Gone are the days when an ATM card was the only way to get cash. Today, many banks let you withdraw money directly from an ATM using your phone, digital wallet, or mobile app. This modern feature, called cardless ATM access, is convenient, fast, and secure. Whether you left your debit card at home or prefer not to carry it, there are several ways to withdraw cash without one.
What Is a Cardless ATM?
A cardless ATM is a machine that allows you to access your account and withdraw cash without physically inserting your debit card. Instead, it uses your smartphone, a mobile banking app, or a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay to verify your identity. Once verified, you can perform the same transactions as a traditional ATM — withdrawing cash, checking balances, or transferring funds — all without the card.
How Cardless ATM Withdrawals Work
Cardless ATMs use either near-field communication (NFC), QR codes, or temporary access codes to authenticate your account. The process generally looks like this:
- Open your bank’s app and locate the nearest cardless ATM.
- Select “Withdraw Cash” or “Cardless ATM” from the app menu.
- Choose the amount and verify using your passcode, fingerprint, or face ID.
- Use your phone to tap the ATM’s NFC reader or scan the on-screen QR code.
- Confirm the withdrawal, and the machine will dispense your cash instantly.
This system removes the need for a physical card and significantly reduces the risk of card skimming and magnetic stripe fraud.
Banks That Offer Cardless ATM Access
Most major U.S. banks now provide some form of cardless ATM access. The specific method varies by institution, but the goal is the same — fast, secure access using your phone. Here are some examples:
- Chase Bank: Use the Chase Mobile app with the “Cardless Access” feature.
- Wells Fargo: Generates an 8-digit access code through the Wells Fargo app.
- Bank of America: Allows withdrawals using digital wallets with NFC support.
- PNC Bank: Provides QR code withdrawals through the PNC Mobile app.
- Capital One: Offers mobile wallet ATM access through Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- US Bank: Uses contactless withdrawal options at select ATMs.
According to Forbes, cardless ATMs are expanding nationwide, and most banks now support them at thousands of locations across the U.S.
Using Digital Wallets at ATMs
Digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay can now be used at compatible ATMs. You simply open your wallet app, choose your bank card, and hold your phone near the ATM’s contactless reader. When prompted, authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your PIN. The ATM then verifies your account and dispenses cash as usual.
Apple Pay ATMs are becoming especially popular because of how easy they are to use. For a detailed breakdown, visit our guide on Apple Pay ATMs near you to see which machines support contactless withdrawals.
How to Withdraw Money Using a Banking App
If your bank doesn’t yet support mobile wallet withdrawals, you may still be able to use its app to withdraw cash without a card. For example:
- Chase: Tap “Cardless Access” in the app, select your account, and scan the ATM’s QR code.
- Wells Fargo: Generate a one-time access code in the app, enter it at the ATM, and verify your identity.
- PNC: Tap “ATM Access” in the app and use your phone camera to scan the ATM’s code.
Each method takes less than a minute and avoids the risks of carrying or losing a debit card.
Alternatives If Your Bank Doesn’t Support Cardless ATMs
If your financial institution doesn’t yet support cardless withdrawals, you still have several ways to get cash quickly:
- Cash-back at checkout: Many stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Target allow cash back with a debit card purchase.
- Peer-to-peer apps: Use services like PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to send money to someone who can withdraw it for you.
- Visit a bank branch: You can show ID and request an in-person withdrawal.
- Use another bank’s ATM: Search for nearby machines that support your digital wallet.
When you need to locate the nearest ATM that supports contactless or mobile wallet withdrawals, use ATMs-NearMe to find active machines by bank or feature.
Security and Privacy Benefits
Cardless ATMs are designed with built-in security advantages over traditional machines. Since no physical card is inserted, skimming devices cannot capture your card information. Each transaction is protected by multi-factor authentication, and access codes or QR scans are single-use and expire after a short time.
To enhance your protection, review our ATM security tips for advice on keeping your information safe during transactions.
Tips for Smooth Cardless ATM Transactions
- Ensure your mobile app or wallet is up to date before use.
- Turn on notifications to track each transaction instantly.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing your bank account.
- Use only verified, bank-owned ATMs when possible.
- Keep your phone charged — it’s your access key to your cash.
Potential Drawbacks to Keep in Mind
While cardless ATMs offer strong security and convenience, not every location supports them yet. Some banks limit how much you can withdraw using digital wallets. Additionally, mobile banking outages or phone issues can temporarily block access, so it’s best to have a backup payment method available when traveling or during emergencies.
Future of Cardless ATM Technology
The growth of cardless ATM technology is part of a larger trend toward fully digital banking. According to Chase Bank, customer adoption has surged in recent years as mobile wallets and NFC technology become mainstream. Future ATMs are expected to integrate biometric verification, facial recognition, and even AI-powered fraud detection for faster, safer cash access.
Final Thoughts
With cardless ATM access, you no longer need to worry about forgetting your wallet or losing your debit card. From digital wallets like Apple Pay to mobile banking apps that generate temporary codes, withdrawing cash has never been more convenient or secure. Take a few minutes to check if your bank supports cardless access — and the next time you need cash, you can leave the plastic behind.