You can withdraw from Ally savings through their mobile app, website, ATM network, or by transferring to another bank account
Ally is an online bank, so there are no physical branches where you can walk in and withdraw cash. Instead, you have four main routes: use the Ally mobile app or website to transfer money to a linked external account, withdraw cash at an ATM using your Ally debit card, request a wire transfer, or have a check mailed to you. The fastest method is usually a transfer to another account you control, which typically clears within one business day.
Each method has different timing and limits. ATM withdrawals are when ready but limited to what the ATM holds and your daily withdrawal limit. Transfers to external accounts take one business day. Wire transfers are faster but cost money. Checks take several business days to arrive and clear. Your choice depends on how quickly you need the money and whether you need physical cash.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to move money out of Ally savings is to transfer it to another bank account you own, which usually takes one business day.
- You can withdraw cash when ready at any ATM that accepts your Ally debit card, but you are limited by your daily withdrawal cap and what the ATM dispenses.
- Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day but charge a fee, typically $15 to $25 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international.
- Ally does not charge fees for standard transfers to external accounts or for ATM withdrawals at in-network ATMs, though some ATM operators may charge their own surcharge.
Transferring money to another bank account
This is the most common way to move money out of Ally savings. Log into the Ally mobile app or website, go to the Transfers section, and select "Transfer to External Account." You will need the routing number and account number of the bank account you want to send money to. Ally will ask you to verify the external account by depositing small test amounts (usually two deposits under $1 each) and having you confirm those amounts — this takes one to two business days the first time you link an account.
Once the external account is verified, transfers are when ready on your end, but the money typically arrives at the receiving bank within one business day. Ally does not charge a fee for this type of transfer. There is no daily limit on how much you can transfer, though your receiving bank may have its own deposit limits.
If you are transferring to an account at the same bank (for example, from Ally savings to Ally checking), the transfer is usually available when ready.
Withdrawing cash at an ATM
Ally provides a debit card with your savings account. You can use this card to withdraw cash at any ATM in the Allpoint network, which includes over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. Withdrawals are when ready and available when ready. Ally does not charge a fee for Allpoint ATM withdrawals.
Your daily ATM withdrawal limit is typically $500, though you can contact Ally to request a higher limit. Some ATMs may charge their own operator fee (usually $2 to $3) if they are not part of the Allpoint network. Before you use an out-of-network ATM, the machine will usually tell you if there is a fee and ask you to confirm.
If you need more than your daily limit, you can make multiple withdrawals on different days, or you can transfer money to a checking account and withdraw from there if that account has a higher limit.
Requesting a wire transfer
A wire transfer moves money the same business day or the next business day, depending on when you request it and your bank's processing schedule. To initiate a wire, log into your Ally account online or call Ally customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. You will need to provide the receiving bank's name, routing number, the recipient's account number, and the recipient's name.
Ally charges $15 for domestic wire transfers (within the United States) and $25 for international wire transfers. The fee is deducted from your account. Wire transfers are useful when you need money to reach another account quickly and you do not mind paying the fee. Once a wire is sent, it cannot be reversed, so make sure the account details are correct before you confirm.
Ordering a check
You can request that Ally mail a check to you or to a third party. Log into your account online, go to the Transfers section, and select "Order a Check." You will need to specify the amount, the payee name, and the mailing address. Ally will mail the check to you, which typically takes three to five business days. The recipient then needs to deposit or cash the check, which can take another one to three business days to clear.
Ally does not charge a fee for ordering a check. This method is slowest but useful if you need to pay someone who does not have a bank account or if you prefer a paper record of the transaction.
Understanding your daily withdrawal limits
Ally's standard daily ATM withdrawal limit is $500. This limit resets each calendar day. If you need to withdraw more than $500 in a single day, you have several options: request a higher limit by calling Ally, make withdrawals on different calendar days, or transfer money to a checking account that may have a higher limit.
Transfers to external accounts and wire transfers do not count against your ATM withdrawal limit — only physical ATM cash withdrawals do. If you regularly need more than $500 per day in cash, contact Ally to discuss raising your limit. Ally will review your account history and may approve a higher limit depending on your account age and activity.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it through the Ally website or app using your email address or phone number. If you have lost your debit card, you can order a replacement through the app or by calling Ally — a replacement card typically arrives within five to seven business days. If your card is stolen or you suspect fraud, call Ally when ready to have it deactivated.
If you are locked out of your account due to security concerns, Ally may require you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing a government ID. This process usually takes one business day. During this time, you cannot withdraw money, so if you need when ready access to funds, contact Ally by phone to see if they can expedite the verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from Ally to another bank?
Transfers to external accounts typically take one business day after you initiate them. The transfer is when ready on Ally's end, but the receiving bank controls when the money appears in your account. Transfers initiated after 5 p.m. ET or on weekends may not process until the next business day.
Can I withdraw money from Ally on weekends?
Yes. ATM withdrawals are available 24/7, so you can withdraw cash any day or time. However, transfers to external accounts and wire transfers initiated on weekends will not process until the next business day. Checks ordered on weekends will be mailed starting the next business day.
What happens if I withdraw more than my daily limit?
The ATM will decline the transaction if you try to withdraw more than your daily limit in a single day. You can either withdraw a smaller amount, request a higher limit from Ally, or withdraw again on a different calendar day. Transfers and wire transfers do not have the same daily limits as ATM withdrawals.
Does Ally charge fees for withdrawals?
Ally does not charge fees for ATM withdrawals at Allpoint ATMs, transfers to external accounts, or checks. Wire transfers cost $15 for domestic transfers and $25 for international transfers. Some ATM operators charge their own fees if you use an out-of-network machine.
Can I withdraw money if my account is frozen?
No. If Ally freezes your account due to suspected fraud or other security concerns, you cannot withdraw money until the freeze is lifted. Contact Ally when ready to resolve the issue. The freeze is usually lifted within one to two business days after you verify your identity.