Most savings accounts do not come with an ATM card by default, but many banks will issue one if you ask
A savings account is designed to hold money you are not spending right now. An ATM card is a tool to withdraw cash from machines without going inside a branch. Banks keep these separate because they serve different purposes: a savings account earns interest, while an ATM card is just access to your money.
Whether your savings account comes with an ATM card depends on your bank and the type of account you have. Some banks automatically issue one when you open a savings account. Others require you to request it. A few savings accounts—usually high-yield or online-only accounts—do not offer ATM cards at all, though they may reimburse you for ATM fees you pay at other banks.
The card itself is usually free, but using it at an ATM outside your bank's network may cost you a fee. That fee typically ranges from $1 to $3 per withdrawal, depending on the ATM operator and your bank's policy.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional banks issue ATM cards for savings accounts automatically, but online banks and some high-yield accounts do not.
- You can usually request an ATM card from your bank at any time, even if one was not issued when you opened the account.
- Using your savings account ATM card at a machine outside your bank's network typically costs $1 to $3 per withdrawal.
- Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees, so check your account terms before paying the fee yourself.
- A debit card linked to a checking account is a different product and should not be confused with a savings account ATM card.
How banks decide whether to issue an ATM card
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically issue an ATM card automatically when you open a savings account. The card works at their ATM network, and you can use it to withdraw cash or check your balance.
Online banks and credit unions vary. Some, like Ally Bank or Marcus by Goldman Sachs, do not issue physical ATM cards at all because they have no branch network. Instead, they reimburse you for ATM fees you incur at other banks—you withdraw cash from any ATM, pay the fee, and the bank credits it back to your account. Others, like Discover Bank, issue ATM cards but charge you for out-of-network use.
High-yield savings accounts sometimes come without an ATM card as a trade-off for the higher interest rate. If you need one, contact your bank and ask. Most will issue it for free, though it may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
The difference between a savings ATM card and a debit card
An ATM card linked to a savings account lets you withdraw cash and check your balance. It does not let you make purchases at stores or online. A debit card, which is linked to a checking account, does both—you can withdraw cash and swipe it to pay for things.
This distinction matters because savings accounts have federal limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month. Historically, the limit was six per month, though many banks have removed this cap. An ATM card withdrawal counts toward that limit if your bank still enforces it. A debit card withdrawal from a checking account does not, because checking accounts have no withdrawal limit.
If you use your savings account ATM card frequently, check your bank's withdrawal policy. Some banks will charge you a fee or close your account if you exceed their limit.
How to request an ATM card for your savings account
If your bank did not issue an ATM card when you opened your account, you can request one through your online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process is straightforward and usually takes less than five minutes.
Call the customer service number on the back of any bank card you have, or look for a "Request a Card" option in your online banking dashboard. You will need to confirm your identity and the address where you want the card mailed. Most banks send it within 5 to 10 business days.
If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw money from a teller at any branch of your bank, or ask your bank whether they offer a temporary digital card you can add to your phone's wallet for immediate use.
ATM fees and how to avoid them
Using your savings account ATM card at your own bank's ATM is always free. Using it at another bank's ATM usually costs money—typically $1 to $3 per withdrawal, charged by the ATM operator's bank. Your bank may charge an additional fee on top of that.
To avoid fees, plan your withdrawals around your bank's ATM locations. If your bank has few branches near you, consider switching to a bank with a larger network or one that reimburses out-of-network fees. Some banks, like Charles Schwab and Ally, reimburse all out-of-network ATM fees automatically, which means you can withdraw from any ATM without paying anything out of pocket.
If you use out-of-network ATMs regularly, the reimbursement feature can save you $50 to $100 per year. Check your account terms or call your bank to see whether this benefit applies to your savings account.
What happens if your ATM card is lost or stolen
If your savings account ATM card is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately. Most banks let you report it by phone, through their app, or online. Once reported, the card is deactivated and cannot be used.
Your liability for fraudulent withdrawals depends on how quickly you report the loss. If you report it before any unauthorized withdrawals occur, you are not responsible for anything. If withdrawals happen after the card is lost but before you report it, your liability is typically limited to $50 under federal law, though many banks waive this fee entirely.
Your bank will mail you a replacement card, usually within 5 to 10 business days. If you need cash before it arrives, you can withdraw money from a teller at a branch or ask about a temporary digital card for your phone.
Savings accounts with no ATM card option
Some savings accounts, particularly high-yield accounts at online banks, do not offer physical ATM cards. This is usually because the bank has no branch network and wants to keep costs low so they can offer higher interest rates.
If you have this type of account and need to withdraw cash, you have a few options. You can transfer money from your savings account to a linked checking account and use that account's debit card. You can visit a branch of a partner bank if your bank has a network agreement. Or you can withdraw cash at a teller window if your bank has any physical locations.
Before opening a savings account without an ATM card, make sure you understand how you will access your money. If you withdraw cash frequently, this type of account may not be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account ATM card to make purchases at stores?
No. An ATM card only works at ATMs and lets you withdraw cash or check your balance. To make purchases, you need a debit card linked to a checking account. Some banks offer both cards, but they are separate products.
Do I have to pay a fee to get an ATM card for my savings account?
No. The card itself is free. You may pay a fee only when you use it at an ATM outside your bank's network, typically $1 to $3 per withdrawal. Your bank may also charge an additional fee on top of that.
What if my bank does not offer ATM cards for savings accounts?
Some online banks do not issue physical ATM cards. Instead, they reimburse you for fees you pay at other banks' ATMs. You can also transfer money to a linked checking account and use that account's debit card to withdraw cash.
How long does it take to get an ATM card after I request one?
Most banks mail ATM cards within 5 to 10 business days of your request. Some banks offer temporary digital cards you can add to your phone's wallet for immediate use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Am I responsible if someone uses my lost ATM card without permission?
Your liability is limited to $50 under federal law if you report the loss promptly. Many banks waive this fee entirely. If you report the loss before any unauthorized withdrawals occur, you are not responsible for anything.