convenience store ATMs are very convenient, but you might accidentally forget your cash or card if you’re distracted by the operation or in a hurry. If you realize you’ve forgotten something, it’s important to remain calm and take appropriate action.
This article explains in detail what to do first if you forget cash or your card at a convenience store ATM, the reasons why this happens, specific countermeasures and contact information for forgotten cash and cards, and effective prevention measures to avoid forgetting them in the future.
- Initial Actions to Take When You Forget Cash or Your Card at a Convenience Store ATM
- Why Does It Happen? Main Causes and Psychology of Forgetting Cash/Cards at Convenience Store ATMs
- 【By Case】Specific Steps and Contact Information if You Forget Cash
- 【By Case】Specific Steps and Contact Information if You Forget Your Card
- 【By Major Convenience Store ATM】Basic Contact Information and Response Tendencies When Items Are Forgotten
- Contact Information and General Response for Seven Bank ATMs
- Contact Information and General Response for Lawson Bank ATMs
- Contact Information and General Response for FamilyMart (Japan Post Bank ATM/E-net ATM)
- Contact Information and General Response for Ministop (AEON Bank ATM)
- (Important) Always Check the Official Website for the Latest Contact Information and Responses
- Possibility and Estimated Timeframe for Getting Back Forgotten Cash or Cards
- Effective Prevention Measures to Avoid Forgetting Items at Convenience Store ATMs in the Future
- Focus Solely on the ATM Operation, Without Doing Other Tasks
- Make It a Habit to Check Cash, Card, and Receipt Together
- Incorporate Pointing and Verbal Confirmation
- After Finishing the Operation, Don’t Leave Immediately; Do a Final Check of Your Belongings
- Do Not Place Valuables Like Smartphones or Wallets Around the ATM
- Always Take the ATM Transaction Receipt and Check Its Contents (It Also Serves as Proof of Transaction)
Initial Actions to Take When You Forget Cash or Your Card at a Convenience Store ATM
If you realize you’ve forgotten your cash or card, don’t panic and take the following actions promptly.
Check the Situation When You Realize You’ve Forgotten It (Immediately After or After Some Time Has Passed)
First, confirm when you noticed you forgot it. If it was immediately after operating the ATM, your cash or card might still be in the ATM. However, if some time has passed since you left the ATM, you need to consider the possibility that it has been taken by a third party or automatically retrieved by the ATM.
If You Can Return to the ATM Immediately, Go Back and Check (But Be Aware of Your Surroundings)
If it was immediately after operating the ATM and you are still nearby, return to the ATM location immediately and check the cash dispenser and card slot. However, when returning, be fully aware of your surroundings and check for any suspicious individuals. If your cash or card is still there, retrieve it promptly.
Check for Contact Methods Provided at the ATM (Intercom, etc.)
If you return to the ATM and cannot find your cash or card, or if you have left the ATM and cannot return immediately, check for an intercom, telephone, or contact information displayed on the screen, and contact the ATM management company (e.g., Seven Bank for Seven Bank ATMs).
Why Does It Happen? Main Causes and Psychology of Forgetting Cash/Cards at Convenience Store ATMs
Forgetting items at a convenience store ATM is a common human error that can happen to anyone. Let’s understand the main causes and the psychology behind them.
Being in a Hurry, Distracted by Other Things (Multitasking)
One of the most common causes is a lack of time or mental space. If you’re “rushing for your next appointment,” “preoccupied with thoughts,” or “using your smartphone while operating the ATM,” your attention is diverted from the ATM operation, and you tend to neglect the final confirmation of taking your cash or card.
Unfamiliar with the Operation or After a Complex Transaction
After using an ATM for the first time or performing an unfamiliar, complex transaction (like a bank transfer), a sense of relief from completing the operation can make you more prone to forgetting your cash or card. You might be so focused on the operational steps that you don’t pay attention to the final confirmation.
ATM Specifications (e.g., Unclear Timing of Cash/Card Dispensing)
Depending on the ATM model, the timing or location where cash or cards are dispensed might not be intuitive for users, or the voice guidance might be too quiet to hear. This can lead to unintentionally forgetting items.
Decreased Attention Due to Fatigue or Poor Physical Condition
When you are tired or not feeling well, you are more likely to make mistakes you wouldn’t normally make. Your concentration and attention may decrease, leading you to neglect the final confirmation step of the ATM operation.
