Science Museum Science Museum ATM Savings Bank

Last year I saw the mini bank in the Argos catalogue and really wanted it. I am terrible at saving yup money. I noticed that my partner and my mum could easily save £20-£50 a month with spare coppers and silver coins (1p-20p). I would easily give up due to a lack of motivation. I noticed this novelty item and thought it may help me save up. I was correct as for two of the months the batteries went flat and I couldn't get into my money until I could ...
...only 23cm tall, 17cm wide and 13 cm deep the mini ATM is a great addition to any shelf/desk. The mini ATM comes complete with a 'bank card' to insert into the card slot, a four digit pin number can be assigned to the card and used to withdraw money. The mini ATM looks and sounds very realistic with the correct buttons and money sounds. When pressing the buttons it sounds like a real ATM. I like the light above the mini ATM as it looks like the lights ... more

Last year I saw the mini bank in the Argos catalogue and really wanted it. I am terrible at saving yup money. I noticed that my partner and my mum could easily save £20-£50 a month with spare coppers and silver coins (1p-20p). I would easily give up due to a lack of motivation. I noticed this novelty item and thought it may help me save up. I was correct as for two of the months the batteries went flat and I couldn't get into my money until I could be bothered to buy some more.

At only 23cm tall, 17cm wide and 13 cm deep the mini ATM is a great addition to any shelf/desk. The mini ATM comes complete with a 'bank card' to insert into the card slot, a four digit pin number can be assigned to the card and used to withdraw money. The mini ATM looks and sounds very realistic with the correct buttons and money sounds. When pressing the buttons it sounds like a real ATM. I like the light above the mini ATM as it looks like the lights positioned at the top of a real ATM. It also helps me see the buttons in the dark.

I was most impressed wit the 'coin recognition' facility. When inserting a coin the ATM makes a realistic coin dropping sound and display the value of the coin, e.g. 1p, 2p. The ATM also accepts notes but the value of these do need to be typed in.

Saving is very easy as you can set a target…I currently have a target of £100 as I am saving for Christmas. You can change the target at any point and can check how much you owe. After a trip to the shops I put all my loose change into the mini ATM and I can monitor my balance at regular intervals.

Withdrawal is relatively easy and makes the saving process worthwhile. I managed to save a lot for my holiday and was quite impressed to withdraw 'all funds'. With a pin number set it is not possible for someone to 'break in'; the money is safe and secure…the only access being through the assigned pin number. I did lose my 'debit card' but managed to put my Boots advantage card in and still access my money (with the pin number).

The mini ATM is easy to use and boasts a really good clock, alarm clock and calendar. These are easy to set, and are very useful the mini ATM could replace an alarm clock and calendar, saving space beside the bed.

The mini ATM takes 3 x AA batteries and these do last a while. Obviously cheap batteries will run out quicker and therefore will require changing more often…I would advise the use of strong extra life batteries as the ATM does not store the information such as target, balance, time and pin so it all needs to be reset. Strong batteries with everyday use last between 7-10 months.

I got this as a Christmas present last year it was on sale in Argos for £25 but this year I have seen it in department stores such as Debenhams, Marks and Spencers and Woolworths. The mini ATM is also available in boots at £20 (currently on the 3 for 2 gift offer).

As much as we hate to think of Christmas so soon after the summer holidays we can't seem to ignore the deluge of tinsel, selection boxes, advent calendars and tacky glittery objects hitting all stores in August! This year I have set myself the task of saving enough money and buying all my gifts before the 'mad rush'. For those who love to be organised and prepared this is a great idea and will be a useful gift for any gadget fan. It is equally entertaining for men and women of all ages so you can't really go wrong with one of these!…in fact I will be buying one for my nan and grandad.

The obvious benefits of one of these is that saving is made more enjoyable. I do not have to pile my coins into piles to count as they have already been counted. I am sure of these would be great for a child receiving pocket money and could not save it up without spending. It's also great for adults who want those extra luxuries but lack the motivation to save. It keeps the money safe so no one else can access…in fact it is probably safer than most 'piggy banks' with padlocks and keys.

I hope you have enjoyed reading photos and video review coming soon….Fluffy © 

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