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Wells Fargo to replace ATM cards with smartphones

The routine of taking out cash at the ATM may soon be changing. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The routine of taking out cash at the ATM may soon be changing.

Wells Fargo is rolling out 13,000 ATMs equipped with technology that's going to allow you to withdraw your cash without an ATM card. Instead, all you need is your smartphone.

"I can get used to it," said Charlotte resident Kelsey Lanning.

ATM fraud has skyrocketed more than 500 percent across the country in the past year. Now, banks are finding ways to fight back using technology.

That's welcoming news to Hugo Azcarate who had his card comprised a couple of weeks ago.

"Replicated the card and used it like it was their own," said Azcarate. "Any additional security is good for sure."

To counter the card crooks this week Wells Fargo is upgrading all 13,000 of it's ATMs nationwide to process withdrawals using your smartphone in place of a debit card.

Here's how it works. First, you have to download the Wells Fargo app, then request the eight-digit code, which is unique to you just for this transaction. Enter that into a Wells Fargo ATM, along with your pin number and you'll receive your money.

The code must be used within 30 minutes.

"If it will prevent fraud then that's a great thing," said Patty Babb.

Card sliders won't be completely extinct. Wells Fargo ATM machines will continue accepting debit cards as well. Chase and Bank of America are rolling out their own version of cardless ATMs, too.

Still, some people have their concerns.

"Smart phones aren't like hack-proof," said Azcarate.

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