Cardless ATM options: What it is and How to use it

Cardless ATMs are now being offered by some of the top banks, making accessing your cash even easier. With secure apps installed on your mobile phone, you can access your digital wallet to withdraw the money from a cardless ATM. Your phone is already at your fingertips – now your cash will be too.

Checking accounts with cardless ATM access

Find the right checking account for you by comparing each of the banks’ key features — from minimum opening deposit to number of cardless ATM locations nationwide.

Can I get cardless cash from any ATM?

You can only get cash from an ATM without a debit card when you use an ATM owned by your bank that has a cardless cash or contactless feature.

Banks that use cardless ATMs

As this feature becomes more common in the US, it’s important to compare your options and consider features related to cardless ATMs.

Bank	App	OS	Compatible accounts	Security features
Bank of America	Google Pay		Consumer debit cards, U.S. trust debit cards, small business debit cards (owner card only)	PIN
BMO Harris	BMO Digital Banking App		BMO Harris debit cards	Scan QR code on your phone once you arrive to at the ATM
Wells Fargo	Wells Fargo Mobile – Card-Free Access		Wells Fargo debit and Wells Fargo EasyPay cards	PIN/ATM Access Code
Chase	Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay mobile wallet		Consumer debit cards (excluding CPC Privileges card), business debit cards (excluding Business Associate cards) and Chase Liquid cards	PIN
Capital One	CashTapp		360 Checking account	None. Once you’ve scheduled your withdrawal, head to the ATM and sign in to CashTapp. Then, move your phone close to the ATM’s CashTapp sticker.
Fifth Third Bank	Fifth Third mobile banking app		N/A	PIN
PNC Bank	PNC Mobile app		All active PNC debit and banking cards are eligible for card-free ATM access	Enter a one-time eight-digit access code generated by the app, then enter your PIN

Are there limits on cardless cash withdrawals?

You may be limited to the amount of money you can withdraw daily from your account. But this varies between accounts and banks. Check your bank’s account disclosure to see what your cash withdrawal limit is.

Can someone else pick up my cash from a cardless ATM?

Some banks may offer a sharing option where you can have someone else pick up your cash. Check with your bank to see if this is an option. In some cases, you just need to provide the app with the appropriate person’s mobile phone number.

Two ways to connect to a cardless ATM

You can connect with a cardless ATM through app-generated codes or near-field communication (NFC). Here’s how they differ:

1. App-generated codes. These are typically QR codes, although they can be a series of numbers. If your ATM uses this type of technology, you request a withdraw in your mobile app and then scan or enter the code once you get to the ATM. Then, the ATM verifies your identity and authenticates your transaction.
2. NFC.Some ATMs use NFC to conduct cardless transactions. With this type of cardless ATM, you tap your phone against the ATM’s contactless symbol and your phone’s digital wallet pulls up. From there, you select which card you want to use from your wallet and enter your PIN. Then, the ATM authenticates your transaction.

Compare checking accounts with cardless ATM access

Open any of these checking accounts today to enjoy cardless ATM access.

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Name	Product	APY	Minimum deposit to open	ATMs	Out-of-network ATM fee
Chase Secure Banking℠		N/A	$0	Access to 16,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches nationwide	$2.50	Chase Secure Banking offers no overdraft services	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Total Checking® Finder Rating: 3 / 5: ★★★★★		N/A	$0	Access to 16,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches nationwide	$2.50	Chase Total Checking is easy to use and gives you access to 16,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches. It offers a $225 signup bonus to new Chase customers	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Business Complete Banking℠ Finder Rating: 3 / 5: ★★★★★		N/A	$0	over 16,000 in-network ATMs	$2.50	This Chase business checking account has built-in card acceptance using a smartphone card reader. $300 bonus offer	Go to site View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
PNC Virtual Wallet Finder Rating: 3.4 / 5: ★★★★★		0.06% on balances of $1,000,000+	$25	Free at more than 18,000 PNC ATMs nationwide	$3	A high interest, short-term savings and a checking account, paired with digital money management tools – all working together to help you better manage your financial life.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking Finder Rating: 3.7 / 5: ★★★★★		N/A	$25	16,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide	$2.50	Customize your account to fit your needs and experience our full scope of services	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Finder Rating: 3 / 5: ★★★★★		N/A	$25	More than 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide	$2.50	Everyday Checking is banking made easy. Open with $25.	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What are the benefits of using cardless ATMs?

Using a cardless ATM has these benefits.

• The convenience of traveling light. With a cardless ATM, you have the ability to travel light and leave the debit card at home when the occasion calls for it. You can also quickly access cash in emergencies — even when you’ve left your wallet at home.
• You can share it with your trusted family and friends. This makes it easier to give family members limited access to the account when they need it. Rather than paying for extra debit cards or worrying about how much they withdraw, you can control their spending by using the app.
• No additional costs for using it. The app works the same as a debit card when withdrawing money. As long as you’re using cardless ATMs in your bank’s network, you should not be charged any additional fees.
• Increased security. Your cardless ATM verification code will typically expire after a set period of time — usually 30 minutes or so. The code is also for one use only, rather than a debit card which prompts you for the same code each time you use it.

Can you catch COVID-19 from handling cash?

There’s no evidence suggesting you can catch COVID-19 from handling cash, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests washing your hands after you’ve dealt with money to keep up hygiene that can slow the spread of this disease. If you’re concerned about withdrawing cash from an ATM, consider a cardless ATM to minimize contact with the machine.

What are the drawbacks of using cardless cash?

Here are a few things to watch out for when using a cardless ATM.

• Only at select banks. Right now, only select banks in the US offer cardless ATMs, limiting your choices when making comparisons.
• Relies on ATM’s network. If the ATM network is down, you will not be able to use the code to withdraw money until it is up and running again.
• Cardless ATM fraud. If someone gets ahold of your bank’s login credentials and PIN, they can connect your account to their phone and withdraw money without needing your physical debit card.

Security tips when using cardless cash

Two-step verification and near-field communications (NFC) are two measures that typically make it safer to use a cardless ATM over a traditional one because it eliminates the threat of skimming devices. Still, you should still be mindful of how to protect your money when grabbing cash.

• Protect your online banking details

Never share the password to your online bank account. With the password, people could gain access to your cardless cash details and make withdrawals without your consent.

• Monitor suspicious transactions on your account

Although banks take precautions to protect your information, there is always the possibility of a hack. If you notice unauthorized withdrawals from your account using cardless cash, notify the bank immediately.