Better ATM Services works with the major ATM manufacturers to develop software that enables customers to buy prepaid cards from the ATM. With these software changes, your ATM will maintain all of its current functionality and add the prepaid card sales capability.
The software changes add new button options and screens. They also enable the ATM to connect to the Better ATM Activation Host to activate and load cards in real time.
Scroll down to see a sample screenflow for selling prepaid cards.
Dip card.
The customer approaches the ATM and dips her debit or credit card in the reader.
Enter PIN.
She enters her PIN and selects “OK.”
Select “Gift Cards.”
In addition to the typical options, the customer is presented with the opportunity to purchase gift cards. She selects it.
Select account.
The customer selects an account for the transaction, based on the options the ATM owner has decided to make available.
Select card value.
The ATM owner can configure various quick select values to display. The customer can pick one of those values or select “Other” to enter their own amount.
Or enter card value.
If the customer elects to enter their value, they can input the dollar amount within a range predefined by the ATM owner.
Enter the number of cards desired.
The customer can enter the number of cards she wishes to purchase. The number of cards available for purchase depends on the maximum load per transaction set by the ATM owner. Generally, the customer will have the option to select between one and four cards per transaction.
The per card fee is also displayed on this screen.
Confirm selections and retrieve cards.
Finally, the customer has the opportunity to review the transaction information, including quantity of cards, value per card, total funds to be loaded, and any associated fees.
Upon confirmation, the cards are dispensed and immediately ready to be used.
Behind the Scenes
The screenflow seen by the customer is one component of the software changes. But what messages are being sent and received on the back end?
The communication occurs in two phases. When a customer confirms their purchase, a message is sent to the ATM processor to seek approval for funds. Once the approval message is returned, the ATM reaches out to the Better ATM Services activation host via a secure connection. The activation request includes a load value and an inventory number for the card. Better ATM Services’ activation host forwards the message to the appropriate party and notifies the ATM once a confirmation has been received that the card is activated and loaded with funds.
