In this article:
An ATM withdrawal limit is the amount of cash you're allowed to take from an ATM in a single transaction or day. Understanding your account's withdrawal limits can help you manage your spending and avoid declined transactions.
What Is the ATM Withdrawal Limit?
The ATM withdrawal limit is the maximum amount you can withdraw from an ATM per day or per transaction.
- Daily limit: The total amount of cash you can withdraw in a single day, regardless of the number of transactions.
- Per transaction limit: The total amount you can withdraw in an individual transaction.
ATM withdrawal limits can vary depending on your account type, account status, available balance and capacity of the ATM. In addition to daily and per transaction withdrawal limits, some banks may also impose a limit on the number of transactions you can complete in a single day.
Your available balance might be reduced by deposit holds or pending transactions, which can also limit the amount you can withdraw.
It's also important to consider ATM fees charged either by your bank or the ATM operator. These can affect the actual cash you can receive. For example, if your withdrawal limit is $1,000 and the ATM charges a $6 fee, you would only be able to withdraw $994.
Find Digital Checking Accounts
Purchase Limits vs. ATM Withdrawal Limits
Debit cards typically have purchase limits that differ from ATM withdrawal limits. The purchase limit determines the maximum amount you can spend on transactions using your debit card. It's directly tied to the available balance in your account and may be significantly higher than your ATM withdrawal limit. Some banks set an overall daily transaction limit that includes both purchases and withdrawals.
| Examples of ATM Withdrawal Limits | |
|---|---|
| Bank | Withdrawal Limit |
| Ally Bank | $1,000 per day |
| Bank of America | Depends on your account type |
| Capital One | $5,000 per day for total debit card purchases and withdrawals; $200 per day and $2,000 per month through the mobile app |
| Chase | Up to $3,000 per day |
| Citi | $1,500 per day |
| Regions | $808 per day |
| TD Bank | Up to $1,500 per day depending on account type |
| Truist | Up to $2,500 per day depending on the account level |
| U.S. Bank | Depends on your account type and status |
Why ATMs Have Withdrawal Limits
ATMs have withdrawal limits primarily to protect against fraud and manage cash. These limits minimize potential losses for you and the bank if your debit card is lost or stolen. Restricting the amount of cash that can be withdrawn in a transaction or day reduces the risk of significant unauthorized withdrawals.
Additionally, ATMs only have a certain amount of cash available. Setting withdrawal limits helps ensure the ATM doesn't run out of money, allowing more customers to make withdrawals throughout the day.
How to Find Your ATM Withdrawal Limit
To find your ATM withdrawal limit:
- Check the FAQ section on your bank's website
- Log in to your online account
- Use the bank's mobile app
- Call customer service
Can You Increase Your ATM Withdrawal Limit?
If you need to withdraw a larger amount of cash, you may be able to request an increase in your ATM withdrawal limit, either temporarily or permanently, depending on your bank's policies. Some banks allow you to adjust your limit online or through the mobile app. Otherwise, you can call your bank's customer service number or visit a branch.
While you can request a higher limit, there may still be a maximum cap set by the bank.
What to Do if You've Reached Your ATM Withdrawal Limit
If you reach your ATM withdrawal limit, any additional attempts to withdraw cash will be declined, even if you have enough money in your account. Fortunately, there are several other ways to access cash from your account.
- Make an in-person withdrawal. Visit a bank branch and withdraw cash directly from a teller. In-person withdrawals aren't subject to the same limits as ATM withdrawals.
- Use a check. Write a check to "Cash" for the amount you wish to withdraw and present it at the bank to avoid using an ATM.
- Get cash back at a retailer. Make a purchase with your debit card and request cash back at the checkout. The amount of cash you can receive varies by retailer. Check the limits before requesting cash back.
- Use another account. If you have money in an account that's linked to a different debit card, you can withdraw from that account.
- Use another ATM. If you've reached the withdrawal limit for a specific ATM but not for your account, you can try withdrawing cash from a different ATM.
- Wait for the limit to reset. ATM withdrawal limits typically reset at a specific time each day. If you're close to the reset time, you can wait until the limit resets to withdraw more cash.
The Bottom Line
While your debit card is sufficient for most of your transactions, there are times cash comes in handy. Understanding your ATM withdrawal limit is essential for planning and managing your finances.
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.