Ask by Alexis: Does anyone else find it strange that some banks still print ATM statements on fax-type paper that fades?
I’ve noticed over the years that ATM statements don’t always correlate with the statements you receive in the mail. (By the way, I was just informed that bank aren’t required to send back your cancelled checks anymore.)
I’m not knocking the paperless system. I do check my account from time to time online. However, I once had a dispute with a very large well known bank about an amount that should of been credited to my account. I printed the ATM statement, and had to wait for my mailed hard copy statement. By the time I could prove my point, the ATM receipt was barely visible.
I notice offices don’t use the paper that fades anymore with their fax machines, so why do banks? Since they are institutions dealing with money, I would think it would be even more important to print such inquiries on paper of permanence.
These days if I have a questionable receipt, I copy it on to normal paper. Not all banks print on disappearing paper. Is it a paper issue or an ethical issue?
Selected answer:
Answer by bonham16
Hi – we are a national ATM sales and management company and are famililar with the common ATMs in the market.
Almost all ATMs use thermal paper for the receipts. This type of paper was previously used in fax machines. Since an ink cartridge is not needed, this type of receipt process is very reliable for ATM operators. I’m not sure if it is a paper or ethical issue; it is probably a cost issue from the ATM owner. ATMs that use regular paper are much more expensive to purchase and maintain.
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