Yes, you can withdraw cash from many ATMs without using a physical debit card. Most major U.S. banks now support cardless ATM withdrawals, allowing you to access cash using your phone, banking app, or digital wallet. This option is especially useful if you forgot your card, don’t carry a wallet, or want to reduce the risk of card skimming.
This guide explains how cardless ATM withdrawals work, which banks support them, what methods are available, and what to do if cardless access isn’t an option where you are.
What Is a Cardless ATM Withdrawal?
A cardless ATM withdrawal lets you access your bank account and withdraw cash without inserting a debit card. Instead, the ATM verifies your identity using your smartphone through a banking app, digital wallet, QR code, or temporary access code. Once verified, the ATM dispenses cash just like a traditional transaction.
Cardless withdrawals are designed to be fast and secure, with built-in protections such as biometric authentication and one-time authorization codes.
How Cardless ATM Withdrawals Work
While the exact steps vary by bank, most cardless ATM withdrawals follow a similar process:
- Open your bank’s mobile app or digital wallet.
- Locate a nearby ATM that supports cardless access.
- Select a withdrawal amount inside the app.
- Verify your identity using Face ID, fingerprint, passcode, or PIN.
- Authenticate at the ATM using NFC, a QR code, or a one-time access code.
- Collect your cash.
Because no card is inserted, this method significantly reduces exposure to card skimming and magnetic-stripe fraud.
Ways to Withdraw Cash Without a Card
There are three primary ways banks allow cardless ATM withdrawals. Availability depends on your bank and the specific ATM.
- Mobile banking apps: Many banks generate temporary access codes or QR scans directly inside their app.
- Digital wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay can be used at contactless ATMs with NFC readers.
- Bank-specific cardless systems: Some banks offer proprietary “cardless access” features at their own ATMs.
Major Banks That Support Cardless ATM Withdrawals
Most large U.S. banks support cardless ATM access at many of their machines. Examples include:
- Chase: Uses the Chase Mobile app with Cardless Access via NFC or QR code.
- Wells Fargo: Generates one-time access codes through the Wells Fargo app.
- Bank of America: Supports digital wallet withdrawals using NFC.
- PNC: Allows QR-code-based withdrawals through the PNC Mobile app.
- Capital One: Supports mobile wallet ATM access at select locations.
- U.S. Bank: Offers contactless withdrawals at participating ATMs.
Support varies by location, so not every ATM owned by a bank will offer cardless access.
Using Digital Wallets Like Apple Pay at ATMs
Some ATMs allow withdrawals using digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. These machines have contactless NFC readers similar to those used at retail checkout terminals.
To withdraw cash, open your wallet app, select your debit card, authenticate, and hold your phone near the ATM’s contactless reader when prompted.
For a deeper breakdown of supported machines, see our guide to Apple Pay ATMs near you.
Limits and Restrictions to Know About
Cardless ATM withdrawals often follow the same daily limits as standard debit card withdrawals, but some banks apply lower caps to cardless transactions.
- Daily withdrawal limits still apply.
- Some ATMs cap cardless withdrawals per transaction.
- Not all ATMs in a bank’s network support cardless access.
- Temporary outages in mobile banking apps can block access.
To avoid surprises, review your bank’s ATM withdrawal limits before relying on cardless access.
What to Do If Cardless ATM Access Isn’t Available
If you can’t find a cardless ATM nearby, there are still several ways to get cash:
- Cash back at checkout: Many grocery and retail stores offer cash back with a debit purchase.
- Visit a bank branch: Some branches allow withdrawals with ID verification.
- Peer-to-peer apps: Send money to someone who can withdraw cash for you.
- Use a different ATM network: Some nearby machines may support digital wallet withdrawals.
You can locate nearby ATMs that support cardless or contactless withdrawals using ATMs-NearMe.
Security Benefits of Cardless ATM Withdrawals
Cardless ATM transactions offer several security advantages. Since no physical card is inserted, skimming devices can’t capture card data. Transactions require biometric authentication or one-time codes that expire quickly, reducing fraud risk.
For additional protection tips, review our ATM security guide.
When You Should Still Carry a Debit Card
Cardless ATM access is convenient, but it’s not universal. Rural areas, older ATMs, and smaller financial institutions may not support it. Carrying a physical card remains useful as a backup, especially during travel or emergencies.
Bottom Line
With cardless ATM withdrawals, getting cash no longer requires a physical debit card. Whether you use a banking app, digital wallet, or QR-based access, this technology offers faster and more secure access to your money. Check whether your bank supports cardless ATMs — and know your backup options — so you’re never stuck without cash.