Some 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 money from a cardless ATM without using your physical debit card. Your phone is already at your fingertips—now your cash will be too.
As of September 2025, cardless ATMs are not yet widely available in Canada. However, there is general interest in bringing this technology to Canada. Much of the information in this article has been based on how the technology was implemented in the US.
A cardless ATM allows you to withdraw cash without using a physical debit card. Instead of inserting a card, you access the ATM by using your smartphone or a one-time code provided by your bank. 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.
An example of the most similar technology currently available in Canada is the RBC NFC-enabled ATMs, which allow customers to withdraw cash by tapping their bank card at the ATM rather than inserting it into the machine. This technology in Canada still requires a card and doesn’t support Apple Pay or Google Pay.
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 bank uses this type of technology, you request a withdrawal 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.
The cardless ATM network in Canada is currently nonexistent. There are some ATMs that support NFC transactions, but you still need to use your physical card.
However, Market Research Future projects the cardless ATM industry in Canada to grow at a compounded annual rate of 11.70% from 2025 to 2035, so many banks plan to modernize their ATM infrastructure to meet this demand.
It requires a significant investment, though, and banks must also navigate strict security regulations, compliance requirements and ensure consumer trust before introducing cardless ATMs, which is why the rollout has been slow in Canada.
With any product or device that provides access to your money, either on or offline, you need to be careful about its security. Here are some tips to help protect your money when using cardless ATMs:
While the technology exists to be able to withdraw money from an ATM without using a debit card, it isn’t widely available in Canada just yet. Although using your smartphone for ATM withdrawals comes with greater convenience and ease of use, there are still legitimate limitations and security issues to watch out for.
Interested in looking into a bank account with a traditional debit card? Check out our guide here.
Earn Interest
Credit Union
Digital Bank
BMO Performance Chequing Account
Your guide to the Real-time Rail, how it works, and what it means for payments in Canada.
New to KOHO? Check out available sign-up bonuses and referral codes available now.
Explore all the latest Scotiabank promotions and offers available now.
Your guide to saving money on gas, groceries, utilities and everyday expenses in Canada.
Compare these alternatives to Chase Bank in Canada and find the right account to manage your money.
Earn cash, rewards points, bonus interest rates and more with these new bank account offers and promotions.
Discover and compare a range of personal and business financial products from the largest banks in Canada.
Looking for the best bank in Canada for students? Explore accounts that offer low or no fees, are best for travel and come with debit cards or extra perks.
After someone dies, their accounts are closed and their assets are divided up. Find out what happens with and without a will.
Opening a joint bank account is a big step for any couple. Find out more about what to look for in an account and how to avoid the common pitfalls.
