How to find the nearest bank branch or ATM in your banking app
Sometimes you need to withdraw cash from an ATM, deposit money into your account, or simply visit a bank branch in person. And right away the question comes up: where is the nearest branch or ATM? Walking around the streets guessing isn't the best way. Luckily, your phone already knows the answer. Your bank's app has a special map that shows you the nearest branches and ATMs, the distance to them, their opening hours, and can even guide you there step by step. It's simpler than it sounds. Don't worry: you can't break anything here, even if you tap the wrong button. If a screen looks different from what's described below, don't worry — just go slowly and look for similar words.
What is a "branch and ATM map"?
This is a separate screen in your bank's app. It shows an ordinary city map — just like a paper map, only on your phone's screen. On it are small markers, called pins, and each one shows where a bank branch or ATM is located. When you touch such a pin, you'll see the address, the distance from you, and the opening hours.
What you need to prepare beforehand
- Your bank's app must already be installed on your phone.
- You need to know how to log in to the app — with your password or your fingerprint, as usual.
- It helps if your phone's location (also called geolocation) is turned on — this is a feature that lets your phone know where you currently are. Thanks to it, the app can show you the branches and ATMs that are truly nearest to you, not random ones.
Step-by-step instructions
- Find your bank's icon on the phone screen — a small colourful square with the bank's logo.
- Touch that icon once to open the app.
- Log in the way you always do — with your password or your fingerprint.
- Find the icon with three little lines or dots in a corner of the screen — this is the main menu.
- Touch that icon to open the menu.
- Find the line "Branches and ATMs" or "Find us" in the menu.
- Touch that line.
- If a message appears asking to allow access to your location, touch the "Allow" button.
- Wait a few seconds while the map with pins loads on the screen.
- Find the coloured dot on the map — this is your current location.
- Look at which pins are closest to that dot.
- Touch one pin once with your finger to see its details.
- Find the distance to that place on the screen — it's usually shown in metres or kilometres.
- In the same place, find the line "Opening hours" or "Working hours".
- To get directions, find the button "Route" or "Directions".
- Touch that button.
- Follow the line or arrow the app shows you — it will guide you to that place.
How to tell a branch apart from an ATM on the map
In many apps, branch pins and ATM pins look different — for example, they have a different colour or a different icon. Often there are two buttons above the map labelled "Branches" and "ATMs". Touch the word you need so the map shows only the pins you're currently looking for.
What to do if something goes wrong
Don't worry — these hiccups happen often, and it isn't your fault.
- The map won't load or stays blank. Check that your phone's internet is on — Wi-Fi or mobile data. Try closing the app and opening it again.
- The app can't find your location. Check that location is turned on in your phone's settings. Open your phone's "Settings" (the gear icon), find the word "Location", and turn on the switch next to it.
- You don't see any pins nearby. Try zooming the map out — pinch two fingers together on the screen to see a larger area around you.
- You're not sure the information is accurate. Opening hours sometimes change on public holidays. Before a long trip, it's best to call the branch or the bank and check in advance.
If nothing works, that's alright. Call your bank on the number printed on the back of your payment card, and a member of staff will tell you the nearest branch right over the phone.
An important safety warning
Be careful: scammers sometimes call and claim to be bank staff. They may say there's a "suspicious transaction" on your account and ask you to rush to the nearest ATM to do something there — for example, enter a code or transfer money "to verify" it. This is always a scam. A real bank will never ask you to go to an ATM and follow instructions over the phone. If this happens, hang up and call the bank back yourself, using the number printed on the back of your card.
Summary — the key points
If you're still choosing a bank with a convenient app for everyday tasks, on BankSorter.com you can compare personal accounts from different banks.