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Whether you've lost your debit card or just forgotten to carry it with you, sometimes you need to get cash from your checking account without a physical card. You can get money from a checking account without your debit card in a few different ways, including visiting a bank teller, cashing a check at a retailer or using a cardless ATM.
How Can I Withdraw Money Without a Debit Card?
There are several ways to get cash from your checking account without a debit card.
1. Use a Withdrawal Slip
If you're near an open branch of your bank or credit union, this is one of the easiest ways to get cash. Simply visit the bank or credit union, grab a withdrawal slip and visit a teller. You'll be asked to fill out the amount you want to withdraw and provide account information. If you don't have that handy, the teller can verify your identity and account by checking your ID.
2. Cash a Check at Your Bank
Assuming your checking account provides paper checks, you can use them to get cash. Bring your checkbook to the bank or credit union where you hold the account, write a check made out to yourself or to "Cash," and go to the teller window to cash the check.
Sometimes you can cash a check at a bank where you don't have an account. However, banks are not legally required to cash your check unless you're a customer and may charge check-cashing fees if you aren't a customer.
3. Cash a Check at a Retailer
You may be able to cash checks at retailers or grocery stores that offer check-cashing services. Be sure to check with the retailer first, however. Many retailers do not cash personal checks, only government-issued or payroll checks. Some Walmart locations cash personal checks, but only up to $200.
4. Use a Cardless ATM
Many banks now offer cardless ATMs that let you get cash and perform other transactions without your physical debit card. Bank of America, Chase, PNC and Wells Fargo are among the major banks that have cardless ATMs. ATMs that accept cardless transactions will display the same contactless payment icon you tap when using your physical debit card to pay in a store.
There are generally two ways you can use a cardless ATM to get cash without your debit card.
- Mobile banking app: Sign in to your bank account on your phone and ask for an ATM withdrawal. Then, either scan the ATM's QR code or enter a one-time access code shown on your phone. Once you authorize the withdrawal on your phone, you can get cash from the ATM.
- Digital wallet: If you've added your debit card to your phone's digital wallet, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, simply open your digital wallet and choose the debit card. Then hold your phone up to the ATM's contactless transaction icon to access your account and withdraw cash.
5. Use Your Digital Wallet
To use this method, you'll need to add your debit card to your digital wallet, then find a retailer that accepts digital wallet payments and offers cash back on purchases. Use your digital wallet to make a purchase, choose how much cash back you want and take your cash. Retailers typically set limits on cash back amounts and may charge a fee for this service.
6. Use a Check-Cashing Service
You can cash personal checks at check-cashing stores, many of which offer other financial services such as payday loans. However, these stores typically charge high fees that could eat up a significant chunk of your check. In general, using a check-cashing service should be your last resort.
Find Digital Checking Accounts
Where Do I Find My Routing Number and Account Number?
Withdrawing cash without a debit card may require knowing the bank and account routing numbers associated with your checking account. There are several ways to find that information.
- Checkbook: If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of the checks. The long number on the far left is your bank routing number; the long number in the middle is your account number. (The shorter number on the right is the check number.)
- Bank website: Sign in to your bank account online to access your account and routing numbers. If you can't find them, search the help section of the site for directions or contact customer service for assistance.
- Mobile app: Log in to your bank's mobile app on your phone to check your account and routing numbers.
- Bank branch: Visit your bank or credit union in person. If you have current identification, the bank can provide your routing and account numbers.
How Much Money Can I Withdraw From a Checking Account?
Banks generally limit the total ATM withdrawals you can make from a checking account to between $300 and $1,000 per 24-hour period. These limits are set in order to protect your account from theft and may be lower or higher depending on your bank and the type of checking account you have.
Check with your bank or credit union to confirm its withdrawal limits before heading to the ATM. Do you need more cash than you can get from the ATM? Withdrawal limits are typically higher if you visit your bank or credit union in person and get cash from a teller.
Checks and Balances
If you're thinking about opening a new checking account, the Experian Smart Money™ Digital Checking Account & Debit Card can help you build credit without debt by automatically linking to Experian Boost®ø, which gives you credit for eligible bill payments after three months of payments. You'll also pay no monthly fees¶ for Experian Smart Money, have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide** and could receive your paychecks up to two days early when you enroll in direct deposit†. You can get an Experian Smart Money Account through a free or paid Experian membership, which also gives you access to your FICO® Score☉ , Experian credit report and more. See terms at experian.com/legal.