You can withdraw from other banks, but the method and any fees depend on which bank you use and which one holds the cash
If you need money from an account at Bank A but you bank at Bank B, you have several ways to get it. The most common are ATM networks, transfers between accounts, and cash advances. Some work when ready and cost nothing. Others take a day or two and charge a fee. Which option works depends on whether both banks are in the same network, whether you have online access to the other account, and how quickly you need the money.
The key difference is this: withdrawing from an ATM owned by another bank is straightforward but often costs money. Moving money between your own accounts at different banks is free but takes time. Asking someone else to withdraw for you or using a debit card at a store works when ready but requires planning.
Key Takeaways
- ATM withdrawals from banks outside your network typically cost $2 to $4 per transaction, charged by the ATM owner, your bank, or both.
- Transfers between your own accounts at different banks are free but take one to three business days to complete.
- Using your debit card to get cash back at a store checkout costs nothing and works when ready, even if the store's bank is different from yours.
- Some banks belong to shared ATM networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which let you withdraw from thousands of ATMs without a fee.
- If you need cash from someone else's account, they must withdraw it themselves or authorize you as a signer on the account.
ATM withdrawals and the networks that control them
When you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank, you pay a fee. Your own bank charges what is called a foreign ATM fee, usually $1 to $3. The ATM owner (often a different bank) may charge an additional surcharge, typically $1 to $2. So a single $20 withdrawal can cost you $2 to $5 in fees.
To avoid this, check whether your bank belongs to a shared ATM network. Many regional and national banks participate in networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, CO-OP, or Surcharge-Free Network. If both your bank and the ATM belong to the same network, you withdraw for free. You can usually find this information on your bank's website under "ATM locations" or by calling customer service.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have their own ATM networks, so customers of those banks can withdraw from thousands of machines without a fee. Smaller banks and credit unions often have fewer ATMs but may be part of a larger shared network instead.
Transfers between your own accounts at different banks
If you have accounts at two different banks and you own both, you can move money between them for free. The process is called an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), and it is how most banks move money between institutions.
To set this up, log into the bank where you want to send the money from. Look for "Transfer" or "Move Money" in the menu. You will need the account number and routing number of the receiving bank. Your receiving bank's website or a call to their customer service will give you the routing number. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. Weekends and holidays add time, so a Friday transfer may not land until Tuesday.
Some banks offer faster transfers through services like Zelle or real-time payment networks, which can move money in minutes. Check whether both your banks support the same service before you rely on it.
Cash back at stores and the debit card option
One of the fastest and cheapest ways to get cash from another bank is to use your debit card at a store checkout. When you buy something and ask for cash back, the store's register connects to your bank, not theirs. The money comes straight from your account, and there is no fee. This works at grocery stores, pharmacies, and most retailers.
The catch is that you have to make a purchase, and the amount you can withdraw is usually limited to $100 to $300 depending on the store's policy. But if you need cash quickly and do not mind buying something, this is the cheapest option available.
Withdrawals from accounts you do not own
You cannot withdraw money from someone else's bank account unless you are authorized to do so. Authorization means one of two things: either you are listed as a signer on the account (which requires the account holder to add you at the bank), or the account holder has given you power of attorney, which is a legal document.
If you need to help someone else access their money, the simplest route is to ask them to withdraw it themselves and give it to you, or to add you as an authorized user on their account. Adding a signer takes a few minutes at the bank and requires the account holder to be present with a valid ID.
Timing and fees across different withdrawal methods
| Method | Speed | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM (same network) | when ready | Free | ATM card, both banks in same network |
| ATM (different network) | when ready | $2–$5 | ATM card |
| Cash back at store | when ready | Free | Debit card, purchase required |
| ACH transfer between your accounts | 1–3 business days | Free | Online access to both accounts, routing number |
| Wire transfer | Same day or next day | $15–$50 | Account number, routing number, in-person or online request |
When wire transfers make sense
A wire transfer is faster than an ACH transfer but costs money. Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day, while ACH transfers take one to three days. You pay $15 to $50 depending on your bank.
Wire transfers are useful when you need money urgently and the receiving bank is not part of your bank's network. You can request a wire in person at a branch or online through your bank's website. You will need the receiving bank's routing number and the account number where the money should go. Some banks require you to come in person for large amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay a fee if my bank and the other bank are in the same ATM network?
No. If both banks are part of the same shared network—like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP—you withdraw for free. Check your bank's website or call to confirm which network they use and which ATMs are included.
Can I withdraw money from another bank's ATM without a debit card?
Not from an ATM. You need a debit card or ATM card to use a machine. If you do not have a card, you can ask the account holder to withdraw cash for you, or you can use cash back at a store if you have a debit card from your own bank.
How long does it take to transfer money between two banks I own?
ACH transfers usually take one to three business days. If you transfer on a Friday, the money may not arrive until Tuesday because banks do not process transfers on weekends. Some banks offer faster options through Zelle or real-time payment networks, which can move money in minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get cash from another bank?
Cash back at a store checkout is free and when ready. If the ATM is part of your bank's network, that is also free. If neither option works, an ACH transfer between your own accounts is free but takes a few days.
Can I withdraw money from my spouse's bank account?
Only if you are listed as a signer on the account or have power of attorney. Ask your spouse to add you as an authorized user at their bank, which takes a few minutes and requires both of you to be present with valid ID.