Daily and monthly withdrawal limits at Bank of America
Bank of America sets a daily ATM withdrawal limit of $1,000 for most checking and savings accounts. This means you cannot take out more than $1,000 per day from an ATM, regardless of your account balance. The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time each day.
If you need more than $1,000 in a single day, you have two options: visit a Bank of America branch during business hours and withdraw cash directly from a teller, or call the bank to request a temporary increase to your daily limit. Teller withdrawals at branches do not count against the ATM limit and can be much larger — limited only by the cash the branch has on hand that day.
Bank of America does not publish a monthly withdrawal limit. You can withdraw as much as you want over the course of a month, as long as you stay within the daily ATM cap and have the funds in your account.
Key Takeaways
- ATM withdrawals are capped at $1,000 per day, resetting at midnight Eastern Time.
- Withdrawals at a Bank of America branch teller are not subject to the daily ATM limit and can be much larger.
- You can request a temporary increase to your daily ATM limit by calling Bank of America customer service.
- The bank will not stop you from withdrawing your own money, but large cash withdrawals may trigger reporting requirements to federal authorities.
Withdrawing cash at a branch versus an ATM
The $1,000 daily limit applies only to ATM withdrawals. When you walk into a Bank of America branch and ask a teller for cash, that transaction is not subject to the ATM cap. Tellers can hand you $5,000, $10,000, or more in a single withdrawal — the only real constraint is whether the branch has that much cash physically available.
Branch withdrawals are also faster if you need a large amount. An ATM can only dispense bills up to a certain denomination (usually $100), and you have to make multiple transactions to hit your daily limit. A teller can count out large sums and hand them to you in minutes. If you know you need a specific large amount on a specific day, calling the branch ahead of time to confirm they have the cash on hand is a smart move.
ATMs are convenient for routine withdrawals under $1,000, but they are not the right tool for large cash needs. Plan ahead if you know you will need more than $1,000 in cash on a given day.
Requesting a temporary increase to your daily ATM limit
Bank of America allows you to request a temporary increase to your daily ATM withdrawal limit. You do this by calling Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them the amount you need and the date you need it by. The bank will review your request and may approve an increase for a set number of days.
Approval is not may provide. The bank considers your account history, the size of the increase you are requesting, and how long you have been a customer. If you have a good account standing and the request is reasonable, approval usually takes a few minutes over the phone. The temporary increase typically lasts for 7 to 30 days, depending on what you request.
This option works well if you have a one-time need for extra cash — a vacation, a large purchase, or an emergency. It is faster and easier than visiting a branch, though not as reliable as knowing you can walk into a branch and withdraw whatever you need.
Large cash withdrawals and federal reporting
Withdrawing large amounts of cash from your own bank account is legal. However, banks are required by federal law to report cash transactions over $10,000 to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is called a Currency Transaction Report (CTR), and it is a routine filing — not an accusation or a problem.
The bank files the CTR automatically; you do not have to do anything. Your name, account number, and the amount are reported. This happens whether you withdraw $10,000 at once or make multiple smaller withdrawals that add up to $10,000 in a short period. The bank is also required to report "structuring" — deliberately breaking up large withdrawals into smaller ones to avoid the $10,000 threshold — which is itself illegal.
If you need to withdraw $10,000 or more, simply withdraw it. Do not try to avoid the report by making multiple trips or multiple ATM withdrawals. The report is filed and forgotten; it does not affect your account or your standing with the bank.
Withdrawal limits for different account types
The $1,000 daily ATM limit applies to most Bank of America checking and savings accounts. However, some account types may have different limits. Premium or wealth management accounts sometimes come with higher daily ATM limits — sometimes $2,000 or more. Business accounts may also have different caps.
If you hold a Bank of America credit card, cash advances from that card are subject to a separate limit (usually 20 to 30 percent of your credit limit) and carry interest and fees immediately. That is not the same as a debit card withdrawal from your checking account.
The best way to know your exact limit is to log into your Bank of America online account, call customer service, or ask at a branch. Your account statement or the bank's website will show your current daily ATM limit.
What to do if you hit your daily limit
If you try to withdraw more than $1,000 at an ATM, the machine will decline the transaction. You will not be charged a fee for the declined attempt, but you also will not get the cash. At that point, your options are to wait until the next day (when your limit resets at midnight), visit a branch to withdraw from a teller, or call the bank to request a temporary limit increase.
If you are traveling or in an unusual situation, calling ahead is your best bet. Bank of America customer service can often approve a temporary increase within minutes, and you can then use the ATM or visit a branch with confidence that your withdrawal will go through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw $5,000 from a Bank of America ATM?
No, the daily ATM limit is $1,000. You would need to visit a branch and withdraw from a teller, or request a temporary limit increase by calling customer service. A teller can hand you $5,000 or more in a single transaction.
Does the $1,000 daily limit reset at midnight or at the start of the business day?
The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time, regardless of whether it is a business day or weekend. If you withdraw $1,000 on Monday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, you can withdraw another $1,000 starting at midnight.
Will the bank freeze my account if I withdraw a large amount of cash?
No. Withdrawing your own money, even in large amounts, will not freeze your account. The bank will file a Currency Transaction Report if you withdraw $10,000 or more, but that is a routine filing and does not affect your account status.
Can I use another bank's ATM to get around the Bank of America limit?
No. The $1,000 limit applies to all ATM withdrawals from your Bank of America account, whether you use a Bank of America ATM or an ATM at another bank. The limit is tied to your account, not the machine.
How long does a temporary limit increase last?
Temporary increases typically last 7 to 30 days, depending on what you request when you call. Ask the representative how long your specific increase will be active before you hang up.