:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/atm-limits-315462_FINAL_HL-c926d176c7f44437be0694b917bbb6f8.jpg "How to Get More Cash Than ATM Withdrawal Limits Allow (1)")
Banks restrict how much you can take out from ATMs for security and cash flow reasons. Withdrawal limits typically range from $300 to $1,000 a day, but sometimes you need more, and it helps to know how you can get around your daily ATM withdrawal limit.
It's important to be aware of your bank's policies and plan your withdrawals accordingly to avoid insufficient funds or overdrafts. Here are some options you can try to maximize the amount of cash you can withdraw from an ATM.
Key Takeaways
- Daily ATM withdrawal limits typically range from $300 to $1,000 a day.
- If you need more cash than your daily limit allows, you can try to request an increase in your daily limit, withdraw at a bank branch, get a cash advance, or get cash back with a purchase at a store.
- Keep an eye on your bank account balance and commitments to autopay bills or rent payments to avoid insufficient funds or overdrafts.
What Is Your ATM Withdrawal Limit?
Daily ATM withdrawal limits typically range from $300 to $1,000 a day, depending on the bank and the account; some banks charge different amounts depending on which tier of service you've signed up for and your banking history. Two people with the same type of account at the same bank might have different withdrawal limits.
Your ATM withdrawal limit may be different from your daily purchase limit. There could also be a third limit on the amount of combined ATM withdrawals and purchases per day. You'll need to check with your bank to see what exactly your ATM limit is.
Withdrawal limits reset every 24 hours, so it pays to know when your bank resets. If your bank resets its limits at midnight, you could, in theory, withdraw the max just before midnight and again just after, taking advantage of two consecutive days' worth of withdrawal limits in a short time.
Note
Banks can only keep so much cash in their machines, so limiting your withdrawals helps them preserve their cash on hand as well as mitigate the risk of theft or loss, both for you and the bank.
| Top Banks' Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits | |
|---|---|
| Bank | Daily Withdrawal Limit |
| Ally Bank | $1,000 |
| Bank of America | Depends on your account |
| Capital One | $2,500 (combined with purchases) |
| Citi | $1,500 |
| US Bank | Depends on your account |
| Wells Fargo | Depends on your account |
In addition to your bank or credit union's daily ATM withdrawal limit, some ATMs may have their own per-withdrawal limits on how much you can take out.
If for whatever reason you need more cash than ATM limits allow, there are a few ways you can get around it:
- Request an increase in your daily limit.
- Make a withdrawal in person at a bank branch.
- Get a cash advance with a credit or debit card.
- Get cash back with a purchase at a store.
Request an Increase
As soon as you know you need extra cash, call your bank or credit union and ask it to raise your ATM limit. Its answer may depend on your banking history, the types of accounts you have, how much money you keep in them, and whether you're asking for a temporary or permanent change.
It may be easier to get a temporary increase, which should be sufficient if you just need to make a one-time large purchase or go on vacation. A permanent increase may take a stronger argument. Besides emphasizing how you're a good customer, you'll need to explain why you frequently need to withdraw more than the maximum.
Withdraw in Person at a Branch of Your Bank
Your account may allow you to withdraw more than your ATM limit inside a branch, by either using your debit card or writing a check made out to "Cash." Ask a teller to help you. Just be aware there may be limits on how much you can take out with a check, or how many checks you can write for cash in a day.
Note
If you have savings or money market accounts, you can also withdraw from them in a bank branch or through an ATM to get more cash. Those accounts may have separate withdrawal limits from your checking account.
Get a Cash Advance
Another option for withdrawing more cash is to get a cash advance. Here's what to know about using cash advance.
Credit Card Cash Advance
If you have a credit card that allows cash advances, you may be able to get cash from a bank branch or ATM, up to a certain limit. But be aware that there is usually a fee for this, in addition to a special cash advance interest rate.
Note
When you take out a credit card cash advance, you usually lose the interest-free grace period that you get when you make a credit card purchase. In other words, you'll be charged interest as soon as you take out the advance.
Debit Card Cash Advance
If you can’t visit a teller at your bank to make a withdrawal, go to a different bank. Ask about using your debit card to get a cash advance, which allows you to withdraw more cash than ATMs allow.
While a credit card cash advance adds to the debt you owe, a debit card cash advance draws on money you already have in your bank account. Banks typically charge a modest fee for the service if you’re not a customer, so find out how much it costs before you go this route.
Debit card cash advances at branches still have limits, but they’re generally higher than limits at your local ATM. Note that any withdrawals you already made at the ATM will probably also count against your daily in-branch limit.
Ask for Cash Back at a Store
You can also try to get cash back at grocery or convenience stores. By making even a tiny purchase, such as a pack of gum, you can get cash back; go for the maximum amount possible if you need it. Most stores limit cash back to a certain amount, such as $50 or $200, but that amount combined with the maximum you can pull from the ATM might get you what you need.
Note
If necessary, you can use multiple cash-back transactions until you hit your debit card’s daily purchase limit, which may be several thousand dollars or more. However, you’ll likely have to endure the inconvenience of visiting several different stores and securing cash in small increments.
Regardless of the method you use, keep an eye on your bank account balance, in case you withdraw money that you have already committed to auto-pay bills or rent payments. A store may approve a cash-back transaction that causes you to have insufficient funds and incur fees from your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What bank has the highest ATM withdrawal limit?
ATM withdrawal limits are based on several factors, including the type of account you have and your account history. That means that even if you choose a bank that's reported to offer high ATM withdrawal limits, you may not have access to that limit. If you need to withdraw a significant amount of cash, your best option is to visit a branch in person, withdraw cash with purchases, or visit the ATM on multiple days.
How do you find out your daily ATM withdrawal limit?
You may be able to find your daily ATM withdrawal limit in your online account or your bank's app. If you can't find the information, contact your bank to find out. You can call the number on the back of your debit card, visit a branch, or use your bank's chatbot if it has one available.
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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Fidelity Investments. "Debit Card Agreement and Disclosure Statement."
Ally Bank. "ATMs Withdrawals FAQs."
Bank of America. "Self-Service ATMS."
Capital One. "Total Control Checking."
Citi. "Citibank® Account Package Fact Sheet."
US Bank. "ATM Banking."
Wells Fargo. "Debit Card Questions."
Chase. "Additional Banking Services and Fees for Personal Accounts Deposit Account Agreement," Page 8.
Chase. "Additional Banking Services and Fees for Personal Accounts Deposit Account Agreement," Page 6.
