What an ATM can and cannot do with transfers

Most ATMs cannot transfer money directly to another bank account. An ATM is built to dispense cash and accept deposits into the account linked to your card — it does not have the software to send funds to a third party or to a different bank. If you withdraw cash at an ATM and then deposit it elsewhere, that works, but the ATM itself is not doing the transfer.

Some banks have installed newer ATMs with expanded functions, including the ability to send money to another account at the same bank or to a linked account you have set up in advance. These are rare and usually only available at the bank's own ATMs, not at shared networks. Your bank's website or a call to customer service will tell you whether your ATM offers this feature.

The practical reality: if you need to move money to another bank account, you will use your phone, computer, or a teller — not the ATM itself. An ATM is a tool for cash, not for account-to-account transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard ATMs cannot transfer money between bank accounts; they only dispense cash and accept deposits to your own account.
  • Some newer bank ATMs offer limited transfer functions, but only to accounts at the same bank or pre-linked accounts you have already set up.
  • To move money to another bank account, use your bank's mobile app, online banking portal, or visit a teller in person.
  • If you withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it at another bank, the ATM is not performing the transfer — you are moving physical cash.

How to actually transfer money between banks

The fastest method is your bank's mobile app or online banking portal. Log in, select "Send Money" or "Transfer," enter the receiving account number and routing number, and confirm. Most banks process transfers between different banks within one to three business days using the ACH network (Automated Clearing House). Some banks offer faster options like Zelle or wire transfers for an additional fee.

If you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, visit a teller at your bank branch. Bring your ID and the receiving account details. A teller can initiate a wire transfer (which costs $15 to $30 but arrives the same day or next business day) or an ACH transfer (which is free but takes longer).

Withdrawing cash at an ATM and depositing it at another bank is also an option, but it is slower and riskier — you are carrying physical money, and the receiving bank may place a hold on the deposit. This method works if you have time and prefer not to share account numbers online.

When your bank's ATM network allows transfers

Some banks, particularly larger ones, have upgraded certain ATMs to handle transfers within their own network. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have rolled out ATMs that let you send money to another account at the same bank. The process is similar to a withdrawal: insert your card, select "Transfer Funds," choose the receiving account, enter the amount, and confirm.

These transfers are usually instant or complete within hours because the money stays within the same bank's system. However, this only works if both accounts are at the same bank. If you are trying to send money to a different bank, you cannot use this ATM feature.

Check your bank's website or call the customer service number on the back of your card to find out whether your ATM offers this service. Not all branches have upgraded machines, so location matters.

Transfers to accounts outside your bank

To send money from your account to someone else's account at a different bank, you need to use ACH, a wire transfer, or a peer-to-peer service like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. An ATM cannot do this because it has no connection to other banks' systems.

ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days. Wire transfers cost money ($15 to $30) but arrive the same or next business day. Zelle is free and often instant if both people use the same bank or a participating bank. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal are free for bank transfers but charge a fee if you use a credit card.

Your bank's app or website will guide you through each method. Choose based on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you want to pay a fee.

What to do if you need cash at another bank

If your goal is to get cash from your account at a different bank's ATM, you have options. Most banks are part of a shared ATM network — Allpoint, MoneyPass, or Surcharge-Free Network — that lets you withdraw cash without a fee at thousands of ATMs nationwide. Check your bank's website to see which network it belongs to and find participating ATMs.

If the ATM you want to use is not in your bank's network, you will pay a surcharge (usually $2 to $3) charged by the ATM operator, plus a possible fee from your own bank. Some banks waive the fee; others do not.

Alternatively, you can visit a branch of another bank and ask a teller to withdraw cash from your account. Many banks will do this for free if you show your ID and debit card, though some charge a small fee. This is slower than using an ATM but avoids surcharges.

Security and fraud protection for transfers

When you transfer money using your bank's app or website, the transaction is encrypted and protected by your bank's fraud monitoring. If someone transfers money out of your account without permission, your bank's fraud department can investigate and reverse the transfer under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, usually within 10 business days.

Withdrawing cash at an ATM and depositing it elsewhere removes that protection. Once cash leaves your hand, it is gone. If you lose it or someone steals it, your bank cannot recover it. This is why transferring electronically is safer than moving large amounts of cash.

For transfers to accounts you do not recognize or to people you do not know, use a service like Zelle or a wire transfer so you have a record and some recourse if something goes wrong. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal offer less protection than bank transfers, so use them only for people you trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from an ATM to PayPal or Venmo?

No, ATMs do not connect to PayPal or Venmo. You can withdraw cash at an ATM and then deposit it into those apps using your bank account, but the ATM itself cannot initiate the transfer. Use your bank's app or website to link your account to PayPal or Venmo, then transfer from there.

What if I need to send money to another bank right now?

Use a wire transfer through your bank's app, website, or a teller. Wire transfers usually arrive the same business day or next business day and cost $15 to $30. If both people use banks that offer Zelle, that can be instant and free. ACH transfers are free but take one to three business days.

Do I need the other person's routing number to transfer money?

Yes, for ACH and wire transfers you need the receiving bank's routing number and the account number. Your bank's app usually has a field to look up routing numbers, or you can find it on a check or by calling the receiving bank. Zelle and peer-to-peer apps use email or phone number instead.

Will my bank charge me to transfer money to another bank?

ACH transfers between banks are free. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30. Zelle is free. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal are free for bank transfers but charge a fee if you use a credit card. Check your bank's fee schedule or app for exact costs.

Can I transfer money from someone else's ATM card to my account?

No. An ATM only works with the card inserted into it. You cannot use someone else's card to transfer their money to you. If someone wants to send you money, they need to initiate the transfer from their own bank account using their app, website, or a teller.