How much you can withdraw depends on your account type and the ATM you use
Bank of America sets a daily ATM withdrawal limit that caps how much cash you can take out in a 24-hour period. For most checking and savings accounts, that limit is $1,000 per day. Some account types—like premium or wealth management accounts—may have higher limits, and you can request a temporary increase if you need more cash for a specific reason.
The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time, not when you make your first withdrawal. If you hit the limit at 11 p.m., you cannot withdraw again until after midnight, even if only a small amount remains in your account. The limit applies across all Bank of America ATMs and partner network ATMs you use on the same day.
If you try to withdraw more than your limit, the ATM will decline the transaction. You will not be charged a fee for the declined attempt, but your card may be temporarily locked if you try multiple times in succession. Contact Bank of America to unlock it or to discuss raising your limit.
Key Takeaways
- The standard daily ATM withdrawal limit for Bank of America accounts is $1,000, resetting at midnight Eastern Time each day.
- Premium accounts and wealth management accounts may have higher limits; check your account documents or call to confirm your specific limit.
- You can request a temporary increase to your limit by calling Bank of America or visiting a branch, though approval depends on your account history and available funds.
- Declined withdrawals do not cost a fee, but repeated attempts may trigger a temporary card lock for security reasons.
- The limit applies to all ATMs—Bank of America-owned and partner network machines—within the same 24-hour period.
Why Bank of America sets daily ATM limits
Daily limits exist primarily as a fraud prevention tool. If someone steals your card or account information, the limit restricts how much they can withdraw before you notice and report the theft. A $1,000 cap means a fraudster cannot drain your account in a single transaction.
Limits also protect the ATM network itself. Large withdrawals at multiple machines in quick succession can trigger additional security holds or require manual review. Bank of America uses these caps to manage cash flow across its ATM fleet and to flag unusual activity patterns.
Your limit may be lower than $1,000 if your account is new, if you have a history of overdrafts, or if you maintain a very low balance. Contact your bank to understand why your specific limit is set where it is.
How to request a higher withdrawal limit
Call Bank of America's customer service at the number on the back of your card and ask to increase your daily ATM limit. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. The bank will ask why you need the increase—whether it is for a one-time event like a vacation or a permanent change to your account.
For a temporary increase (usually valid for 7 to 30 days), approval is often immediate or within one business day. For a permanent increase, the bank may review your account history, recent transaction patterns, and available balance. Approval is not may provide and depends on your account standing.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person to request a limit increase. A banker can sometimes approve it on the spot or escalate the request if your account qualifies for a higher permanent limit. Bring your ID and be prepared to explain the reason for the increase.
What happens if you need cash beyond your limit
If you need more than $1,000 in a single day, you have several options. You can withdraw the maximum allowed at an ATM, then return after midnight to withdraw again. You can also visit a Bank of America branch during business hours and withdraw cash directly from a teller—teller withdrawals are not subject to the same daily ATM limit and can be much larger, depending on your account balance and the branch's cash on hand.
Another option is to use a debit card for purchases instead of withdrawing cash. This avoids the ATM limit entirely and provides a record of your spending. If you need the cash for a specific event or trip, request a temporary limit increase at least a few days in advance so the bank has time to process it.
If you are withdrawing a very large amount—several thousand dollars or more—call ahead to the branch where you plan to withdraw. The branch may need to order cash to have it available, especially if it is a smaller location.
ATM limits at partner banks and networks
Bank of America is part of the Allpoint network and has partnerships with other banks' ATMs. When you use a non-Bank of America ATM, your daily withdrawal limit still applies—it counts toward the same $1,000 cap. Some partner ATMs may have their own lower limits, in which case the smaller limit controls.
Using an out-of-network ATM (one not owned by Bank of America or a partner) may result in a surcharge from that ATM's operator, typically $2 to $3. Bank of America does not charge you an additional fee for using partner ATMs, but you are responsible for any fees the other bank charges.
Check the Allpoint locator on Bank of America's website or app to find surcharge-free ATMs near you. If you travel frequently or live far from a Bank of America branch, knowing which partner ATMs are available can help you avoid fees and manage your daily withdrawal strategy.
What to do if your card is locked after a declined withdrawal
If you attempt to withdraw more than your limit and the ATM declines the transaction, do not try again immediately. Multiple declined attempts in a short time can trigger a temporary security lock on your card to prevent fraud. The lock typically lasts a few hours to a full business day.
If your card is locked, call Bank of America's customer service number on the back of your card. Explain that you tried to withdraw cash and hit your limit. The bank can unlock your card immediately and discuss whether a temporary limit increase is possible for your situation.
While your card is locked, you cannot use it at ATMs or for purchases. If you need cash urgently, visit a Bank of America branch and withdraw from a teller instead—teller transactions are not affected by ATM locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw more than $1,000 if I have more than $1,000 in my account?
No. The daily ATM limit is separate from your account balance. Even if you have $10,000 in your account, the ATM will not allow you to withdraw more than your daily limit in a single 24-hour period. You can withdraw again after midnight or visit a teller at a branch for larger amounts.
Does the $1,000 limit reset at midnight in my time zone or Bank of America's time zone?
The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time, regardless of where you are located. If you are on the West Coast and withdraw at 11 p.m. Pacific time, you still cannot withdraw again until after midnight Eastern Time—which is 9 p.m. Pacific the next day.
What if I withdraw $500, then try to withdraw $600 the same day?
The ATM will decline the second withdrawal because your combined total ($1,100) exceeds your $1,000 daily limit. You can only withdraw up to $500 more that day. The remaining $100 becomes available after midnight.
Do transfers or bill payments count toward my ATM withdrawal limit?
No. The daily ATM limit applies only to cash withdrawals at ATMs. Transfers between accounts, bill payments, debit card purchases, and checks do not count toward this limit.
Can I withdraw cash from a teller without hitting the ATM limit?
Yes. Teller withdrawals at a Bank of America branch are not subject to the daily ATM limit. You can withdraw much larger amounts directly from a teller, limited only by your account balance and the branch's available cash. Call ahead if you need a very large amount to ensure the branch has it on hand.