was out of order! Surely this is the beginning of the end. Are there any out of order ATMs in your city? Or maybe they are rolling it out regionally? Better run to your ATM and get as much money as you can! Now! Please report back with your location and your success/faiIure so we know how fast this is spreading. THE END IS NEAR!
IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT, PDF!
You should really warn people who use ATMs abroad that there’s a foreign transaction fee!
And link to another card that doesn’t have forex fees!
Thousand mile secrets forgot to include “the bottom line”