Five ways to access your cash when you don't have your card
You can withdraw money from your checking account at a bank branch using your ID and account number, at an ATM using a PIN you set up separately, by writing a check to yourself or someone else, by requesting a wire transfer or ACH transfer to another account, or by asking the bank to issue a cashier's check. The fastest method depends on whether you need the money today, whether you're at your bank's location, and how much you're withdrawing.
Each method has different limits and takes different amounts of time. Some work instantly; others take a few business days. Knowing which one fits your situation saves you from a trip that doesn't work or a delay you didn't expect.
Key Takeaways
- A bank teller can withdraw cash for you at any branch location if you show a valid ID and know your account number.
- ATM withdrawals work 24/7 if you have a PIN, but daily limits usually cap out between $300 and $1,000 depending on your bank.
- Checks you write to yourself or to someone else clear within one to three business days, or same-day if you deposit them at your own bank.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers move money to another account in minutes to two business days, but wire transfers cost $15 to $30 while ACH transfers are usually free.
- Cashier's checks are issued on the spot at a branch and work like cash, but you pay a fee of $5 to $15 per check.
Withdrawing cash at a bank branch with your ID
Walk into any branch of your bank with a valid government ID—driver's license, passport, or state ID card—and tell the teller you want to withdraw money from your checking account. The teller will ask for your account number, which is printed on your checks or statements. You can also look it up online if you have access to your account. There is no fee for this withdrawal.
This method works during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some branches open Saturday mornings. You can withdraw any amount up to your available balance. The teller counts out the cash and hands it to you immediately. If you're at a branch that isn't your home branch, the teller can still process the withdrawal as long as it's the same bank.
If you don't have your account number memorized, call your bank's customer service line before you go, or log into your online account on your phone. Some banks let you look up your account number in their mobile app without logging in, using just your phone number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Using an ATM with a PIN you already have
If you set up a PIN when you opened your account or changed it recently, you can use any ATM that belongs to your bank or your bank's network. Insert your debit card—wait, you don't have it. In that case, some banks let you withdraw cash using your phone. Download your bank's mobile app, look for "cardless ATM withdrawal" or "mobile withdrawal," and follow the steps to generate a one-time code. You'll enter that code at the ATM instead of swiping a card.
Not all banks offer cardless ATM withdrawal yet. Call your bank or check their website to see if yours does. If it doesn't, you'll need to use one of the other methods in this guide.
ATM withdrawals have daily limits. Most banks cap daily ATM withdrawals between $300 and $1,000, though some allow up to $2,000. The limit resets at midnight. If you need more than your daily limit, you'll have to wait until the next day or use a different method, such as a teller withdrawal at a branch.
Writing a check to yourself or someone else
If you have a checkbook, write a check from your checking account to yourself or to whoever needs the money. Sign it, fill in the amount and date, and write your account number on the memo line. The person who receives the check can deposit it at their own bank or cash it at most check-cashing services.
If you write a check to yourself, you can deposit it at your own bank's ATM or at a branch. Mobile deposit—taking a photo of the check through your bank's app—usually clears within one business day. If you deposit it in person at a teller, it may clear the same day. If you write a check to someone else, they can deposit it at their bank, and it typically clears within one to three business days.
Checks don't have daily limits like ATMs do, so you can write a check for any amount up to your available balance. There's no fee to write a check. The only cost is if you've run out of checks and need to order more, which usually costs $10 to $20 for a box of 100.
Transferring money to another account via wire or ACH
A wire transfer moves money from your checking account to another bank account in minutes to a few hours. You'll need the recipient's bank name, routing number, account number, and account holder's name. Go to your bank's website or app, find the "send money" or "wire transfer" section, enter those details, and confirm the transfer. Your bank will charge a fee of $15 to $30 for outgoing domestic wire transfers.
An ACH transfer is slower but free. It takes one to three business days and works the same way: you enter the recipient's bank details and the amount. ACH transfers are best when you're not in a hurry and want to avoid the wire fee. Both methods require you to have online access to your account.
If you don't have online access, call your bank's customer service line and ask them to process the transfer over the phone. They'll ask you to verify your identity with your Social Security number or other information, then walk you through the details. Phone transfers may take longer to process and may carry a higher fee.
Getting a cashier's check at a branch
A cashier's check is a check issued by the bank itself, not by you. It's may provide by the bank, so the recipient knows the money is there. Go to a branch with your ID, tell the teller you want a cashier's check, and say how much and who it should be made out to. The teller will deduct the amount from your account, issue the check on the spot, and charge you a fee of $5 to $15.
Cashier's checks clear faster than personal checks because they're backed by the bank. The recipient can deposit it and usually see the money within one business day. Some places treat cashier's checks like cash and don't require a deposit at all. This makes them useful if you're paying a landlord, a contractor, or someone else who needs proof the money is real.
You can only get a cashier's check during branch hours. If you need one on a weekend or after hours, you'll have to wait until the branch opens. Some banks let you order a cashier's check online and pick it up at a branch the next business day, but this varies by bank.
Comparing the five methods side by side
| Method | Speed | Limit | Fee | When it works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teller withdrawal | Immediate | Up to your balance | None | During branch hours |
| ATM with PIN or cardless | Immediate | $300–$1,000 per day | None | 24/7 at ATMs in your network |
| Personal check | 1–3 business days | Up to your balance | None | Anytime you have checks |
| Wire transfer | Minutes to hours | Up to your balance | $15–$30 | During business hours or online 24/7 |
| ACH transfer | 1–3 business days | Up to your balance | None | Online 24/7 |
| Cashier's check | Immediate | Up to your balance | $5–$15 | During branch hours |
What to do if your bank branch is closed
If you need cash outside of branch hours, your options are ATM withdrawal (if you have a PIN or cardless access), writing a check to yourself and depositing it at an ATM, or waiting until the branch opens. Wire transfers can be sent online 24/7, but they take hours to arrive and cost a fee. ACH transfers are also available online anytime, but they take one to three business days.
If your bank has no 24-hour ATMs and you need cash right now, you may be able to use an ATM from a different bank. Most banks charge a $2 to $3 out-of-network fee, but the withdrawal still goes through. Check your bank's website to see which ATM networks it belongs to—common ones include Allpoint, MoneyPass, and Surcharge-Free Network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw money from someone else's account if I have power of attorney?
Yes, but you'll need to show the bank a certified copy of the power of attorney document and your ID. The bank may ask you to sign a form authorizing you to withdraw on their behalf. Call ahead to ask what documents the bank needs, because requirements vary.
What if I don't know my account number?
Call your bank's customer service line with your Social Security number and date of birth, and they'll give you your account number. You can also log into your online account or mobile app if you remember your username and password. Your account number is also printed on any checks you have or on your monthly statement.
Do I have to pay a fee to withdraw my own money?
No. Withdrawals at your own bank's branch or ATM are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30, and cashier's checks cost $5 to $15, but those are optional methods. Teller withdrawals, ATM withdrawals, and personal checks have no fee.
Can I withdraw money if my account is overdrawn?
No. You can only withdraw up to your available balance. If your account is negative, the bank will not let you take out cash. You'll need to deposit money first to bring the balance positive.
How long does a wire transfer actually take?
Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within the same business day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time, which is often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. If you send after cutoff, it may not arrive until the next business day. International wire transfers take longer, usually two to five business days.