An ATM that holds onto your card, abroad, can quickly turn into a nightmare: an account on the other side of the world, a closed branch, a different language. The good news: by keeping a cool head and following the right reflexes, you almost always come out fine. Here's what to do — and how to avoid the scams beforehand.

The ATM ate your card: what to do?

  1. Don't leave right away. Some ATMs return the card after about fifteen minutes in case of a technical glitch. Wait a little on the spot.
  2. Block the card immediately from your bank's app (temporary freeze), in case it was captured fraudulently.
  3. Note everything: the bank's name, the ATM's address, the time, and the error message shown.
  4. If the ATM belongs to a bank, come back during opening hours with ID: staff can sometimes retrieve the card.
  5. Call your bank: only your issuer can cancel and replace the card. If needed, ask for an emergency cash advance via the network (Visa and Mastercard offer this service).

Worth knowing: independent ATMs often destroy captured cards. Don't count on getting them back — hence the importance of a backup card, stored separately.

Avoiding skimming (card-data theft)

"Skimming" means copying your card via a fake reader placed on the ATM. To protect yourself:

  • Inspect the reader: if it looks protruding, ill-fitting, a different colour, or if it moves, switch ATMs.
  • Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN (against hidden cameras).
  • Favour ATMs inside a bank branch, well-lit and monitored: a large share of fraud targets isolated independent machines.
  • Prefer contactless or mobile payment when possible (no card insertion).
  • Monitor your accounts during and after the trip, and turn on transaction alerts.

The best prevention: get equipped before you go

Two cards from different networks, stored in two separate places, and alerts switched on: you travel with peace of mind. And before you leave, check the fees and the good ATMs of your destination on our country pages.

👉 Prepare your trip: fees, good ATMs, the right card.

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