The new “ATM Hunter” application from MasterCard for the iPhone and iPod touch enables users to locate the nearest ATM anywhere in the world they are. MasterCard ATM Hunter is the first in a series of FREE applications that MasterCard is developing specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch.

ATM Hunter

The MasterCard ATM Hunter utilizes the iPhone or iPod touch’s location awareness technologies to pinpoint the search. Users can customize their hunt based on their unique banking needs – such as focusing their search to a specific financial institution if they need to make a deposit or wish to avoid ATM withdrawal fees. MasterCard ATM Hunter can also pinpoint wheelchair accessible, drive-through, or 24-hour access ATMs and provide the directions to get there.  Additionally, MasterCard ATM Hunter automatically provides users with helpful ATM safety tips. 

Powered by the MasterCard Location Services platform, MasterCard ATM Hunter is the latest delivery channel for ATM location information from MasterCard.  Each year, more than two million consumers contact MasterCard via the Web, phone and wireless (SMS) to find ATM locations – when they need it, wherever they are – quickly and easily. This is a great offering from Mastercard. In Toronto Canada, this service would not be that beneficial since most major streets and districts would have an ATMs available. Overall in Canada, Most bank locations have multiple ATM machines. Many gas stations and convenience stores also have ATM machines. Most retailers and restaurants also accept debit cards plus in some cases offer the ability to get cash back with no user fees. Debit cards offered through credit card institutions are not that popular in Canada since most people have debit cards offered by their own banks. No need to maintain or transfer funds into a separate credit card companies account. The funds are accessed directly from your savings or chequing account. 

As far as the actual FREE ATM Hunter program goes, many countries do not have ATM machines as readily available like in Canada therefore this program is a huge benefit when Canadian’s travel abroad. This is one beneficial program for any Apple iPhone or iPod touch user. You can go HERE to download the application or use the direct online search form.