Ever needed cash fast but hit your ATM limit? You’re not alone.
Daily ATM withdrawal limits can catch you off guard—especially during travel, emergencies, or when you need to cover a big cash expense.
Most banks cap how much cash you can pull from an ATM in a 24-hour period. The problem is, these limits vary widely and aren’t always easy to find.
In this guide, you’ll learn how ATM withdrawal limits work, how much you can usually take out at major banks, what to do if you’ve hit your limit, and smart ways to work around the restrictions.
What Are Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits?
A daily ATM withdrawal limit is the maximum amount of cash your bank lets you take out from an ATM in a 24-hour window.
Most banks set different limits based on your account type, card, and relationship with the bank. The cap usually applies per card, not per account, and resets every 24 hours.
It’s important to note that your ATM withdrawal limit only applies to cash withdrawals—not debit card purchases. You can often spend more on your debit card than you can withdraw in cash.
Why Do Banks Set Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits?
Banks put daily cash limits in place for three main reasons:
- Fraud protection: If your debit card is lost or stolen, a withdrawal limit helps contain the damage.
- Cash availability: ATMs have limited cash. Caps help prevent a single user from emptying them out.
- Risk management: Large cash withdrawals increase risk for the bank, especially if accounts are compromised or the ATM is tampered with.
These limits are designed to balance customer access with account security and ATM operations.
How to Avoid ATM Withdrawal Limits
If you’ve hit your ATM cap or need more cash than your daily limit allows, here are a few workarounds:
- Withdraw from a branch: Tellers can often give you more than the ATM would allow.
- Use cash back at a store: Many retailers let you get up to $100 or more in cash back with a debit purchase.
- Withdraw from multiple cards or accounts: If you have more than one account, you may be able to take out more using different debit cards. Just keep in mind that using out-of-network ATMs could trigger extra fees. Here are some tips to avoid ATM fees.
- Send money with a payment app: Transfer funds using Zelle, Venmo, or another app, then access the money from another source.
- Upgrade your account: Some banks offer higher ATM limits with premium or high-tier checking accounts.
Each method has pros and cons, but they all offer a way to access more of your money when you need it.
ATM Withdrawal Limits by Bank and Credit Union
ATM withdrawal limits vary widely depending on your bank and account type. Here’s a breakdown of the daily cash limits at major banks and credit unions in the U.S.:
| Bank or Credit Union | Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit |
|---|---|
| Alliant Credit Union | $1,000 |
| Ally Bank | $1,010 |
| Bank of America | $1,000 (or $800 when pre-scheduled in-app) |
| Capital One | $5,000 with debit card, $200 via mobile app |
| Chase | $500–$3,000 depending on account type |
| Citibank | $1,000–$2,000 depending on account |
| Discover Bank | $510 |
| Fifth Third Bank | Typically $500–$1,000 |
| Huntington Bank | $400 with ATM card, $520 with debit card |
| Navy Federal Credit Union | $1,000 |
| PNC Bank | $500–$1,500 depending on relationship |
| Regions Bank | $800–$1,500 based on account |
| Santander Bank | Up to $2,500 |
| TD Bank | $1,250–$1,500 depending on account |
| Truist Bank | $500–$2,500 depending on account tier |
| USAA Bank | Up to $600 depending on account |
| Wells Fargo | Typically $300–$1,000; exact limit varies |
Reminder: Always confirm your current ATM limit through your bank’s mobile app, website, or customer support—especially if you’ve recently opened an account or changed account types. If you often withdraw large amounts or use out-of-network ATMs, consider choosing a bank that reimburses ATM fees.
What to Do If You Hit Your Daily ATM Limit
If you’ve maxed out your daily limit, here are some ways to still access your money:
- Wait for the reset: Limits usually refresh every 24 hours.
- Visit a branch: Tellers can often let you withdraw more than the ATM allows.
- Transfer to a different card: Move funds to another debit card or account with its own limit.
- Use a money transfer app: Send funds to yourself through Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, then withdraw from a different card.
- Pay with your debit card: If you just need to make a purchase, consider skipping the cash and using your card instead.
More Ways to Get Around ATM Cash Withdrawal Limits
If you’ve hit your ATM limit but still need cash, you’re not out of options. Here are a few other ways to access your money—quickly and legally—without waiting for the 24-hour reset.
Get Cash Back at a Store
Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers let you get cash back during a debit card purchase. This can be a simple way to pull an extra $20 to $100 without using an ATM.
Keep in mind:
- The store sets its own cash-back limits, often capped at $100 per transaction.
- Cash back might count against your daily debit card purchase limit, even if it doesn’t count against your ATM limit.
You may need to make multiple small purchases to reach the total amount you need.
Withdraw from a Savings Account
If your checking account is locked down by an ATM limit, try accessing your savings account instead. You can do this from an ATM if your card is linked, or by transferring funds to checking using your mobile app and withdrawing the next day.
Some banks have separate withdrawal limits for savings, so check your terms before you rely on this method.
Visit a Branch for a Cash Withdrawal
You can always walk into a bank branch and request a withdrawal from your checking, savings, or money market account.
Teller withdrawals don’t fall under ATM rules, and there’s often no limit—as long as you have the funds available and bring valid ID.
If you’re pulling a large amount (like $5,000 or more), it’s smart to call ahead so they have enough cash on hand.
Use a Check Made Out to “Cash”
If you still have a checkbook, write a check to “Cash,” sign it, and bring it to your bank. You can usually get the full amount immediately—though limits may still apply depending on your account history.
Note that banks sometimes flag frequent “Cash” checks, so this isn’t ideal for regular use.
Can You Raise Your Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit?
Yes—many banks will let you increase your daily limit, either temporarily or permanently. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your online banking or mobile app: Some banks allow you to request a higher limit in your settings.
- Call customer service: Ask if you qualify for a higher daily limit or a one-time increase.
- Visit a branch: A banker can manually raise your limit or offer an alternative solution.
- Consider upgrading your account: Premium or relationship accounts usually come with higher ATM limits. If your current account charges fees or has a low ATM limit, it may be time to switch banks. Here are the best free checking accounts with flexible ATM policies.
Some banks automatically increase your limits over time if you maintain a good account history.
Conclusion
ATM withdrawal limits are meant to protect your money—but they can be inconvenient when you need quick access to cash.
Knowing your bank’s limit and how to work around it can save you time and frustration. Whether that means visiting a branch, using a mobile app, or requesting a higher limit, you have options.
Check your bank’s current policy and consider upgrading your account if you regularly need more flexibility with cash withdrawals.
