The main ways to withdraw cash from checking

You can get cash from your checking account in four ways: at an ATM using your debit card, at a bank teller window, by writing a check and cashing it, or by using a debit card to make a purchase and asking for cash back. The fastest and most available option is usually the ATM — it works 24 hours and you do not need to talk to anyone. If you need cash right now and do not have your debit card, you can walk into your bank branch and ask a teller to withdraw money for you, though you will need to show ID.

Each method has a different cost and speed. ATMs are free if you use your own bank's machines, but charge a fee (usually $2 to $3) if you use another bank's ATM. Teller withdrawals are free. Writing a check takes several days for the person who cashes it to receive the money, so it is not useful if you need cash today. Cash back at a store is free and when ready, but only works if you are making a purchase and the store allows it.

Key Takeaways

  • ATMs are available 24 hours and free to use at your own bank's machines, making them the fastest way to get cash most of the time.
  • Using another bank's ATM costs $2 to $3 per withdrawal, so look for your bank's ATM first or ask your bank where their machines are located.
  • A bank teller can withdraw cash for you during business hours if you show your ID, and this method is always free.
  • Asking for cash back when you buy something at a store is free and when ready, but only works if the store offers it and you are making a purchase.
  • Checks take several days to clear, so they are not a way to get cash quickly — they are a way to send money to someone else.

Using an ATM to withdraw cash

An ATM (automated teller machine) is a machine that lets you withdraw cash, check your balance, and move money between accounts without going into the bank. To use one, insert your debit card, enter your PIN (the four-digit code you created when you opened your account), and select "Withdraw Cash." The machine will ask how much you want. Most ATMs let you take out between $20 and $500 per transaction, though your bank may have daily limits — for example, some banks let you withdraw up to $500 per day, others up to $1,000.

Your bank's ATMs are free to use. If you use an ATM owned by a different bank, you will usually pay a fee of $2 to $3. Some banks offer a network of free ATMs — for example, if your bank is part of a shared network, you can use other banks' machines in that network without paying. Ask your bank which ATMs you can use for free, or look for the ATM locator on your bank's website or app.

ATMs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when the bank is closed. This makes them the fastest way to get cash outside of business hours. If you lose your debit card or forget your PIN, you cannot use an ATM — you will need to go to a teller instead.

Getting cash from a bank teller

A bank teller is a person who works at your bank and handles cash transactions. 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 how much you want and will ask for your ID to confirm you are the account holder. This is free and takes about five minutes.

You do not need your debit card to withdraw cash from a teller — your ID is enough. This is useful if you have lost your card, forgotten your PIN, or need to withdraw more than your daily ATM limit allows. Some banks let you withdraw larger amounts from a teller than from an ATM. If you are not sure how much you can withdraw, call your bank and ask.

Teller withdrawals only work during business hours, which are usually Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings at some branches. If you need cash on a Sunday or after 5 p.m. on a weekday, you will need to use an ATM instead.

Getting cash back at a store

When you buy something at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retailer, you can ask the cashier for cash back. You swipe or insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and tell the cashier how much extra cash you want. The store will give you the cash and subtract it from your account along with the cost of your purchase. This is free and when ready.

Cash back only works if you are making a purchase — you cannot go to a store and ask for cash back without buying anything. The amount you can withdraw varies by store. Some stores let you take out $20 to $50, others allow up to $100 or more. If you are not sure, ask the cashier before you swipe your card.

Cash back is useful if you are already at a store and need cash, or if you want to avoid ATM fees. It does not count toward your daily ATM withdrawal limit, so you can use it in addition to ATM withdrawals on the same day.

Understanding daily withdrawal limits

Your bank sets a daily limit on how much cash you can withdraw from ATMs. This limit protects you if your debit card is stolen — a thief cannot drain your account in one day. Daily limits vary by bank and by account type. Some banks allow $500 per day, others $1,000 or more. Check your account paperwork or call your bank to find out your limit.

Daily limits usually reset at midnight. If you withdraw $300 on Monday, you can withdraw another $300 (or whatever your limit is) on Tuesday. Some banks count all ATM withdrawals toward the limit, while others count only withdrawals from ATMs outside their network. Teller withdrawals and cash back at stores usually do not count toward the ATM limit, so you can use those methods if you have hit your daily ATM limit.

If you need to withdraw more than your daily limit, you can ask a teller to increase your limit temporarily. Call your bank and explain why you need more cash — for example, if you are paying for a car repair in cash. Your bank may be able to raise your limit for a few days.

What to do if you cannot access your cash

If you have lost your debit card, forgotten your PIN, or your card has been blocked, you can still get cash by going to a bank teller. Bring your ID and ask to withdraw money. The teller will verify your identity and give you cash from your account.

If your account is frozen (locked by the bank because of suspicious activity or a legal issue), you may not be able to withdraw cash until the freeze is lifted. Call your bank and ask why your account is frozen and how long it will take to unlock. If the freeze is due to suspicious activity, your bank may ask you to verify recent transactions before they unlock your account.

If you are traveling and do not have access to your bank's ATMs, look for ATMs in the network your bank belongs to, or use cash back at stores. Some banks partner with other banks or ATM networks to offer free withdrawals in other cities or countries — ask your bank before you travel.

Fees and costs to know about

ATM fees are the main cost of withdrawing cash. Using your own bank's ATM is free. Using another bank's ATM usually costs $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Some banks charge their own customers a fee for using out-of-network ATMs, and the other bank may charge an additional fee — so you could pay $4 to $6 total for one withdrawal.

Teller withdrawals are always free. Cash back at stores is always free. Writing a check and cashing it is free, but it takes several days for the money to reach the person who cashes it.

If you withdraw cash frequently from out-of-network ATMs, the fees add up. If you withdraw $100 three times a week from an ATM that charges $3, you will pay about $36 per month in fees. Switching to your own bank's ATM or using cash back at stores can save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw more than my daily ATM limit?

Yes. Your daily limit applies only to ATM withdrawals. You can withdraw more by going to a teller during business hours, or by using cash back at a store. If you need to withdraw a very large amount, call your bank ahead of time to let them know — they may need to have that much cash on hand.

What happens if I forget my PIN?

You cannot use an ATM without your PIN, but you can go to a teller and withdraw cash using your ID instead. You can also call your bank to reset your PIN. Most banks let you reset it over the phone or through their website or app.

Do I have to pay a fee to use another bank's ATM?

Usually yes — most out-of-network ATMs charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Some banks offer ATM networks where you can use other banks' machines for free. Ask your bank if they belong to a network, or look for their ATM locator to find free machines near you.

Can I withdraw cash if my debit card is lost or stolen?

Yes. Go to a bank branch during business hours and ask a teller to withdraw cash. Bring your ID. You do not need your debit card to withdraw money from a teller.

Does cash back at a store count toward my daily ATM limit?

No. Cash back is separate from ATM withdrawals, so you can use it even if you have reached your daily ATM limit. This makes it useful if you need more cash than your limit allows.