You can withdraw from your checking account in several ways, and most banks let you use multiple methods on the same day

A withdrawal is when you take money out of your checking account. The bank gives you the cash or moves the money to another account, and the amount you withdrew is subtracted from your balance. You own the money in the account — the bank is just holding it for you — so you can withdraw it whenever you need to, as long as you have enough in the account.

The most common withdrawal methods are the ATM (automated teller machine), the bank teller at a branch, a debit card at a store, and transfers to another account. Each method works slightly differently and has different limits depending on your bank and the type of account you have.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM withdrawals are available 24 hours a day, but many banks limit how much you can withdraw per day — often $500 to $1,000 — and charge a fee if you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank.
  • Withdrawing cash from a bank teller at a branch has no daily limit and no fee, but you can only do it during business hours.
  • Debit card purchases at stores are a form of withdrawal that lets you get cash back without visiting an ATM or branch.
  • Transfers move money from your checking account to another account at the same bank or a different bank, and usually take one to three business days.
  • Some banks charge overdraft fees if you withdraw more than your balance, so checking your balance before you withdraw helps you avoid unexpected charges.

Withdrawing cash at an ATM

An ATM is a machine that lets you withdraw cash without going inside a bank branch. You insert your debit card, enter your PIN (personal identification number), choose how much cash you want, and the machine gives it to you. ATMs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights and weekends.

Most banks limit how much you can withdraw from an ATM in a single day. This limit varies by bank — common limits are $500, $750, or $1,000 per day — but you can usually change the limit by calling your bank or using their app. If you need more cash than your daily limit allows, you can withdraw again the next day, or you can go to a bank branch and withdraw from a teller instead.

If you use an ATM that belongs to your bank, there is no fee. If you use an ATM from a different bank, your bank may charge you a fee — often $2 to $3 — and the other bank may charge a fee too. Over time, these fees add up. To avoid them, use ATMs owned by your bank or by the network your bank belongs to. Your bank can tell you which ATMs are free to use.

Withdrawing cash from a bank teller

You can walk into any branch of your bank during business hours, go to the teller window, and ask to withdraw cash. The teller will ask for your account information or debit card, count out the cash, and give it to you. There is no fee for this, and there is no daily limit — you can withdraw as much as you want, as long as you have that much in your account.

The downside is that bank branches are only open during business hours, usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes a few hours on Saturday. If you need cash outside those hours, an ATM is your only option. Some banks have branches in grocery stores or other locations with longer hours, so it is worth checking where your bank's branches are.

Getting cash back at a store with your debit card

When you buy something at a store with your debit card, you can ask the cashier for cash back. You tell them how much extra cash you want — for example, if your purchase is $20 and you ask for $40 cash back, you pay $60 total — and they give you the cash along with your receipt. The money comes out of your checking account, just like a withdrawal.

This method is free and convenient because you get cash while you are already at the store. The downside is that you can only get cash back if you are making a purchase, and the amount is limited by what the store allows — most stores let you get $20 to $100 cash back, but policies vary.

Transferring money out of your checking account

A transfer moves money from your checking account to another account without using cash. You can transfer to another account at the same bank, to an account at a different bank, or to a payment service like PayPal or Venmo. You do this through your bank's website, app, or by calling the bank.

Transfers to another account at the same bank usually happen when ready or within a few hours. Transfers to a different bank usually take one to three business days — the money leaves your account right away, but it takes time for the receiving bank to process it. Some banks charge a fee for transfers, but many do not. Check with your bank about their transfer fees.

Transfers are useful when you want to move money to savings, pay a bill, or send money to someone else without handling cash. They are also useful if you need to move a large amount of money, because ATM daily limits do not explore to transfers.

What happens if you withdraw more than your balance

If you try to withdraw more money than you have in your account, what happens depends on your bank and whether you have overdraft protection. Some banks will straightforward refuse the withdrawal and tell you that you do not have enough money. Other banks will allow the withdrawal but charge you an overdraft fee — often $25 to $35 — because your account balance goes negative.

To avoid overdraft fees, check your balance before you withdraw. You can check your balance at an ATM, on your bank's website or app, by calling the bank, or by asking a teller. Knowing your balance takes just a few seconds and can save you money.

Daily limits and how to work around them

Many banks set a daily limit on how much you can withdraw from an ATM — this is a security measure to protect your account if your debit card is stolen. If you need more cash than your daily limit allows, you have several options. You can wait until the next day and withdraw again. You can go to a bank branch and withdraw from a teller, which usually has no daily limit. You can transfer money to another account and then withdraw from there. Or you can call your bank and ask them to raise your daily limit temporarily.

If you regularly need to withdraw large amounts of cash, talk to your bank about what options are available. Some banks will raise your limit if you ask, and some have higher limits for certain types of accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money from my checking account anytime I want?

Yes, you can withdraw money whenever you want, as long as you have enough in your account. ATMs are available 24/7, but bank branches are only open during business hours. If you need cash outside branch hours, use an ATM.

What is the difference between a withdrawal and a transfer?

A withdrawal takes money out as cash or moves it to another account at a different bank. A transfer moves money between accounts, usually at the same bank or between banks you control. Transfers take one to three business days; withdrawals are when ready.

Why did I get charged a fee for using an ATM?

You were charged a fee because you used an ATM that does not belong to your bank. Your bank charges you a fee for using another bank's ATM, and that other bank may charge a fee too. Use ATMs owned by your bank to avoid these charges.

Can I withdraw money if my account balance is zero?

No, you cannot withdraw money you do not have. If you try, the bank will either refuse the withdrawal or charge you an overdraft fee. Check your balance before you withdraw to make sure you have enough.

How long does it take for a transfer to show up in the other account?

Transfers within the same bank usually happen when ready or within a few hours. Transfers to a different bank take one to three business days. Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer.