Cash Recycling Machine (CRM)
A Cash Recycling Machine (CRM) is an advanced self-service financial device deployed by banks to integrate core cash services—including cash deposits, withdrawals, and recycling—with additional non-cash functions. As an upgraded version of traditional ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines), CRMs significantly enhance the efficiency of self-service cash operations and are widely placed in bank branches, self-service banking centers, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to meet 24/7 customer needs.
1. Core Functions: Beyond Basic Cash Services
CRMs stand out for their "two-way cash processing" capability (both deposit and withdrawal) and diversified services, which can be categorized into cash-related functions, non-cash functions, and value-added features (for example the CRM Hongzhou Smart serve for the China Bank market ):
| Function Category |
Specific Services |
Common Rules/Notes |
| Cash-Related Functions (Core) |
1. Cash Withdrawal |
- Daily withdrawal limit per card: Typically CNY 20,000 (some banks allow adjustments to CNY 50,000 via mobile banking).
- Single withdrawal limit: CNY 2,000–5,000 (e.g., ICBC: CNY 2,500 per transaction; CCB: CNY 5,000 per transaction), limited to 100-yuan multiples. |
|
2. Cash Deposit |
- Supports cardless deposit (by entering the recipient’s account number) or card-based deposit.
- Accepted denominations: CNY 10, 20, 50, 100 (older models may only accept CNY 100).
- Single deposit limit: 100–200 banknotes (≈ CNY 10,000–20,000); daily deposit limit: Usually CNY 50,000 (varies by bank).
- The machine automatically verifies banknote authenticity and integrity; counterfeit or damaged notes are rejected. |
|
3. Cash Recycling (for recycling-enabled models) |
- Deposited cash (after verification) is stored in the machine’s vault and reused for future withdrawals. This reduces the frequency of manual cash replenishment by bank staff and improves cash utilization. |
| Non-Cash Functions |
1. Account Inquiry |
Check account balance and transaction history (last 6–12 months); transaction receipts can be printed. |
|
2. Fund Transfer |
- Supports inter-bank and intra-bank transfers.
- Single transfer limit: Typically CNY 50,000 (default for self-service channels; can be increased via bank counter or mobile banking).
- Inter-bank transfer fees may apply (0.02%–0.5% of the transfer amount, though some banks waive fees for mobile banking). |
|
3. Account Management |
Modify query/transaction passwords, bind mobile phone numbers, enable/disable self-service permissions. |
|
4. Bill Payment |
Pay utility bills (water, electricity, gas), phone bills, or property fees (requires prior agreement activation via bank counter or app). |
| Value-Added Features (Advanced Models) |
1. Cardless/Face Recognition Service |
- Cardless withdrawal: Generate a withdrawal code via mobile banking, then enter the code + password on the CRM to withdraw cash.
- Face recognition: Some banks (e.g., ICBC, CMB) offer face-scan deposits/withdrawals—no card required; identity is verified via liveness detection to prevent fraud. |
|
2. Check Deposit |
Integrates check-scanning technology for deposit of transfer checks. After scanning, the bank verifies the check manually, with funds credited in 1–3 working days. |
|
3. Foreign Currency Services |
A small number of CRMs (at international airports or foreign-related branches) support foreign currency (USD, EUR, JPY) deposits/withdrawals (requires a foreign currency account; limits differ from RMB). |
2. Key Components: Hardware Designed for Dual Cash Flow
CRMs have more complex hardware than traditional ATMs, with core components tailored to both deposit and withdrawal needs:
(1) Cash Processing Module (Core)
- Deposit Slot & Banknote Verifier: After cash is inserted, the verifier uses optical and magnetic sensors to check denomination, authenticity, and integrity. Counterfeit or damaged notes are rejected; valid notes are sorted into denomination-specific vaults.
- Withdrawal Slot & Cash Dispenser: Upon receiving a withdrawal request, the dispenser retrieves cash from the corresponding vault, counts and organizes it, then dispenses it via the withdrawal slot. If cash is not collected within 30 seconds, it is automatically retracted and recorded as "excess cash"—customers can contact the bank to have the funds returned to their account.
- Recycling Vaults (for recycling models): Store verified deposited cash for immediate reuse in withdrawals, reducing manual cash replenishment.
