What should you do if the ATM ‘swallows’ your card?

There are around 50,000 ATMs in Germany, which makes it simple and easy to withdraw cash. But what should you if the ATM ‘swallows’ your card?

Here are a few important tips for what to do and how to keep your information secure.

Contact your bank immediately

There are situations in which an ATM will refuse to return your card – usually when your card has been frozen.
A card may be frozen for a variety of reasons: you may have requested the freeze, for example, after losing the card or discovering it has been stolen. It may also never have been activated, you may have entered the PIN incorrectly multiple times or the card is expired and a new one has been sent to you. 
If your card is ‘eaten’ by an ATM, contact your bank as soon as possible to find out what has caused the issue and to request a replacement.

Remain vigilant at the ATM

Don’t get distracted while withdrawing cash: if you wait too long before taking the money or your card from the machine, security mechanisms kick in, the cash dispenser will close automatically and your card will remain in the machine. 
As a general rule, bank employees do not have access to ATMs, so they will be unable to retrieve your card for you. That means you will have to order a replacement card.

Regularly check your bank accounts

It is important that you regularly check your bank and credit card statements. This will allow you to catch any irregularities early. If you discover any unusual or unexpected charges, contact your bank immediately in order to clarify the situation and ensure no damages ensue.