We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
Access your savings with your smartphone using cardless ATMs
Use your phone to withdraw cash from ATMs when you don't have your debit card.
Some of the top banks have found a way to make accessing your cash even easier. With secure apps installed on your mobile phone, you can access your digital wallet to withdraw the money from an ATM. Your phone is already at your fingertips – now your cash will be too.
What are cardless ATMs and how do they work?
Cardless cash works by providing you with a unique code that you enter into an ATM to withdraw cash when you don’t have your card. This is beneficial if you’re on a run, at the beach, at an amusement park or anywhere else you don’t want to carry a card. You can even share your code with friends or family members so they can withdraw money when you’re not there.
Apple Pay cardless ATMs
Apple Pay is accepted at most cardless ATMs including Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America. Apple Pay uses near-field communication (NFC) for cardless ATM access. To verify that an ATM is NFC-enabled, look for the contactless symbol and follow these steps to withdraw money:
- Open your Apple Pay Wallet.
- Select which card you want to use.
- Tap your phone against the contactless symbol.
- Enter your card’s PIN.
The ATM will then verify your identity and finalize your transaction.
Google Pay cardless ATMs
Google Pay works the same as Apple Pay. You can withdraw money at any ATM that has the contactless symbol. Simply open your Google Pay Wallet, click on your card you wish to use, tap your phone against the contactless symbol and enter your PIN. The ATM will then finalize your transaction.
CashTapp cardless ATMs
Select Capital One 360 Checking customers can withdraw money at any cardless ATM with a CashTapp sticker. Use the ATM finder in the CashTapp app to find a cardless ATM near you. Then, follow these steps:
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw into the CashTapp app.
- Move your phone near the CashTapp sticker on the ATM until it’s securely connected.
- Follow the prompts on your phone to verify your transaction and get your money.
Paydiant cardless ATMs
Many small banks offer cardless ATM access to customers through Paydiant, which is owned by PayPal. Paydiant uses an app-generated QR code to grant you cardless ATM access. Once you’ve located a cardless ATM in your bank’s mobile app, follow these steps:
- Open your mobile banking app and request your withdraw.
- Click on the Mobile Cash Access option on the ATM.
- Use your phone to scan the QR code on the ATM’s screen.
- Grab your cash from the ATM.
Cardless app-generated codes vs. near-field communication
There are two ways your phone may connect with a cardless ATM: through app-generated codes or near-field communication (NFC).
App-generated codes 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.
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.
Popular accounts with cardless ATM access
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 | ATM network | Compatible accounts | Security features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Google Pay |  |
Cardless ATM nationwide locations indicated by a contactless symbol near the card reader. | Consumer debit cards, U.S. trust debit cards, small business debit cards (owner card only) | PIN |
| Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo Mobile – Card-Free Access |
|
You can use your code at any Wells Fargo ATM. Pinpad only available at Wells Fargo teller PIN pads that display the contactless symbol. | Wells Fargo debit and Wells Fargo EasyPay cards | PIN/ATM Access Code |
| Chase | Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay mobile wallet |
|
Cardless ATM access is currently available on Chase ATMs where you see a cardless symbol. | Consumer debit cards (excluding CPC Privileges card), business debit cards (excluding Business Associate cards) and Chase Liquid cards | PIN |
| Capital One | CashTapp |
|
CashTapp is currently available for Capital One 360 Checking customers in these cities:
Check out the app for specific ATM locations. |
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 |
|
Fifth Third operates approximately 2,500 ATMs in its 10-state retail footprint, all of which will offer card-free access. | N/A | PIN |
| PayPal | Paydiant |
|
72,000 ATM locations across the US | N/A | QR code |
Common questions about cardless ATMs
How do banks ensure cardless cash transactions are secure?
You want to ensure that your money is protected. Test the relevant app and check what security measures are in place to ensure that no one else can use the app to gain access to your account.
How easy is it to use the app?
It is hard to beat the ease of sliding a card into a machine, entering a code and pulling out your cash. With an app, you want to make sure that the process is just as simple.
How extensive is the ATM network?
