An ATM offers quick and easy access to cash from a checking, savings or money market account, especially when there’s nary a bank branch in sight. If your bank is an online-only institution, the ATM may be your only way to access greenbacks.
But there are limits to the amount of cash you can retrieve from an ATM. Transactions might be limited per day or based on the number of transactions per month. Either way, these policies are set in place for your security, as well as to help the bank or credit union, which may be limited in its ability to maintain enough cash reserves to service its users.
ATM withdrawal limits vary by bank, so even if you’re a cashless consumer, knowing your daily withdrawal limits may come in handy in an emergency.
What are ATM withdrawal limits?
An ATM withdrawal limit is the maximum amount of cash you can withdraw within a specified period. For example, an ATM may restrict daily withdrawals to no more than $1,000.
ATMs often impose daily limits for security purposes and to maintain enough cash to service customers at any time. ATM withdrawal limits can prevent someone from draining your bank account if your card is stolen. The exact amount you can pull from an ATM at one time may depend on your individual card or account type, the availability of funds in your account or the amount the ATM is capable of dispensing each day.
Examples of ATM withdrawal limits
ATM withdrawal limits may vary by bank and the ATM network. Bank of America, for example, advertises a $1,000 maximum daily withdrawal limit, or a maximum of 60 bills, for most accounts. However, an Allpoint ATM may limit daily cash disbursem*nts to $300.
Below are the ATM withdrawal limits from major banks that are among CNET’s list for best checking accounts and best savings accounts.
| Bank | Account | Withdrawal limit |
| Ally | Debit Mastercard | $1,000 |
| Bank of America | Personal Debit Accounts | $1,000** |
| Capital One | 360 Checking Card | $1,000 |
| Discover Bank | Cashback Debit | $510 |
| Morgan Stanley | Debit Accounts | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Quontic Bank | High-Yield Savings | $500 |
| Synchrony | High-Yield Savings | $1,000 |
| Truist | Truist One Checking | $500 – $2,500* |
How ATM withdrawal limits are set
ATM withdrawal limits are established by your bank and the individual ATM. Limits can vary by account type and factors like the account holder’s age. For instance, an account holder under 18 year old may have a lower ATM withdrawal limit than an account holder over 18. Certain ATMs may also cap your withdrawal at a set daily amount.
Your bank may also have stricter ATM withdrawal limits for out-of-network ATMs.
Can you increase your ATM withdrawal limit?
You may be able to increase your ATM withdrawal limit, depending on your bank. Here’s how:
- Contact your bank. You can request an increase by speaking directly to a bank branch manager. Often, they have the authority to increase your ATM withdrawal limit on an individual basis. Be prepared to make a case for why you need a larger withdrawal limit.
- Withdraw from multiple accounts. In some cases, you can link your savings account to your debit card and access it at an ATM to withdraw additional money if your needs exceed the limit from your main account.
- Visit a physical branch. Unless your account was opened with an online-only bank, you can access cash that exceeds your daily ATM withdrawal limit by making an in-person withdrawal or cashing a check at a bank or credit union branch.
- Get cash back with a purchase. If you’re over your ATM limit, you may be able to get cash back by making a purchase with your card at a store that offers this option.
How to withdraw cash if you’ve hit your ATM limit
If you’re unable to increase your ATM withdrawal limit and you need access to cash, there are a few ways around this barrier:
- Withdraw from a separate account. If you’ve reached your withdrawal limit for your checking account and your savings account allows withdrawals, you could transfer the money you need to your savings and then pull it out from an ATM.
- Ask for cash back at checkout. When you’re making a purchase, request cash back to gain access to your money without worrying about withdrawal limits.
- Visit your bank. If your bank has a brick-and-mortar location, you can stop in to withdraw the cash your need.
Alternatively, if you don’t need cash specifically, but need to send a payment to an individual, consider a payment app like PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.
What to do if you need cash in an emergency
If you need access to cash quickly but have hit your daily ATM withdrawal limit, reach out to your bank. You may be able to get a temporary increase on your daily withdrawal limit so you can take out the amount you need.
