The main ways to get cash out of your checking account

You can withdraw money from a checking account in five ways: at an ATM using your debit card, at a bank teller window during business hours, by writing a check, through a debit card purchase with cash back, or by transferring money to another account. The fastest is usually the ATM — it works 24/7 if your bank has one nearby. The cheapest is the teller window or ATM owned by your bank, because out-of-network ATMs often charge a fee ($2 to $3 per transaction, sometimes more). Writing a check takes longer because the recipient has to deposit it, but it leaves a record and costs nothing.

Which method you choose depends on how much you need, how fast you need it, and whether you want a record of the withdrawal. A $20 cash withdrawal at your bank's ATM takes seconds and is free. Withdrawing $5,000 in cash might require advance notice to your bank and a trip to the teller window. A check works well if you are paying a bill or a person who accepts checks, but not if you need cash right now.

Key Takeaways

  • ATMs owned by your bank are free and available 24/7, while out-of-network ATMs charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal.
  • Teller withdrawals at your bank branch are free and work for any amount, but only during business hours.
  • Checks are free to write and leave a paper trail, but the recipient must deposit them and the money takes days to clear.
  • Debit card purchases with cash back are free and instant, but you can only withdraw what the store allows (usually $20 to $100).
  • Large cash withdrawals ($5,000 or more) may require you to call your bank ahead of time so they have enough cash on hand.

Withdrawing at an ATM

Insert your debit card into an ATM owned by your bank, enter your PIN, select "Withdrawal," choose the amount, and take your cash and card. The transaction is instant and free. Most banks let you withdraw up to $500 to $1,000 per day, though the limit varies by bank and account type. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find your daily limit.

Using an ATM that does not belong to your bank costs money. Out-of-network ATMs charge a fee of $2 to $3 per withdrawal, sometimes more. Your own bank may also charge you a fee for using another bank's ATM — check your account agreement. If you use an out-of-network ATM regularly, the fees add up fast. A better option is to find ATMs in your bank's network or to withdraw cash at a teller window.

Withdrawing at a bank teller window

Go to your bank branch during business hours, take a number or tell the teller you want to withdraw cash, and present your debit card or account number. The teller will count out the cash and hand it to you. This method is free and works for any amount. If you need a large withdrawal — $5,000 or more — call your bank a day or two ahead so the branch has enough cash in the vault.

Teller withdrawals leave a record in your account and give you a receipt. This is useful if you need proof of the withdrawal later. The downside is that you can only withdraw during the branch's hours, which are usually Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturday and closed on Sunday. If you need cash outside these hours, use an ATM instead.

Writing a check

Write a check to yourself or to another person, sign it, and give it to them or deposit it yourself. The money comes out of your checking account once the check clears, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Checks are free to write (your bank provides them with your account) and leave a clear record of who received the money and when. If you are paying a bill or a person who accepts checks, this is often the simplest method.

The downside is that checks are slow. If you need cash right now, a check does not help because the recipient has to deposit it first. Also, if you write a check for more money than you have in your account, it will bounce and you will owe a fee (usually $25 to $35). Write checks only for amounts you know are in your account.

Getting cash back with a debit card purchase

When you buy something at a store with your debit card, ask the cashier for cash back. The store will add the cash amount to your purchase total, deduct it from your checking account, and hand you the bills. This is free and instant. Most stores allow $20 to $100 cash back per transaction, though the limit varies.

This method works well if you are already shopping and need a small amount of cash. It saves you a trip to the ATM and avoids out-of-network fees. The downside is that you can only withdraw what the store allows, and you have to make a purchase to do it. If you need cash without buying anything, use an ATM or visit a teller instead.

Transferring money to another account

You can transfer money from your checking account to another account you own (at the same bank or a different one), to someone else's account, or to a payment service like PayPal or Venmo. Log into your bank's website or app, select "Transfer," enter the recipient's account number or routing number, and the amount. The transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days for accounts at different banks, or is instant for accounts at the same bank.

Transfers are useful if you want to move money between your own accounts or send money to someone without using cash or a check. Most banks allow free transfers, but some charge a fee if you transfer to an account at a different bank. Check your account agreement or call your bank to see if transfers are free. This method does not give you physical cash, so use it only if the recipient can receive money electronically.

What to do if you cannot withdraw money

If your ATM card is not working, your PIN is wrong, or you have reached your daily withdrawal limit, try a different ATM or visit a teller window instead. If your account is frozen or locked, your bank has likely detected suspicious activity or you owe money. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) to find out why and how to unlock it.

If you have a very new account, your bank may place a hold on deposits for a few days before you can withdraw the money. This is normal and usually lasts 3 to 5 business days. If you need the money sooner, call your bank and ask if they can release the hold early. If you are overdrawn (you owe the bank money), you may not be able to withdraw until your balance is positive again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cash can I withdraw from an ATM in one day?

Most banks allow $500 to $1,000 per day at an ATM, but the limit depends on your bank and account type. Check your bank's website, call customer service, or look at your account agreement to find your specific limit. If you need more, visit a teller window or call ahead to arrange a large withdrawal.

Do I have to pay a fee to withdraw money from my own bank's ATM?

No, withdrawals at your bank's own ATMs are always free. You only pay a fee if you use an ATM owned by a different bank. Your bank may also charge you a fee for using another bank's ATM, so check your account agreement.

Can I withdraw money from my checking account without my debit card?

Yes. Go to a teller window at your bank branch and give them your account number or ID. You can also write a check to yourself and deposit it at another bank, though this takes several days. Some banks also allow you to withdraw using your account number and ID at an ATM, but this varies by bank.

What happens if I write a check for more money than I have?

The check will bounce and you will owe a fee (usually $25 to $35). The person who tried to cash or deposit the check may also charge you a fee. To avoid this, only write checks for amounts you know are in your account, or keep a buffer of extra money.

How long does it take to transfer money out of my checking account?

Transfers to accounts at the same bank are usually instant or take a few hours. Transfers to accounts at a different bank take 1 to 3 business days. Some banks offer faster transfers for an extra fee, but standard transfers are free and take the longer timeframe.