Many consumers today prefer electronic banking. Electronic banking is both convenient and fast. However, some banking tasks still require regular bank visits. Generally, if you want to deposit cash or need access to the cash in your account quickly, you will have to visit your local bank branch. Although banking institutions tend to be safe, it is always important to practice additional safety habits when entering or exiting a building with cash on hand. It is also important to keep safety in mind when using electronic banking applications.
Keep cash hidden until needed
Walking into or out of a bank does not necessarily mean that you have cash on you. In most cases, a criminal will stake out their potential victim first. They do not want to take the risk of taking action, if you do not have anything on you. Always bring cash in a discrete envelope and request an envelope before leaving. Put the envelope in your purse or pocket, before leaving the cash register counter. Take care with your cheque or checks as well.
Always count deposits ahead of time
The in person banking process can get confusing. It seems that the entire process is quick, and if you question the deposits made, it may be difficult to recount the money. Always know the amount that you are depositing, before handing it over. Also, choose a bank that uses cash counters or advanced cash management systems to deposit your cheque or checks. A currency counting machine is a machine that counts money, either stacks of banknotes or loose collections of coins. It improves the teller?s accuracy, and ensures that you do not have any questions of improper bank deposits.
Avoid ATM use at night
ATM?s allow us to withdraw our money, any time of the day or night. Although it is more likely that we will pull money out of an ATM at night, try to plan your bank visits around times when you will need cash. Most ATM?s are equipped with security cameras and are well lit, but problems can still occur. The lack of a bank teller or security guard can make the situation more dangerous. If you cannot avoid visiting an ATM at night, bring someone with you and be aware of your surroundings.
Use ATM?s for cheque or checks only
ATM?s are more advanced today than ever before. However, it is still not entirely possible to track cash deposited into ATM?s. ATM?s should only be used for depositing cheque or checks, not cash. If you later have a discrepancy about how much money was deposited, it may be difficult to prove. In some modern automated teller machines, current counters allow for cash deposits without envelopes, since they can identify which bills have been inserted instead of just how many. The problem with this, however, is that it may be difficult to prove who deposited which bills. Also, the cash bills are subject to damaged when transported through the ATM.
Use cash counters at home before banking visit
Inaccuracies are usually the result of human error. Either the customer wrongly counts their cash or coins before visiting the banking institution, or the bank teller makes a mistake. Cash counters can prevent costly and timely mistakes from occurring by either person. Cash recycling machines are a great cash management solution, even at home. Counting notes by hand is time consuming and is usually carried out two or three times to make sure the numbers are correct to correct any human error. Use a cash counter at home before visiting the bank to minimize any counting errors.
Although much of today?s banking is done electronically, some banking tasks still exist inside of the bank. Banks tend to be secure and have advanced safety measures, but it is still important to practice awareness and personal safety when using a physical bank. Avoid visiting ATMs late at night, avoid depositing cash into ATMs entirely, be discrete when bringing large amounts of cash into the bank, and use cash counters for accurate counting.