What did we do without the ATM? They've changed the way we live, but it's important to think about fees and security when you use them.

The automated teller machine (ATM) has been around for a while, and it's made life easier for consumers. But we shouldn't get so comfortable with them that we ignore commonsense behavior. In this chapter, you'll learn about the high fees you could incur for using an ATM out of your bank's network; how secure your ATM deposits are and when they are credited to your account; and how debit cards differ from ATM cards.

What you can expect to learn from this chapter:

ABCs of ATMs   ATMs are around the globe, but you need to be mindful of fees and security when you use them. This article links you to many useful Bankrate articles, too. ATM fees   Use of ATM machines that are not in your bank's networks can mean high fees. Planning ahead for your cash needs will help you keep your costs down.. Making a deposit at an ATM   Despite the convenience of ATMs, few people make deposits to them. We bust some myths and outline the federal rules regarding the availability of funds. Debit cards   What is a debit card? How does it differ from a credit card? Are there more fees for using it? Everything you need to know about debit cards is here. Tips for responsible use of debit cards   Eleven things you need to know, from understanding which type of debit card you have to knowing what your checking account balance is to avoid overdraft. Checking Basics: Chapter 2 quiz   Are you a savvy ATM user now? Take the quiz to find out.