【By Case】Specific Steps and Contact Information if You Forget Cash
Here are the steps to take if you forget your cash at a convenience store ATM, categorized by when you realize it.
Case 1: You Notice Immediately Near the ATM and the Cash Is Still There
If you realize you’ve forgotten your cash immediately after the ATM operation and the cash is still in the cash dispenser, retrieve it promptly. If there are people around, be careful to shield it with your hand to prevent anyone from taking it. After retrieving it, it’s a good idea to confirm that the amount is correct for peace of mind.
Case 2: You Notice After Leaving the ATM and the Cash Is Likely Gone
If you realize it after some time has passed since you left the ATM, or if you return to the ATM and cannot find the cash, follow these steps.
Contact the ATM Operator (Bank) and Explain the Situation
First, contact the bank that manages the convenience store ATM you used (e.g., Seven Bank for Seven Bank ATMs, Lawson Bank for Lawson Bank ATMs). Use the intercom or telephone provided at the ATM, or call the contact number displayed on the ATM screen or your transaction receipt. When connected to an operator, calmly provide the following information.
Information Needed for Reporting (Date/Time of Use, Location, Amount, Account Information, etc.)
- Your name and contact information
- Location of the ATM used (e.g., 〇〇 Convenience Store △△ Branch, ATM management number, etc.)
- Date and time you forgot it
- The amount you think you forgot
- The name of the financial institution of the cash card used, account number (partial)
- Transaction details (withdrawal, etc.)
Based on this information, they will check the ATM’s transaction records and retrieval records.
Consider Filing a Lost Property Report with the Police
In parallel with contacting the ATM management company, it is also important to file a lost property report at the nearest police station or police box (koban). If a third party has taken it, the police may contact you if they recover it. Be prepared to explain the same information you provided to the ATM management company when filing the report.
ATM’s Automatic Retrieval Function and What Happens to Retrieved Cash
Many ATMs are equipped with a function that automatically retrieves cash left uncollected for a certain period. This is a security measure. If the cash you forgot was automatically retrieved by the ATM, the ATM management company will later investigate, contact the owner (account holder), or proceed with the return process by matching it with a report filed.
【By Case】Specific Steps and Contact Information if You Forget Your Card
Here are the steps to take if you forget your cash card or credit card at a convenience store ATM.
Case 1: You Notice Immediately Near the ATM and the Card Is Still There
Similar to cash, if you realize immediately after the ATM operation and your card is still in the card slot or dispenser, retrieve it promptly.
Case 2: You Notice After Leaving the ATM and the Card Is Likely Gone
If you realize it after some time has passed since you left the ATM, or if you return to the ATM and cannot find the card, prompt action is necessary to prevent unauthorized use.
Step 1: Immediately Contact the Card Issuer (Bank/Credit Card Company) and Suspend Card Use
This is the most important and first thing you should do. To prevent the forgotten card from being misused, immediately contact the card issuer (the bank for a cash card, the card company for a credit card) and suspend the card’s use. Many card companies have 24-hour hotlines for lost or stolen cards.
Step 2: Contact the ATM Operator (Bank) and Explain the Situation
After suspending the card with the issuer, also contact the bank that manages the convenience store ATM you used and inform them that you forgot your card. This is because the card may have been automatically retrieved by the ATM.
File a Lost Property Report with the Police
As with cash, file a lost property report with the police.
ATM’s Card Auto-Retrieval Function and Handling of Retrieved Cards
Like cash, cards also have an automatic retrieval function if not taken out within a certain time. Retrieved cards are kept by the ATM management company, and they will either contact the card issuer, who will then contact you, or they will proceed with the return process based on your report. However, for security reasons, retrieved cards are often destroyed, and a new card is reissued.
【By Major Convenience Store ATM】Basic Contact Information and Response Tendencies When Items Are Forgotten
This is general contact information and response tendencies if you forget items at major convenience store ATMs. Always check the ATM display or the official website of each ATM operating company for the latest information.
Contact Information and General Response for Seven Bank ATMs
- Contact: Intercom at the ATM, or Seven Bank call center number displayed on the screen.
- General Response: Explain the situation and follow their instructions. If cash or a card has been retrieved by the ATM, it will be returned after prescribed procedures or the card issuer will be contacted.
Contact Information and General Response for Lawson Bank ATMs
- Contact: Intercom at the ATM, or Lawson Bank call center number displayed on the screen.
