Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for remote activation of an automated teller machine (ATM) to dispense cash to a customer. The customer may stage a transaction using a mobile application on a mobile device. Upon the staged transaction being authenticated and approved, the customer may visit the ATM. The customer may capture an image being displayed on a display of the ATM using a camera of the mobile device. The captured image may be sent to an application server from the mobile device. The application server may associate the ATM with the staged transaction that is staged using the mobile application, and send instructions to the ATM to dispense cash according to the staged transaction.