(2) Identity Verification & Interaction Module
- Card Reader: Reads magnetic stripe cards and EMV chip cards (IC cards). Chip cards are more secure, as they prevent information skimming.
- Face Recognition Camera (Face-Scan Models): Uses liveness detection to verify identity, blocking fraud via photos or videos.
- Touchscreen & Display: Provides a user-friendly interface (older models use physical buttons) to display service options, input amounts, and confirm information. Screens often have anti-peeping filters to protect privacy.
- Password Keypad: Features an anti-peeping cover and may support "randomized key layouts" (key positions change each time) to prevent password theft.
(3) Receipt & Security Module
- Receipt Printer: Prints transaction receipts (including time, amount, and last 4 digits of the account number). Customers are advised to keep receipts for reconciliation.
- Safe: Stores cash vaults and core control modules; made of anti-pry, fire-resistant materials. It connects to the bank’s backend in real time—an alarm is triggered if forced entry is detected.
- Surveillance Camera: Installed on top or side of the machine to record customer operations, aiding in dispute resolution (e.g., "funds not credited after deposit" or "cash retracted").
(4) Communication & Control Module
- Industrial PC (IPC): Acts as the "brain" of the CRM, running a dedicated OS to coordinate hardware (verifier, dispenser, printer) and connect to the bank’s core system via encrypted networks. It synchronizes account data in real time (e.g., balance updates, fund credits).
3. Usage Tips: Safety & Efficiency
(1) For Cash Deposits
- Ensure banknotes are free of folds, stains, or tape—damaged notes may be rejected.
- Double-check the recipient’s account number (especially the last 4 digits) for cardless deposits to avoid misdirected funds (recovering mistransferred funds requires complex bank verification).
- If the machine shows "transaction failed" but cash is retracted, do not leave the device. Contact the bank’s official customer service (phone number posted on the CRM) immediately, providing the machine’s ID and transaction time. Funds will be returned to your account within 1–3 working days after verification.
(2) For Cash Withdrawals
- Shield the keypad with your hand/body when entering the password to prevent peeking or hidden cameras.
- Count cash immediately after withdrawal; confirm the amount before leaving (disputes are hard to resolve once you leave the machine).
- Do not force the withdrawal slot if cash is retracted—contact the bank for manual processing.
(3) Security Precautions
- Watch for anomalies: If the CRM has "extra attached keypads," "blocked cameras," or "foreign objects in the card slot" (e.g., skimming devices), stop using it and report to the bank.
- Reject "stranger assistance": If you encounter operational issues, contact the bank’s official customer service or visit a nearby branch—never let strangers help.
- Protect account information: Never share your password; do not click "unfamiliar links" on the CRM interface (scammers may tamper with the interface to steal data).
4. CRM vs. Traditional ATMs & Bank Counters
CRMs bridge the gap between traditional ATMs (withdrawal-only) and bank counters (full-service but time-consuming), offering a balance of convenience and functionality:
| Comparison Dimension |
Cash Recycling Machine (CRM) |
Traditional ATM |
Bank Counter |
| Core Functions |
Deposit, withdrawal, transfer, bill payment (multi-functional) |
Withdrawal, query, transfer (no deposit) |
Full services (deposit/withdrawal, account opening, loans, wealth management) |
| Cash Limits |
Deposit: ≤ CNY 50,000/day; Withdrawal: ≤ CNY 20,000/day (adjustable) |
Withdrawal: ≤ CNY 20,000/day (no deposit) |
No upper limit (large withdrawals require 1-day advance reservation) |
| Service Hours |
24/7 (self-service centers/outside branches) |
24/7 |
Bank hours (usually 9:00–17:00) |
| Processing Speed |
Fast (1–3 minutes per transaction) |
Fast (≤1 minute for withdrawal) |
Slow (5–10 minutes per transaction; waiting in line) |
| Ideal Scenarios |
Daily small-to-medium cash transactions, bill payments |
Emergency cash withdrawals |
Large cash transactions, complex services (e.g., account opening) |
In summary, Cash Recycling Machines are a cornerstone of modern self-service banking. By combining deposit, withdrawal, and non-cash services, they offer customers 24/7 convenience while helping banks reduce counter pressure and improve operational efficiency.
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