> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://alt0.gitbook.io/alt0-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://alt0.gitbook.io/alt0-docs/alt0-bank/cards-and-atms.md).

# Cards, ATMs and skimmers

How cards, ATMs, stolen cards and skimmers work in ALT0 Bank.

## Cards

Players get their first card when they open an account at a branch. In the **Card Studio** they can upgrade to Gold, Platinum or Black, freeze a lost card, change the PIN, or reissue it. Each tier has its own daily ATM limit and overdraft. See [Configuration](/alt0-docs/alt0-bank/configuration.md#cards).

## Using an ATM

1. Target an ATM, or use `/atm` next to one.
2. Insert a card from your inventory.
3. Enter the PIN on the keypad.
4. Pick an amount, then take the cash and the receipt from the machine.

After `Config.MaxPinAttempts` wrong PINs (3 by default) the machine keeps the card and locks it.

## Stolen cards

A card is tied to its account, not to whoever holds it. Someone with a stolen card and its PIN can use it, but only up to `Config.StolenCardLimitPercent` of its daily limit per 24 hours, with a cooldown between withdrawals. Each use has a chance to send the owner a fraud alert.

## Skimmers

Criminals with an **ATM Skimmer** (`skimmer_device`):

1. Fit the skimmer over an ATM's card reader.
2. Come back later and read the cards it caught on a handheld reader.
3. Copy a caught card onto a card and use it like a stolen one.

Police (`Config.Skimmer.policeJobs`, or any job of type `leo`) can spot a skimmer on an ATM and take it off. With `visibleToCustomers = true`, a fitted skimmer makes the reader look a little bulkier to everyone, a tell sharp-eyed customers can catch.

## Freezing accounts

Staff freeze and unfreeze accounts with `/bankfreeze <citizenid>` and `/bankunfreeze <citizenid>`. With ALT0 MDT, officers with `finance.freeze` can freeze a suspect's accounts from the MDT. The person is told, and the freeze is logged.