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ATM Withdrawal Limits: Everything You Need to Know

ATM Withdrawal Limits: Everything You Need to Know

Written by

January 13, 2026

An ATM withdrawal limit is the maximum amount of cash you can take out from an ATM within a 24-hour period.

Most banks cap these limits between $300 and $3,000 per day, depending on account type, customer history, and risk management policies.

In this guide, you'll learn how ATM limits work, how to increase yours, and what to do when you need more cash than your daily limit allows.

Key Insights

Most banks set ATM withdrawal limits between $300–$3,000 per day, depending on account type and history.
If you exceed your ATM limit, the withdrawal is usually declined. If you’re approved for a withdrawal that exceeds your available funds (separate issue), you may trigger overdraft fees, depending on your settings.
ATM limits help banks prevent fraud, manage cash availability, and improve ATMs availability.
You can often increase your limit by contacting your bank or visiting a branch.
Digital alternatives like Venmo or debit card purchases can help bypass ATM limits when needed.

What Is an ATM Withdrawal Limit?

An ATM withdrawal limit is the maximum amount of cash you can take out (a) in a single ATM transaction and/or (b) across a 24-hour period. The cap comes from your bank, the ATM owner/network, or both.

Why Do Banks Set Withdrawal Limits?

Banks implement withdrawal limits for several strategic reasons:

Cash availability: Banks want to ensure all customers can access cash when needed. ATMs need to maintain sufficient cash reserves throughout the day to serve all customers.
Fraud prevention: Large cash withdrawals can be a red flag for potential fraud. By setting reasonable limits, banks add an extra layer of security to protect your funds from unauthorized access.
Cost management: Refilling ATMs is expensive and involves secure transport and handling. Limits help banks balance customer access with the costs of keeping machines stocked.
Network efficiency: By preventing exceptionally large withdrawals, banks can reduce the frequency of declined transactions and out-of-service ATMs, ensuring a more reliable experience for all customers.

How Much Can I Withdraw From an ATM Per Day?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each bank sets its own withdrawal limits. However, withdrawal limits typically range from $300 to $2,000 per day. Visit your bank’s website or contact them by phone to learn about specific withdrawal limits for your account.

Remember that ATM withdrawal limits often differ from debit card spending limits. While your ATM withdrawals might be limited to $600 per 24-hour period, debit card purchase limits are usually higher in the same timeframe (subject to your available balance and bank policies).

You may be able to move money using services like Venmo or Cash App, but app limits and verification rules apply, so check the limits inside the app before relying on it.

What Affects Your ATM Limit?

Several factors can influence your ATM withdrawal limit, including:

Bank policies: Each financial institution sets its own limits based on risk controls and ATM network agreements. Limits can vary widely between banks and credit unions, so check your account's specific cap.
Account type: Checking accounts typically offer higher withdrawal limits than savings accounts. Premium or upgraded checking accounts often come with even higher limits.
Banking history: Long-term customers with positive account histories may qualify for higher withdrawal limits.
ATM network: Your withdrawals may be processed through your bank's ATMs or third-party networks, each with its own limitations. This network includes both bank-operated ATMs and those managed by other providers.
Available balance: Regardless of your set limit, you can't withdraw more than the available funds in your account.

What Happens If You Exceed the Limit?

Attempting to withdraw more than your daily ATM limit typically results in a declined transaction. However, other scenarios can occur depending on your bank's policies, such as:

Overdraft fees: If you have overdraft protection, your bank might approve the withdrawal but charge you an overdraft fee for the service.
Account restrictions: Your bank may temporarily limit your debit card access or online banking capabilities as a fraud prevention measure.
Negative balance: Withdrawing more than your available balance can result in a negative account balance, leading to additional fees and penalties.

To avoid these issues, familiarize yourself with your withdrawal limits before making large cash withdrawals. This will help you avoid declined transactions, unnecessary fees, and potential account restrictions.

"Why Was I Declined?" Checklist

You hit your daily limit
You hit the ATM’s per-transaction limit
The ATM ran low on cash
Your bank flagged the transaction for fraud prevention
Your available balance (not ledger) is too low

How to Access More Cash When You Hit Your Limit

While you can't bypass your ATM withdrawal limits, there are several practical ways to access the cash you need:

Visit your bank branch: If you need a larger amount, going to a local branch during business hours is often the simplest option. Teller withdrawals usually aren’t subject to ATM limits, and you can typically take out more than you could at an ATM.
Request a limit increase: If you have a specific need, contact your bank about temporarily raising your withdrawal limit. Many banks will accommodate reasonable requests from customers in good standing.
Use cash back or card payments when possible: If you don’t need physical cash, paying with a debit card can be easier than withdrawing. For smaller cash needs, some retailers also offer cash back at checkout (often with its own store-imposed cap).
Consider digital alternatives: When possible, use payment options like debit cards, digital payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal), or checks. These methods often have higher transaction limits and may be more convenient than carrying cash. Apple Cash transfers are possible too, but per-transfer and weekly caps apply.
Plan withdrawals: If timing is flexible, you can split withdrawals across two limit periods, for example, one today and another after the limit resets. Depending on the bank, the “daily” limit may reset at a set time (like midnight) or run on a rolling 24-hour window.
Make multiple withdrawals: Although possible, making multiple withdrawals from one or several ATMs isn't ideal. This approach typically incurs fees for each transaction, making it a costly option.

Bottom Line

Before you need cash urgently, check your ATM limit in your bank app (or call the number on the back of your card). If you regularly bump into the cap, ask about a temporary increase or plan a teller withdrawal for larger amounts.

Looking for better ATM terms? Compare online banks that offer higher daily limits and fewer restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average ATM withdrawal limit?

Most banks allow between $300 and $2,000 per 24 hours, but it varies by account and customer.

2. Is my debit card spending limit the same as my ATM withdrawal limit?

No. Debit card purchases usually have a much higher daily limit than ATM withdrawals.

3. Can I ask my bank to increase my ATM limit?

Yes. Many banks allow temporary or permanent limit increases by request.

4. Can I withdraw more than my ATM limit from the bank?

Yes. Visiting a physical bank branch lets you withdraw larger amounts without ATM restrictions.

Written byDavid Kindness

David Kindness is a finance, insurance and tax expert at BestMoney.com. He has written for Investopedia, The Balance, and Techopedia, sharing his deep expertise in taxation, accounting, and finance. A CPA with a Bachelor’s in Accounting, David has worked as a tax specialist and Senior Accountant for high-net-worth clients and businesses in the San Diego area.