1. You can set a savings target
2. Every time you make a deposit, the machine gives you a) your current balance and b) the amount missing to get to your target
3. You may deposit notes or coins; a) for notes, you must input the amount, b) for coins, however, you just push them in as the machine recognizes both $0.25 and $1.00 coins
3. You may withdraw - to do that you must input the amounts and enter your 4-digit passcode (may use default or your own) and only then will the coin box automatically unlock (you hear the sound) to allow you access to the money. The machine then tells you your new balance.
My son loves it. Any money he sees laying around is bound to go down that ATM, and when he can't see any, he asks for it lol. I love that the voice prompt guides him through every step - when to put his bank card in, when to enter the amount being saved or withdrawn, etc.
Whenever we reach our target, we withdraw the full amount, then head to the bank to deposit. Thereafter we set a new target and begin the fun process all over again!
Oh, the machine is made of hard plastic and is rather light - my 2-year-old is able to carry it across the room without any effort, but that's by no means a downer.
I will most definitely be buying one for my daughter too when she is of age.
Also a great gift for toddlers - could set targets for buying their Christmas gifts or something they really want.