Card machines in the US ask several questions quickly. Knowing them in advance makes paying easy.
Tap your card or phone if you see the contactless symbol (four curved lines). This is the fastest way.
If tap does not work, insert the card chip-first and leave it in until the machine says to remove it.
Swipe the magnetic stripe only if the machine asks.
The screen may ask "Debit or credit?". With a US debit card, choosing debit usually asks for your PIN (4-digit code). Choosing credit on a debit card still takes money from your account but may ask for a signature instead.
It may ask "Cash back?". With a debit card you can take a small amount of cash, with no fee at many grocery stores. Press "No" if you do not want it.
It may ask for a ZIP code at some machines and gas pumps. Foreign cards often fail here; pay inside instead.
Choose a receipt: printed, email, text or none. Keep receipts for anything you might return.
Foreign cards: pay in dollars
If the machine or ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choose USD (dollars). The "home currency" option uses a worse exchange rate set by the shop or ATM.
Tap Start and scan each item's barcode.
Fruit and vegetables have a 4- or 5-digit number on a sticker (the PLU code). Type it or search the item, and put it on the scale.
Put each item in the bagging area after scanning. Some machines stop if the weight does not match.
Pay by card, phone or cash (not all machines take cash).
Alcohol and some medicines need an employee to check your ID.
If the machine stops, press Help and wait. Do not walk away with an unscanned item; that can be treated as theft.
Use ATMs inside banks, airports or large stores. Avoid stand-alone machines in small shops or bars.
The screen shows the ATM owner's fee before you finish. You can cancel.
Your own bank may add a fee for other banks' machines. Many banks list fee-free ATM networks in their app.
Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. If anything looks loose or added to the card slot, use another machine.
Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work at most tap machines. You add your card in the phone's wallet app once.
Choosing your home currency at a US ATM or shop.
Pulling the card out too early from the chip reader.
Taking cash from an ATM with a credit card. It is a cash advance with a fee and immediate interest.
Throwing away a receipt for an expensive item you might return.