What you can withdraw depends on your account type and the ATM you use

Bank of America sets daily withdrawal limits that vary by account type, not by a single rule that applies to everyone. Most checking accounts allow between $500 and $1,000 per day at ATMs, though some accounts permit up to $2,500. Savings accounts typically have lower limits—often $300 to $500 daily. The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time each day, so a withdrawal on Monday evening and another on Tuesday morning count toward separate daily totals.

These are default limits, meaning Bank of America sets them automatically when you open an account. You can request a higher limit by contacting your bank, but approval depends on your account history, balance, and relationship with the bank. Some customers with longer account histories or higher balances may already have higher limits in place.

If you try to withdraw more than your limit, the ATM will decline the transaction. You will not be charged a fee for the declined attempt, but you also will not get the cash. The only way forward is to either withdraw less or contact Bank of America to request a temporary or permanent limit increase.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America checking accounts allow $500 to $1,000 daily at ATMs, while savings accounts typically allow $300 to $500.
  • Your specific limit depends on your account type and account history, not on how much money you have in the account.
  • Daily limits reset at midnight Eastern Time, so you can make separate withdrawals on consecutive days.
  • You can request a higher limit by calling Bank of America or visiting a branch, though approval is not may provide.
  • An ATM will decline a withdrawal that exceeds your limit without charging a fee, but you will not receive the cash.

How to find your specific withdrawal limit

Your limit is tied to your account, not to you as a person, so it appears in your account settings. Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, go to Account Settings, and look for "ATM and Debit Card Limits" or similar language. The exact wording varies slightly depending on which platform you use, but the information is always in the settings section.

If you cannot find it online, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your current ATM withdrawal limit. A representative can tell you the limit in under a minute and can also explain why your limit is set where it is—for example, whether it is the standard limit for your account type or whether it has been customized.

Requesting a higher limit

Bank of America allows you to request an increase by phone, through the mobile app, or in person at a branch. Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to raise your ATM withdrawal limit. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask questions about why you need a higher limit and may review your account history before deciding.

Approval is not automatic. The bank considers factors like how long you have held the account, your average balance, your history of overdrafts or disputes, and whether you have had fraud on the account. A customer with a two-year account history and a consistent balance may be approved for a temporary increase on the spot, while someone newer to the bank may be declined or offered a smaller increase.

If you are approved, the new limit usually takes effect when ready for temporary increases (often 30 days) or within one business day for permanent changes. Ask the representative whether your increase is temporary or permanent before you hang up.

Why banks set withdrawal limits

ATM withdrawal limits exist for two reasons: fraud prevention and operational security. If someone steals your debit card or learns your PIN, a daily limit caps how much they can take in a single day. A $1,000 limit means a thief cannot drain your account in one visit to an ATM.

The second reason is practical: ATMs have a limited amount of cash loaded into them. If one customer could withdraw $10,000 at a time, the machine would run empty quickly, leaving other customers unable to get cash. Daily limits help distribute the available cash across many customers.

These limits are separate from any limits your card issuer (Bank of America, in this case) might set on debit card purchases. You might have a $2,500 daily ATM limit but a $5,000 daily purchase limit, or vice versa.

What happens if you need more cash than your limit allows

If you need to withdraw more than your daily limit in a single day, you have three options. First, you can wait until the next day and make a second withdrawal after midnight. Second, you can visit a Bank of America branch during business hours and withdraw cash over the counter—branch withdrawals are not subject to the same ATM limits and can be much larger, sometimes up to the full balance of your account.

Third, you can request a temporary limit increase before you need the cash. Call 1-800-432-1000 and explain that you need a higher limit for a specific date or event. The bank may approve a one-time increase that lasts 24 to 30 days. This is more likely to be approved than a permanent increase, especially if you have a reasonable explanation (moving expenses, a large purchase, paying contractors in cash).

If you are in a true emergency and cannot reach customer service by phone, visiting a branch in person is usually faster. A branch representative can process a temporary increase or help you withdraw cash directly from your account.

ATM limits at other banks' machines

Bank of America's withdrawal limit applies when you use a Bank of America ATM. When you use an out-of-network ATM—a machine owned by another bank or a third-party operator—that ATM's owner may impose an additional limit on top of Bank of America's limit. You will be charged a fee (usually $2 to $3) for using an out-of-network machine, and the withdrawal may be declined if it exceeds that machine's limit.

For example, if your Bank of America limit is $1,000 and you use a third-party ATM that has a $500 limit, you can only withdraw $500. You will also pay the out-of-network fee. To avoid this, use Bank of America ATMs when possible, or check whether the ATM displays its limit before you insert your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my entire account balance in one day?

Not through an ATM—your daily limit prevents that. But you can visit a Bank of America branch and withdraw any amount up to your full balance over the counter. Branch withdrawals are not subject to the same daily limits as ATM withdrawals. You may need to provide ID and give the branch advance notice if the amount is very large.

Does my withdrawal limit reset if I travel or move?

No. Your limit is set on your account and does not change based on location. It resets at midnight Eastern Time every day, regardless of what time zone you are in. If you are traveling internationally, contact Bank of America before you leave to let them know, as they may temporarily increase your limit or flag your account to prevent fraud holds.

What if the ATM says I have exceeded my limit but I know I haven't withdrawn that much today?

The ATM's clock may be slightly ahead of or behind your phone's clock, or a pending transaction from earlier in the day may not have posted yet. Wait until after midnight and try again. If the problem continues, call Bank of America to confirm your limit and check whether there are pending transactions holding against your daily total.

Can I set my own withdrawal limit lower than Bank of America's default?

Yes. Some accounts allow you to lower your limit through the mobile app or online banking for added security. This is useful if you want to reduce the damage if your card is stolen. Call Bank of America to confirm whether your account type supports this feature.

Do I get charged a fee if an ATM declines my withdrawal because I exceeded my limit?

No. A declined transaction at a Bank of America ATM does not result in a fee. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged the out-of-network fee even if the withdrawal is declined, so check the fee disclosure before you proceed.