#25: The First ATM

ATMs, or automated teller machines, are everywhere these days. We take for granted that ATMs will be in front of every bank, providing a fast and painless way to get cash out of our bank accounts. However, it didn’t used to be that way. The first ATM machine dates back to June 1967 in the United Kingdom.

The first ATM went live at Barclays Bank in Enfield. It was a big deal, so much so that actor Reg Varney was there for the inaugural ceremony. Since ATMs were new at the time, the process and use were a little different. Customers could deposit checks, but PIN numbers weren’t used until the 1970s.