Of these, the second most common scenario is entering the wrong PIN more than three times. Typically, after one incorrect PIN entry, the ATM screen will display a warning that the card may be swallowed if the PIN is entered incorrectly again. To avoid this, users should carefully enter their PIN correctly.

The procedure for handling a swallowed ATM card is basically the same at each bank. The main difference lies in the timeframe for returning the swallowed card to the customer.

At Techcombank and VIB, the internal bank regulations stipulate a processing time of 3-5 business days from the date the card is swallowed. At Vietcombank, the deadline for returning the card to the customer is within 10 business days.

However, while that's the regulation, in reality, the time it takes for customers to receive their cards back can be much faster, depending on the branch's flexibility or if the customer immediately follows the instructions.

There are three steps to help users retrieve their card quickly.

Step 1: Check if the ATM dispenses your card.

When an ATM card is swallowed, the first step is for the cardholder to press the red Cancel button on the keypad to see if the ATM will release the card. If it still doesn't release the card, the cardholder needs to follow the next steps.

Step 2: Contact the bank

Cardholders should contact the bank's hotline number displayed on the ATM machine, regardless of whether the card is swallowed by an ATM of the same bank or a different bank. Alternatively, cardholders can contact the staff at the bank branch where the ATM is located for the quickest assistance.

Step 3: Follow the bank's instructions.

Next, the cardholder needs to remain calm and provide some information as instructed by the bank staff, including: the time the card was swallowed, the transactions before the card was swallowed, the address of the ATM, etc. Afterward, the bank will collect some additional contact information from the user and inform them of the specific solution.

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Having your ATM card swallowed by the machine is a common problem for many customers. (Illustrative photo: Tung Doan)

When collecting their card, customers need to bring their Citizen Identification Card (CCCD) and other documents as required by each bank.

However, for absolute security, customers can also call the bank's hotline, request that their card be blocked, and ask the bank to issue a new card.

Furthermore, with the automatic cash withdrawal feature using QR codes that banks have implemented, customers can withdraw money using QR codes directly at ATMs without needing to use their ATM card.

Instead of carrying a card, users can use their mobile phones to withdraw money at ATMs. This is a method of cash withdrawal developed by the Vietnam National Payment Corporation (Napas) in collaboration with member banks to provide ATM cash withdrawal services using VietQR codes.

Not needing to use a card helps reduce risks such as losing or dropping your bank card, and shortens the transaction time compared to withdrawing cash using an ATM card.

Users simply need to use their digital banking to scan the code and enter payment information, then enter their PIN at the ATM.

To use this feature, users select the "Withdraw cash using QR code" function on the ATM. Log in to your digital banking app, then find the QR code icon.

After tapping the QR code icon, the user moves the camera to the area containing the QR code on the ATM. If the QR code is successfully scanned, the screen will automatically switch to the withdrawal form interface.

After confirmation, the screen will display a message prompting the user to follow the next steps at the ATM.