Although the US continues to trend toward a cashless society, 59% of consumers still make a few purchases a week in cash, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center study. To accommodate this transition, many banks now offer cardless ATMs, which allow you to withdraw money through secure apps installed on your mobile phone.
This is perfect for those who often forget or dislike carrying their debit or ATM card or want to limit the number of times they need to touch an ATM.
Checking accounts with cardless ATM access
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What is a cardless ATM?
A cardless ATM accepts your mobile device in place of your debit card when managing your account withdrawals. But you can only withdraw money without a card from ATMs owned by your bank with a cardless cash or contactless feature. To access your money, you’ll need the bank’s app on your mobile device.
How you access your funds depends on each ATM, but they work through near-field communication, scanning a QR code, an app-generated code or biometric authentication. No matter the method, each offers a simple and fast way to withdraw cash without needing a debit card.
4 ways to connect to a cardless ATM
Depending on your bank’s ATM, connecting to it will work in one of these four ways:
- App-generated codes. If your bank’s ATM uses this technology, request a withdrawal from your mobile app and enter the code once you reach the ATM. The ATM then verifies your identity and authenticates your transaction.
- NFC. With this type of cardless ATM, tap your phone against the ATM’s contactless symbol, and your phone’s digital wallet pulls up. From there, select a card from your wallet and enter your PIN. Then, the ATM authenticates your transaction.
- QR codes. If your cardless ATM uses QR codes, the terminal displays a QR code on the ATM screen. Use your mobile app to scan this QR code. The bank then verifies your identity and allows you to log in.
- Biometric authentication. Some cardless ATMs scan your fingerprints or eyes to verify your identity and give you access to your account. To use this feature, you may need to visit a physical branch first.
How to use a cardless ATM
There are five different types of cardless ATMs, so it depends on which one you’re using.
1. Banks with cardless ATMs
Major US banks like Chase have started offering cardless ATMs that let you withdraw cash using near-field communication (NFC). These banks typically partner with the Mastercard or Visa cardless ATM network to offer this feature.
For example, with a Chase Total Checking account or Chase Secure Banking account, you can add your debit card to your mobile wallet. Then, tap your phone at the ATM to withdraw cash. Other banks let you schedule your withdrawal from their app.
How to withdraw money
- Download the bank’s mobile app.
- Schedule your withdrawal in the mobile app.
- Scan your QR code or enter your debit PIN at the ATM.
2. Apple Pay cardless ATMs
Apple Pay is accepted at most cardless ATMs, including Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America. Apple Pay uses near-field communication (NFC) for cardless ATM access. To verify that an ATM is NFC-enabled, look for the contactless symbol.
How to withdraw money
- Open your Apple Pay Wallet.
- Select which card you want to use.
- Tap your phone against the contactless symbol.
- Enter your card’s PIN.
3. Google Pay cardless ATMs
Google Pay works the same as Apple Pay. Withdraw money at any ATM that has the contactless symbol.
How to withdraw money
- Open your Google Pay Wallet.
- Choose the card you wish to use.
- Tap your phone against the contactless symbol and enter your PIN.
4. CashTapp cardless ATMs
Select Capital One 360 Checking customers can withdraw money at any cardless ATM with a CashTapp sticker. Use the ATM finder in the CashTapp app to find a cardless ATM near you.
How to withdraw money
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw into the CashTapp app.
- Move your phone near the CashTapp sticker on the ATM until it’s securely connected.
- Follow the prompts on your phone to verify your transaction and get your money.
5. Paydiant cardless ATMs
Many small banks offer cardless ATM access to customers through Paydiant, which PayPal owns. Paydiant has over 72,000 ATM locations across the US. It uses an app-generated QR code to grant you cardless ATM access.
How to withdraw money
- Open your mobile banking app and locate a cardless ATM near you.
- Request your withdrawal.
- Choose the Mobile Cash Access option on the ATM.
- Use your phone to scan the QR code on the ATM’s screen.
- Grab your cash from the ATM.
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Banks that use cardless ATMs
As this feature becomes more common in the US, it’s important to compare your options and consider features related to cardless ATMs.
| Bank | App | OS | Compatible accounts | Security features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Google Pay |  | Consumer debit cards, U.S. trust debit cards, small business debit cards (owner card only) | PIN |
| BMO | BMO Digital Banking App |  | BMO debit cards | Scan QR code on your phone once you arrive at the ATM |
| Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo Mobile – Card-Free Access | | Wells Fargo debit and Wells Fargo EasyPay cards | PIN/ATM Access Code |
| Chase | Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay mobile wallet |  | Consumer debit cards (excluding CPC Privileges card), business debit cards (excluding Business Associate cards) and Chase Liquid cards | PIN |
| Capital One | CashTapp | | 360 Checking account | None. Once you’ve scheduled your withdrawal, head to the ATM and sign in to CashTapp. Then, move your phone close to the ATM’s CashTapp sticker. |
| Fifth Third Bank | Fifth Third mobile banking app | | N/A | PIN |
| PNC Bank | PNC Mobile app | | All active PNC debit and banking cards are eligible for card-free ATM access | Enter a one-time eight-digit access code generated by the app, then enter your PIN |
Are there limits on cardless cash withdrawals?
There may be limits on how much money you can withdraw daily from your account, but this varies between accounts and banks. Check your bank’s account disclosure for your cash withdrawal limit.
Can someone else pick up my cash from a cardless ATM?
Some banks may offer a sharing option where someone else can pick up your cash. Check with your bank to see if this is an option. Sometimes, you must provide the app with the appropriate person’s mobile phone number.
If you share a joint account with someone, you should have equal access to withdrawals without additional fuss. Simply access the cardless cash withdrawal like usual.
Compare checking accounts with cardless ATM access
Narrow down checking accounts from banks with cardless ATMs by monthly fees and minimum opening deposits. Select Compare on up to four accounts to see their features side by side.
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Pros and cons of using a cardless ATM
Consider these benefits and drawbacks when using an ATM.
Benefits
- Travel light. Leave your debit card at home and access your money through your phone at an ATM.
- Share with family. Give family members limited access to the account when needed by adding them to your bank’s app.
- No additional costs. There’s no added cost to use it, as the app works the same as a debit card when withdrawing money.
- Increased security. Your cardless ATM verification code expires after a set time and is for one use only.
Drawbacks
- Limited availability. Only select banks in the US offer cardless ATMs, so your current bank might not support it.
- Relies on ATM’s network. If the ATM network is down, you can’t use the code to withdraw money.
- Cardless ATM fraud. If someone obtains your bank’s login credentials and PIN, they can connect your account to their phone and withdraw money.
Security tips when withdrawing cardless cash
Despite the safety measures of cardless ATMs, you should still know how to protect your money when grabbing cash.
- Protect your online banking details. Never share the password to your online bank account. With your login credentials, anyone can access your account and withdraw funds without your consent.
- Monitor suspicious transactions. Although banks take precautions to protect your information, there’s always the possibility of a hack. If you notice unauthorized withdrawals from your account, notify your bank immediately.
