The basic ways to get cash out of your checking account

You can withdraw money from your checking account in four main ways: at an ATM using your debit card, at a bank teller window during business hours, by writing a check, or by using your debit card to make a purchase and asking for cash back. The fastest and most available option is usually the ATM, which works 24 hours a day. The most direct option is the teller window, where you can withdraw any amount and speak to someone if you have questions. Checks and cash-back purchases take longer because the money doesn't leave your account when ready.

Each method has a different speed and cost. ATM withdrawals and teller withdrawals happen right away. Checks can take three to five business days to clear, meaning the money stays in your account until the person you wrote the check to deposits it. Cash back at a store happens when ready, but you can only withdraw what you're spending on the purchase, plus a small amount extra — usually $20 to $100 depending on the store.

Key Takeaways

  • ATMs are available 24/7 and let you withdraw cash when ready without visiting a branch, but some ATMs charge a fee if they're not owned by your bank.
  • Teller withdrawals at your bank branch have no fees and work for any amount, but you can only do them during business hours.
  • Checks clear in three to five business days, so the money stays in your account until the person you wrote the check to deposits it.
  • Cash back at a store is when ready and free, but you can only withdraw a small amount — usually $20 to $100 — and only when you're making a purchase.

Withdrawing at an ATM

ATMs are the fastest way to get cash when your bank is closed. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN (the four-digit code you set up when you opened your account), select "Withdrawal," choose the amount, and take your cash and card. The money leaves your account when ready. Most ATMs let you withdraw between $300 and $500 per day, though this limit varies by bank.

Watch out for ATM fees. If you use an ATM owned by a different bank than yours, you may pay a fee of $2 to $3.50 per withdrawal. Your own bank's ATMs are always free. Many banks offer free ATM networks — for example, if your bank is part of a shared network, you can use ATMs at other banks in that network without a fee. Ask your bank which ATMs are free for you to use, or look for the network logo on the ATM screen before you insert your card.

Withdrawing at a bank teller

Walking into your bank branch and withdrawing cash at the teller window is straightforward and free. Bring your debit card or a form of ID, tell the teller how much you want to withdraw, and they will count out the cash. There is no daily limit for teller withdrawals — you can withdraw your entire account balance if you want. The money leaves your account right away.

Teller withdrawals only work during your bank's business hours, which are usually Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shorter Saturday hours and no Sunday service. If you need cash outside these hours, use an ATM instead. Some banks let you schedule a large withdrawal in advance if you want to make sure they have enough cash on hand, so call ahead if you're planning to withdraw more than $1,000.

Writing a check

A check is a written order to your bank to pay money to the person or business whose name you write on it. To write a check, fill in the date, the name of the person or business receiving the money, the dollar amount in numbers and words, and sign it. The person you give the check to deposits it at their bank, and the money leaves your account three to five business days later. Checks are free to write and have no withdrawal limit.

The delay between when you write a check and when it clears is important. If you write a check for $200 but only have $150 in your account, the check will bounce — your bank will refuse to pay it and charge you a fee, usually $30 to $35. The person you wrote the check to will also be charged a fee by their bank. To avoid this, only write checks when you know you have enough money in your account to cover them.

Getting cash back at a store

When you buy something with your debit card at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retailer, you can ask the cashier for cash back. Tell them the amount you want (usually $20 to $100, depending on the store), and they will add it to your total bill. The money leaves your account when ready, and there is no fee. This is a free way to get small amounts of cash without visiting an ATM or bank.

Cash back only works when you're making a purchase, so you can't use it if you just want to withdraw money without buying anything. Also, not all stores offer it — small shops and some restaurants may not have the system set up. Ask the cashier before you swipe your card if you're not sure whether they offer cash back.

Daily withdrawal limits and holds

Most banks set a daily limit on how much you can withdraw from an ATM, usually between $300 and $500. This limit resets at midnight each day. Teller withdrawals and cash back at stores do not have daily limits — you can withdraw as much as you have in your account. If you need to withdraw more than your ATM limit, visit a teller or make multiple ATM withdrawals on different days.

Sometimes your bank will place a hold on money in your account, which means you cannot withdraw it yet. This usually happens when you deposit a check — the bank holds the money for one to five business days while they verify the check is real. If you deposit a large check or a check from an out-of-state bank, the hold may be longer. You can still use your debit card to make purchases during a hold, but you cannot withdraw the held money in cash.

What happens if you withdraw more than you have

If you try to withdraw more money than is in your account, your bank will refuse the withdrawal at an ATM or teller window. Your card will be declined, and you will not get the cash. If you write a check for more than you have, the check will bounce and you will be charged an overdraft fee, usually $30 to $35. The person you wrote the check to will also be charged a fee.

Some banks offer overdraft protection, which means they will cover a withdrawal or check even if you don't have enough money, and then charge you a fee. This is different from a bounce — the transaction goes through, but you pay for it. Ask your bank whether you have overdraft protection and what the fee is, so you know what will happen if you accidentally spend more than you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw money from my checking account online or by phone?

No, you cannot withdraw cash online or by phone. You can only withdraw physical cash at an ATM, a teller window, or by getting cash back at a store. You can transfer money to another account online or by phone, but that is not the same as withdrawing cash.

What should I do if an ATM keeps my card?

If an ATM swallows your card, call your bank right away. Most banks have a customer service number on the back of your card or on their website. Tell them your card is stuck in the ATM, and they will cancel it and mail you a new one. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash at a teller window or use a different payment method.

Do I pay a fee every time I use an out-of-network ATM?

Yes, most banks charge a fee of $2 to $3.50 each time you use an ATM that is not part of your bank's network. Some banks offer a certain number of free out-of-network withdrawals per month, so check with your bank. Using your bank's own ATMs or ATMs in your bank's network is always free.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

A check usually takes three to five business days to clear after the person you wrote it to deposits it. Business days are Monday through Friday, not counting holidays. The money stays in your account until the check clears, so do not spend it before then.

Can I withdraw money from someone else's checking account?

No, you can only withdraw money from your own account. If someone else is authorized on your account (like a parent or spouse), they can withdraw money too, but only if their name is on the account. You cannot withdraw money from someone else's account without their permission and authorization from the bank.