- General Response: Explain the situation to the operator and follow their instructions. They will provide guidance on checking for retrieved items and future procedures.
Contact Information and General Response for FamilyMart (Japan Post Bank ATM/E-net ATM)
The contact information differs depending on the type of ATM installed at FamilyMart (Japan Post Bank ATM or E-net ATM).
- For Japan Post Bank ATMs: Japan Post Bank call center via the telephone at the ATM, or the contact number displayed on the screen.
- For E-net ATMs: E-net call center (or the contact information of the partner financial institution) via the telephone at the ATM, or the contact number displayed on the screen.
- General Response: Follow the instructions of each operating company and explain the situation.
Contact Information and General Response for Ministop (AEON Bank ATM)
- Contact: Intercom at the ATM, or AEON Bank call center number displayed on the screen.
- General Response: Explain the situation and follow AEON Bank’s instructions to proceed with the procedures.
(Important) Always Check the Official Website for the Latest Contact Information and Responses
Again, this information reflects general tendencies, and specific contact details or procedures may change. In case of trouble, first follow the instructions on the ATM screen or provided guidance. If still unclear, be sure to check the official websites of the respective ATM operating companies or card issuers for the latest information.
Possibility and Estimated Timeframe for Getting Back Forgotten Cash or Cards
Whether you get back your forgotten cash or card largely depends on the situation.
Return Procedures and Timeframe if Cash Was Automatically Retrieved by the ATM
Cash automatically retrieved by the ATM is investigated by the ATM management company. If the owner can be identified (e.g., from account transaction records), the bank will contact them, and the cash will be returned after prescribed procedures (such as presenting identification documents). This process usually takes several days to several weeks. If you have filed a report, the matching process may proceed more smoothly.
Return or Reissue Procedures and Timeframe if a Card Was Automatically Retrieved by the ATM
When a card is automatically retrieved by the ATM, the ATM management company often contacts the card issuer, who then contacts the owner about the next steps. For security reasons, retrieved cards are commonly destroyed, and a new card is reissued. Reissuing a card can take about one to two weeks.
Difficulty of Recovery and Police Investigation if Taken by a Third Party
If your cash or card was taken by a third party before being retrieved by the ATM, recovery becomes very difficult. You will need to file a lost property report or a theft report with the police and request an investigation, but it is not guaranteed that it will be found or recovered. Cash, in particular, is difficult to trace.
General Flow from Reporting to Resolution
- Realize you’ve forgotten something.
- Contact the ATM operator and card issuer (in case of a card).
- File a report with the police if necessary.
- Wait for contact from the relevant parties and follow their instructions to proceed.
- Cash returned or card reissued.
Depending on the situation, it can take from a few days to several months. Prompt reporting and accurate information are key to resolution.
Effective Prevention Measures to Avoid Forgetting Items at Convenience Store ATMs in the Future
Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll never want to repeat forgetting items. Keep the following prevention measures in mind.
Focus Solely on the ATM Operation, Without Doing Other Tasks
When using an ATM, do not look at your smartphone or talk to others; concentrate on the ATM operation and screen display. “Multitasking” is the biggest cause of mistakes.
Make It a Habit to Check Cash, Card, and Receipt Together
Once the transaction is complete, make it a habit to always check that you have all three items: “cash,” “card,” and “transaction receipt.” If any one of them is missing, you can notice it on the spot.
Incorporate Pointing and Verbal Confirmation
Actually pointing or saying in a low voice, “Cash, check. Card, check. Receipt, check,” is also effective. It may take a little effort, but it increases certainty.
After Finishing the Operation, Don’t Leave Immediately; Do a Final Check of Your Belongings
Even if you feel relieved after finishing the ATM operation, don’t leave immediately. Take a moment to recheck all your belongings: cash, card, wallet, smartphone, etc.
Do Not Place Valuables Like Smartphones or Wallets Around the ATM
There are cases where people accidentally leave their smartphones or wallets on the ATM console. Keep items not necessary for the operation in your bag or pocket.
Always Take the ATM Transaction Receipt and Check Its Contents (It Also Serves as Proof of Transaction)
The transaction receipt not only confirms that the transaction was performed correctly but also serves as important evidence of the date, time, location, and transaction details if a problem such as forgetting items occurs. Always take it, check its contents, and keep it for a certain period.