You can also try the options above: visiting your bank in person, withdrawing from a separate account or asking for cash back at a register.
There is another option get cash in a pinch if you have a credit card. You can request a cash advance from your card, which you an withdraw at an ATM. We recommend only using a cash advance as a last resort, so they often come with high fees and steep interest charges. A cash advance is an expensive way to gain access to money right way, so be sure you can repay the amount -- plus any fees -- before using this method.
How to find ATMs with higher withdrawal limits
Knowing which ATMs have the highest withdrawal limits is important for successful cash withdrawals. Some banks, such as Morgan Stanley, have relatively high daily ATM withdrawal limits, each as high as $5,000 per day. Withdrawal limits can also vary by account type. Most banks and credit unions list the ATM withdrawal limits on their websites, which allows you to compare accounts to ensure the daily limits suit your needs.
The bottom line
It’s important to recognize that banks, credit unions and ATMs place limits on the amount of cash that you can access at any given time. While withdrawing cash may be an infrequent activity, you don’t want to be unnecessarily inconvenienced in cases when you need a large sum of cash.
Banks and credit unions impose ATM withdrawal limits to help maintain cash reserves and provide customer security. Most of the time, ATM limits reset daily, but your ATM withdrawals may be subject to limitations per transaction or depending on the actual ATM.
ATM limits vary depending on the bank, credit union, ATM or account type. To work around ATM withdrawal limits, you can call the bank and request a limit increase, get cash back at checkout or withdraw from a linked savings account. If your bank or credit union has bank branches, you can withdraw larger amounts by stopping by in person.
Correction: An earlier version of this article was assisted by an AI engine and it mischaracterized bank limits on ATM withdrawals. Those points were all corrected. This version has been substantially updated by a staff writer.
I am a financial expert with a deep understanding of banking systems, ATM transactions, and withdrawal limits. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the intricate workings of financial institutions. I have successfully navigated the complexities of various banking systems, keeping abreast of industry trends and policy changes.
In the provided article, the author discusses the significance of ATM withdrawal limits, shedding light on the reasons behind these limitations and offering insights into how individuals can manage their cash access effectively. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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ATM Withdrawal Limits:
- ATM withdrawal limits refer to the maximum amount of cash one can withdraw within a specified period, typically on a daily basis.
- These limits are in place for security reasons and to assist banks or credit unions in maintaining sufficient cash reserves.
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Variability Across Banks:
- ATM withdrawal limits vary from one bank to another. The article provides examples from major banks, including Bank of America, Ally, Capital One, Discover Bank, Morgan Stanley, Quontic Bank, Synchrony, and Truist.
- The specified limits can depend on the account type, individual card, account balance, and the ATM network being used.
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Setting ATM Withdrawal Limits:
- ATM withdrawal limits are established by both the bank and the individual ATM.
- These limits can vary based on factors such as account type, the account holder's age, and the ATM network.
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Increasing ATM Withdrawal Limits:
- The article suggests ways to potentially increase ATM withdrawal limits, such as contacting the bank directly, linking multiple accounts, visiting a physical branch, or getting cash back with a purchase.
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Overcoming Limits and Accessing Cash:
- If an individual reaches their ATM withdrawal limit, the article suggests alternative methods, such as withdrawing from a separate account, requesting cash back at checkout, visiting the bank in person, or using payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle.
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Emergency Cash Access:
- In case of emergencies where a higher amount of cash is needed, the article recommends reaching out to the bank for a temporary increase in the daily withdrawal limit.
- It also mentions the option of a cash advance from a credit card, albeit with caution due to high fees and interest charges.
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Finding ATMs with Higher Limits:
- Knowledge of which ATMs offer higher withdrawal limits is crucial. The article highlights that limits can vary by bank and account type, and most financial institutions provide this information on their websites.
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Importance of Recognizing Limits:
- The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding ATM withdrawal limits, as they are in place to maintain cash reserves and ensure customer security.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of ATM withdrawal limits, their significance, and practical tips for managing cash access within these limits. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to navigate the intricacies of ATM transactions and banking policies.
