ATM withdrawals are usually instant — but sometimes an ATM fails, keeps your cash, or doesn’t dispense money even though your account was charged. If this happens, don’t panic.
In most cases, you can get your money back by reporting the issue quickly and filing an ATM dispute with your bank. This guide explains exactly what to do, how long refunds take, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Quick Answer: If an ATM didn’t give you cash but your account was debited, contact your bank immediately, provide the ATM location and transaction details, and request an investigation. Many disputes are resolved within 5–10 business days.
Why an ATM Might Not Dispense Cash
ATM errors can happen for several reasons. The most common include:
- Cash dispenser jam: The machine attempted to release bills but failed.
- ATM ran out of cash: Some machines cannot complete withdrawals when low on funds.
- Network or connection error: The ATM lost communication with your bank mid-transaction.
- Partial dispense error: You received some cash, but not the full amount.
- Daily withdrawal limit reached: Your bank may block the transaction.
- Fraud prevention hold: Suspicious activity can trigger an automatic decline.
If your withdrawal was declined entirely, see: ATM declined transaction help.
What to Do Immediately (First 10 Minutes)
If the ATM didn’t give you cash, take these steps right away:
1. Do Not Retry Multiple Withdrawals
A second attempt could result in multiple pending charges. Wait until you confirm what happened with the first transaction.
2. Take a Photo and Save Any Receipt
If the ATM printed a receipt or displayed an error message, keep it. Also note:
- Date and time of the transaction
- ATM address or store location
- ATM operator name (bank or third-party)
- ATM ID number (often printed on the machine)
- Amount requested
3. Check Your Account for a Pending Charge
Log into your bank app and look for:
- A completed debit
- A pending withdrawal
- A reversal already in progress
Sometimes the transaction corrects itself automatically within a few hours.
How to File an ATM Dispute and Get Your Money Back
If the charge remains, your next step is to contact your bank and open an ATM dispute.
Step 1: Contact Your Bank Immediately
Call the number on the back of your debit card or use secure messaging in your bank’s mobile app. Tell them:
- The ATM did not dispense cash
- The amount you requested
- The exact location of the ATM
- Whether the account was charged
Step 2: Ask About Provisional Credit
In many cases, banks provide a temporary credit while they investigate. This depends on the bank and the type of account.
Step 3: Complete the Dispute Process
Your bank may ask you to submit a form or confirm the details. Most investigations involve the ATM operator verifying the machine’s cash balance and transaction logs.
Step 4: Wait for the Investigation Outcome
Most ATM cash disputes are resolved within 5–10 business days, but some may take longer if a third-party ATM operator is involved.
How Long Does It Take to Get Refunded?
Refund timing depends on where the ATM was located:
- Same-bank ATM: Often resolved faster (sometimes within a few days)
- Out-of-network ATM: May take 10–45 days in rare cases
- Third-party operator ATM: Can require additional verification
To avoid issues, use reputable ATMs when possible. See: No-fee ATMs and trusted withdrawal options.
Tips to Prevent ATM Cash Problems in the Future
- Use ATMs inside bank branches whenever possible
- Avoid isolated or poorly maintained third-party ATMs
- Withdraw smaller amounts if the machine seems unstable
- Keep receipts until the transaction fully posts
- Monitor your account regularly for errors
Related ATM Help Guides
- What to do if an ATM keeps your card
- ATM declined transaction troubleshooting
- ATM withdrawal limits by bank
- How to avoid ATM fees
Final Thoughts
If an ATM doesn’t give you cash but your account was charged, you usually can recover the funds by acting quickly, documenting the transaction, and filing a dispute with your bank. Most cases are resolved successfully — especially when reported the same day.