1. The customer inserts his bankcard in the ATM and requests a withdrawal.

2. The ATM dials a toll-free number to contact the appropriate network such as Star® Plus® or Cirrus®, which then contacts the customer's financial institution.

3. The customer's funds are verified by his financial institution.

4. If funds are verified, the transaction is approved and the customer receives cash from the ATM.

5. The withdrawal amount and the surcharge are debited from the customer's account.

6. The transaction is processed through the Federal Reserve's automated clearing house.

7. Both the surcharge and the withdrawal amount are electronically deposited in the ATM owner's account.