Your daily ATM withdrawal limit at Bank of America
Bank of America sets a standard daily ATM withdrawal limit of $500 for most checking and savings accounts. This means you cannot withdraw more than $500 from an ATM in a single calendar day, even if you have more money in your account. The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time.
Your actual limit may be different depending on your account type, how long you have been a customer, and your account history. New accounts often start with lower limits — sometimes $300 or $400 — and increase after a few months of regular use. If you have had multiple overdrafts or fraud on your account, Bank of America may lower your limit temporarily.
The $500 limit applies whether you use a Bank of America ATM or an out-of-network ATM. It also applies to cash advances from a credit card, though credit card cash advances have their own separate limits set by your card agreement.
Key Takeaways
- The standard daily ATM withdrawal limit is $500 per calendar day for most Bank of America accounts, resetting at midnight Eastern Time.
- New accounts may start with lower limits of $300 to $400 and increase after several months of account activity.
- Your limit applies across all ATMs — Bank of America machines and out-of-network ATMs count toward the same daily total.
- You can request a temporary increase by calling customer service, though approval depends on your account history and available funds.
- Limits exist to protect your account from fraud and unauthorized withdrawals, not to restrict your access to your own money.
How to request a higher ATM limit
If you need to withdraw more than $500 in a single day, you can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for a temporary limit increase. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. The representative will review your account and may approve an increase on the spot, though they may also ask you to wait 24 hours while they verify the request.
Temporary increases are usually good for one day only. If you regularly need to withdraw more than $500, you can ask for a permanent increase to your limit. Bank of America will consider your account age, balance, and history before deciding. Accounts with no overdrafts and consistent deposits are more likely to receive a higher permanent limit.
Another option is to withdraw cash over multiple days if you have time to plan ahead. If you need $1,000, you can withdraw $500 today and $500 tomorrow. This avoids the need to call customer service and does not require approval.
Why Bank of America has ATM limits
ATM withdrawal limits exist primarily to protect your account from fraud and theft. If someone steals your debit card or PIN, the limit caps how much they can take in a single day. This gives you time to notice the theft and contact the bank before larger amounts are withdrawn.
Limits also protect Bank of America's ATM machines from running out of cash during high-traffic periods. ATMs hold a finite amount of money and must be refilled regularly. Without limits, a single customer could empty a machine, leaving other customers unable to withdraw cash.
The limit is not a reflection of your creditworthiness or account standing. It is a standard security measure that applies to nearly all customers, regardless of balance or account type.
Withdrawals at the bank branch versus ATM
If you need more than $500 in cash, you can visit a Bank of America branch during business hours and withdraw directly from a teller. Tellers can process withdrawals of any amount, as long as you have the funds in your account and can provide identification. There is no daily limit for branch withdrawals.
For very large withdrawals — typically $10,000 or more — the bank must file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the federal government. This is a legal requirement, not a sign of suspicion. The teller will inform you that the report will be filed and will ask you to confirm the amount. The withdrawal still processes normally.
If you know you will need a large amount of cash, calling your branch ahead of time ensures they have enough cash on hand. Some smaller branches may need to order cash if you are withdrawing several thousand dollars.
ATM limits for different account types
Bank of America offers several account types, and limits can vary slightly. Checking accounts typically have the $500 standard limit. Savings accounts also have a $500 limit, though some high-yield savings products may have different terms. Money Market accounts follow the same $500 daily limit.
Premium accounts like Preferred Rewards may offer higher limits as a benefit. If you maintain a high balance or have direct deposit set up, you may be may be able to access for an increased limit. Check your account agreement or call customer service to see what limit applies to your specific account type.
Business accounts have their own limits, which may be higher than personal accounts. If you operate a business with Bank of America, ask about the ATM limit for your business checking account.
What happens if you try to exceed your limit
If you attempt to withdraw more than your daily limit at an ATM, the machine will reject the transaction. The ATM will display a message saying the amount exceeds your daily limit and will return your card. No money is withdrawn, and no fee is charged for the declined transaction.
You can attempt another withdrawal up to your remaining daily limit. For example, if your limit is $500 and you have already withdrawn $300, you can withdraw up to $200 more that day.
If you repeatedly attempt to exceed your limit or make unusual withdrawal patterns, Bank of America may flag your account for fraud review. This is a protective measure and does not mean you have done anything wrong. The bank may contact you to confirm the activity is legitimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw more than $500 if I have more than $500 in my account?
No. The $500 daily ATM limit is separate from your account balance. You can have $10,000 in your account but still cannot withdraw more than $500 from an ATM in one day. You can visit a branch to withdraw more, or withdraw $500 on consecutive days.
Does the ATM limit reset at midnight or at a specific time?
The limit resets at midnight Eastern Time every day. If you withdraw $500 at 11:59 p.m. ET, you can withdraw another $500 after midnight. The reset happens automatically — you do not need to do anything.
If I use an out-of-network ATM, is my limit different?
No. Your $500 daily limit applies to all ATMs, whether they are Bank of America machines or ATMs operated by other banks or networks. The withdrawal counts toward your daily total regardless of which ATM you use.
What if my account is new — will my limit be lower?
Yes, new accounts often start with a lower limit, sometimes $300 or $400. After several months of regular account activity with no overdrafts or fraud, your limit typically increases to the standard $500. You can also call customer service to request an increase sooner.
Do I get charged a fee if I try to withdraw more than my limit?
No. If the ATM declines your transaction because you have exceeded your daily limit, no fee is charged. You are only charged a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM and Bank of America assesses a surcharge, which is separate from the withdrawal limit.