Check to see how extensive the ATM network is for each bank. Since this app requires some pre-planning, you don’t want to get your code and then have no ATM to use it at. Also, you need to use an ATM that offers this feature.
Does your device work with the app?
The app will have to work on your current mobile device. For example, NAB Pay is only available for eligible Android devices. Look carefully at the specifications when making your comparisons.
Sharing options
Check to see if you can nominate someone else to pick up the cash on your behalf. In some cases, you just need to provide the app with the appropriate person’s mobile phone number.
Are there limits on cardless cash withdrawals?
You may be limited to the amount of money you can withdraw daily from your account.
How does Direct Express’ Cardless Benefit Access work?
The Direct Express Cardless Benefit Access, formerly called Direct Express Emergency Cash, is not access from an ATM, but rather from a money order. It’s a feature that allows users to get up to $1,000 in available funds from their account without using their card. Funds are issued through a money order in exchange for cash. You’ll pay a $8.50–$12 fee depending on the amount requested.
Does Chime offer cardless access at ATMs?
Chime doesn’t offer cardless access at ATMs, but users can get cash from checkout at its 32,000 cashback merchants like Walmart, CVS, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, etc.
Is a time limit applied?
As an added security measure, check to see how long the code is valid after receiving it. Some banks only keep the code valid for 30 minutes.
What are the benefits of using cardless cash?
- The convenience of traveling light. With cardless cash, you have the ability to travel light when the occasion calls for it.
- In cases of emergencies. You can continue to access your cash even if 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 ATMs in your bank’s network, you should not be charged any additional fees.
- Increased security. In some ways, the app provides more security as the code is for one use only, rather than a debit card which prompts you for the same code each time you use it.
What are the drawbacks of using cardless cash?
- Only at select banks. Right now, only select banks in the US offer this feature with their accounts, 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
With any product or device that provides access to your money, either on or offline, you need to be careful about its security. To best protect your money when using cardless cash, avoid the following:
- 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.
Read more on this topic
-
Explore Community First Credit Union’s suite of bank accounts Community First Credit Union offers big-bank account features to a limited Northeast Florida membership.
-
Compare CD vs. savings account Compare pros, cons, interest rates, features, fees and more.
-
Compare CD vs. bond Explore the differences between CDs and bonds to learn which is right for you.
-
Explore Mutual of Omaha Bank’s suite of accounts Full line of banking and investing options, but limited physical locations
-
Explore Commerce Bank’s suite of bank accounts Explore this regional bank’s pros, cons and account options.
-
Explore Golden 1 Credit Unions suite of bank accounts Features a comprehensive list of checking and savings accounts to California residents.
-
Explore Alaska USA Federal Credit Union’s suite of bank accounts Offers 24/7 customer support and a suite of accounts to four states.
-
Explore KeyBank’s suite of bank accounts This regional bank offers 20+ checking and savings accounts in 15 states.
-
Explore America First Credit Union’s suite of bank accounts Offers high APYs and plenty of variety, but it only services five states.
-
Explore Delta Community Credit Union’s suite of bank accounts Features free accounts and 24/7 phone support for metro Atlanta and Delta employees.
Ask an Expert
What is the name of the app so I can do cardless cash?
Hi Robert,
Thank you for your comment.
The cardless cash feature can be retrieved from your bank’s app. For example, your bank is Commbank, you need to download a Commbank app and click Cardless Cash icon (if available) to start using this feature.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Where are the cardless ATM machines in Tennessee?
Hello Dezane,
Thank you for your comment.
Please note that cardless cash works by providing you with a unique code that you use to enter into an ATM to withdraw cash when you don’t have your card. Basically, almost all ATM’s in TN can let you withdraw cash in it if you’ll use cardless cash.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Can government beneficial prepaids have access to atm with out the actual card on emergency
Hi Juanita,
If you are referring to Direct Express government prepaid card, as of this time it does not have the feature that will allow you to withdraw money from the ATM without using your card. The service that Direct Express has is the Cardless Benefit Access which will allow the cardholders to get up to $1,000 from the available funds in their account without using the card. Funds are issued via money order however there is a fee for the service which ranges from $8.50 to $12.00 based on amount requested.
You can also confirm this information by contacting Direct Express directly.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse