You can withdraw money from your bank account at an ATM, through a bank teller, or with debit card cash back at a store. The best choice depends on how much cash you need, whether you have your debit card, and whether your bank has branches.
Below, we compare these options and explain the steps for each. We also cover how to get cash without your card, avoid withdrawal fees, and handle limits or declined transactions.
Ways to Withdraw Money From a Bank Account
An ATM is usually convenient for routine cash withdrawals. A branch is often a better choice for a larger amount or a transaction that requires help from a teller.
Use this comparison to choose a method before you head out.
| Method | What You Need | When It Helps | Fees and Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM | Debit or ATM card and PIN, or supported cardless access | Cash outside branch hours | Bank and machine limits apply; out-of-network fees may apply |
| Bank teller | Identification and account details; other requirements depend on the bank | Larger amounts or withdrawals without a debit card | Branch hours, cash supply, and bank policies apply |
| Cash back at checkout | Debit card, usually a PIN, and a purchase | A small amount of cash while you shop | Store limits apply; some retailers charge fees |
| Transfer to another bank account | Access to two accounts you own | Cash access through a different bank | Transfer times and possible fees vary |
How to Withdraw Money From an ATM
ATMs let you withdraw cash without a teller. Before you leave, use your bank’s ATM locator to find an in-network machine and check whether the location is open.
You’ll usually need your debit card and PIN. Follow these steps at the machine:
- Insert your card or tap it if the ATM supports contactless access.
- Enter your PIN and choose the cash withdrawal option.
- Select the correct account, such as checking or savings.
- Enter the withdrawal amount or choose one of the amounts on screen.
- Review any fee before you approve the transaction.
- Collect your cash, card, and receipt. Make sure the session has ended before you leave.
The order of the prompts can differ between machines. Our guide to using an ATM explains the process in more detail.
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How to Withdraw Money at a Bank Branch
Visit a branch of your own bank if you need help from a teller or want more cash than an ATM permits. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number if you have them.
Here’s what to expect:
- Tell the teller which account you want to withdraw from and how much cash you need.
- Show your identification and complete the bank’s verification process.
- Fill out a withdrawal slip if the bank requires one.
- Confirm the amount and request specific bill denominations if needed.
- Count the cash discreetly before you leave the counter and keep your receipt.
For a large withdrawal, contact the branch first. Ask how much notice it needs and what identification you should bring.
Some banks also let you cash a personal check drawn on your own account. Ask whether you should make it payable to yourself. A check payable to “Cash” creates extra risk if someone else gets hold of it.
If you need to pay someone rather than carry physical cash, ask whether a cashier’s check or money order would meet their requirements. Fees and purchase limits differ.
How to Get Cash Back With a Debit Card
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers let you withdraw cash during a debit card purchase. The purchase and cash withdrawal come out of your bank account together.
Ask about the store’s limit and any fee before you pay. Then follow these steps:
- Make your purchase and select debit if the terminal asks.
- Enter your PIN when required.
- Choose the cash-back amount.
- Review the total, including any cash-back fee.
- Collect your cash and receipt.
For example, a $15 purchase plus $40 in cash back takes $55 from your account before any fee. This is a withdrawal of your own money, not a credit card reward.
Cash-back limits depend on the retailer and location. Don’t assume the store will provide the amount you need or offer the service for free.
How to Withdraw Money Without a Debit Card
A branch withdrawal with identification is often the most direct option if you don’t have your debit card. If your bank has no nearby branch, check whether it supports cardless ATM access.
Cardless withdrawals require a compatible bank account and ATM. Depending on the bank, you may need an eligible debit card in a digital wallet or a withdrawal code from the bank’s app. A contactless symbol alone doesn’t confirm that your card will work.
Another option is to move money to a different account you own, then withdraw it through that bank. Check the transfer timing first if you need cash today.
If your card is lost or stolen, lock it through your bank’s app and contact the bank about a replacement. Ask which withdrawal methods will work while the card is locked.
Payment services such as Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle don’t dispense cash themselves. Someone you trust could withdraw money after you send it, but this adds transfer restrictions and the risk of a payment mistake. Direct access to your own account is usually simpler.
How to Withdraw Cash From an Online Bank
Online banks generally provide cash access through partner ATM networks and debit card cash back. Start with the bank’s ATM locator rather than an unfamiliar machine’s network logo.
For a larger withdrawal, you may need to transfer money between bank accounts and collect the cash at a branch of your other bank. Confirm both the transfer timing and the receiving branch’s withdrawal requirements before you start.
Don’t assume an online bank supports cardless withdrawals or teller service at another bank. Check its cash-access policies before you rely on either option.
How to Withdraw Money From a Savings Account
You may be able to withdraw from savings through a teller or an ATM if your account supports that access. Otherwise, transfer the money to your checking account first and withdraw it from there.
The Federal Reserve removed the federal six-transfer limit for savings accounts in 2020. Banks can still impose their own transaction limits and fees.
Check your savings account agreement before you make repeated withdrawals. Also confirm whether your ATM card can access savings directly.
Bank Withdrawal Limits and Large Cash Withdrawals
Your withdrawal limit depends on your account, the method you use, and your bank’s policies. Money that appears in your account may still be subject to a deposit hold.
ATM Withdrawal Limits
Banks set daily ATM withdrawal limits, and individual machines may impose separate transaction limits. Your debit purchase limit may also differ from your cash withdrawal limit.
If you need more cash, ask your bank about a temporary increase or a teller withdrawal. A different ATM won’t remove your bank’s daily cap.
Large Withdrawals at a Bank Branch
There isn’t a universal federal daily dollar cap on ordinary withdrawals from your own bank account. Your bank can still require advance notice, verify your identity, and limit what a branch can provide immediately.
Call ahead for large cash withdrawals. Explain how much you need and when you need it, then ask the branch to confirm its requirements.
Banks generally must file a Currency Transaction Report with FinCEN for cash withdrawals of more than $10,000. Multiple cash withdrawals can count toward that threshold within one business day.
That requirement doesn’t prohibit a legitimate large withdrawal. However, deliberately splitting transactions to evade the filing requirement is illegal. FinCEN’s consumer guidance explains these rules.
How to Avoid Cash Withdrawal Fees
Check the cost before you approve a withdrawal. An out-of-network ATM can charge an operator fee, and your bank may charge a separate fee for the same transaction.
These steps can help you avoid ATM fees:
- Use your bank’s locator: Choose a machine your bank identifies as part of its fee-free network.
- Check reimbursement terms: Some accounts refund eligible ATM fees, but caps and exclusions may apply.
- Review checkout fees: Store cash back isn’t always free. Include the purchase cost if you’re buying something only to get cash.
- Check overseas charges: International withdrawals may include ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and currency conversion costs.
If you travel often, compare debit cards for international travel before your next trip. At an overseas ATM, choosing local currency generally avoids the ATM operator’s currency conversion markup, though your card’s own fees may still apply.
Why You Can’t Withdraw Money From Your Bank Account
A declined withdrawal doesn’t always mean your account is empty. Check the bank’s app for the amount you can withdraw and any card or account alerts.
These are common issues to check:
- Deposit holds: A recent deposit may appear in your account before the bank releases it for withdrawal.
- Daily limits: You may have reached your bank’s cash withdrawal limit.
- Machine restrictions: The ATM may lack cash or reject an amount it can’t dispense.
- Card problems: Your card may be locked, expired, damaged, or blocked after incorrect PIN attempts.
- Account restrictions: A fraud review, legal restriction, or another account issue may prevent withdrawals.
If the reason isn’t clear, contact your bank through its app or the number on your card. Repeated attempts won’t fix an account restriction and may trigger additional security checks.
How to Withdraw Cash Safely
Choose a machine in a secure location, shield your PIN, and put the cash away before you leave. If the card reader looks loose or altered, use another ATM.
Turn on transaction alerts and review your account after a withdrawal. Contact your bank promptly if the amount is wrong or you see a transaction you didn’t authorize.
Never withdraw or transfer money because a caller says it needs to move to a “safe account.” End the call and contact your bank through a number you know is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if an ATM debits my account but doesn’t dispense cash?
Contact your bank promptly and explain what happened. Save the receipt, note the ATM’s location and identification number, and record the time and amount.
Ask how to dispute the transaction and when to expect an update. Don’t assume the charge will correct itself.
Can I withdraw money from a different bank’s teller?
Some banks offer over-the-counter cash withdrawals through certain debit card networks, but participation, fees, identification requirements, and limits differ. Call the branch and your card issuer before you go.
Having an account at one bank doesn’t automatically let you withdraw through another bank’s teller.
Can someone else withdraw money from my bank account?
A joint account holder or authorized signer may be able to withdraw money under the account’s terms. Someone with a valid power of attorney may also have access after the bank reviews the documents.
A friend or relative usually can’t make a teller withdrawal with only your permission or a handwritten note. Ask your bank what formal authorization it requires.
