Cassiohabib / Shutterstock.com
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you’ve ever arrived at an ATM to withdraw cash only to realize that you don’t have your debit card, you might benefit from a cardless ATM.Using a cardless ATM, you can withdraw money from your bank account with your smartphone — no card necessary. Here’s everything you need to know about cardless ATMs, including finding one when required.
Can I Withdraw Money From an ATM Without a Card?
Yes, withdrawing money from an ATM without a physical card is entirely possible thanks to cardless ATMs. These innovative machines offer a modern solution to accessing your cash without the need for a traditional debit card. Whether you’ve left your wallet at home by mistake or prefer to travel light without carrying multiple cards, cardless ATMs provide a convenient and secure way to get cash using just your smartphone.
What Is a Cardless ATM?
Cardless ATMs utilize technology to allow customers to withdraw cash without a debit card. It’s a helpful option if you don’t have your debit card in your wallet or forgot it at home. As more banks move toward contactless payments, ATMs are doing the same.
There are various ways that contactless ATMs work, but the following technologies are the most common.
- Near-Field Communication: This is the same technology Apple Pay and other payment methods use. To access your money, use the bank app on your smartphone.
- Biometric Verification: Some banks use biometric verification like face ID to allow customers to withdraw cash at contactless ATMs.
- QR Code: Sometimes, you can use your bank app to set up the contactless withdrawal. The app will create a QR code that you scan at the ATM.
- Verification Code: Some cardless ATMs allow you to start the withdrawal on the bank app. After that, the app creates a one-time verification code you input at the ATM.
How To Use a Cardless ATM
You can use a cardless ATM in different ways, but you always need a smartphone or physical debit card.
You can always use a physical debit card at cardless ATMs. Similarly, if you have a debit card saved in your mobile wallet, you can use a contactless ATM to tap the card and access cash.
In addition to those options, some cardless ATMs utilize mobile banking apps to withdraw cash. The details of how it works depend on your bank. It usually involves a QR code, verification process or near-field communication.
Where To Find Cardless ATMs
Check for the contactless tap symbol if you’re searching for a contactless ATM. The image will be on the ATM if the ATM supports contactless transactions.
Make your money work for you
Get the latest news on investing, money, and more with our free newsletter.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Thanks!
You're now subscribed to our newsletter. Check your inbox for more details.
Chase, PNC and Wells Fargo are some of the banks currently offering members contactless ATMs. If you’re interested in accessing the technology, check with your bank about contactless ATM options that are in-network.
Pros of Cardless ATMs
Cardless ATMs come with a lot of perks. Here are some of the most notable ones.
Carry Fewer Cards
One of the biggest perks of cardless ATMs is that you can carry fewer cards. You can carry one or two cards instead of taking a debit card, credit card and identification card. You also don’t have to worry about whether or not you have your debit card with you if you suddenly need cash. It’s helpful to travel lighter and not worry about which card you have on hand.
Extra Security
Even though traditional ATMs are usually safe, cardless ATMs provide additional security features. The biggest one is protection against card skimmers. Card skimmers are inserted in ATMs to record a card’s information so scammers can make unauthorized purchases with them. Skimmers are very difficult to spot, so it can be hard to prevent theft. With a cardless ATM, however, you don’t have to worry about it.
Cash as You Need It
Because cash is becoming less necessary, you might find that you rarely carry it but unexpectedly need it. For example, if you’re at a farmer’s market with local vendors or a cash-only community event, you might need cash without realizing it. In those instances, it’s nice to access money regardless of whether or not you have a physical debit card. Plus, if you can access cash without a debit card, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash as a backup.
Cons of Cardless ATMs
Even though cardless ATMs have benefits, there are potential drawbacks too.
Must Have a Smartphone
You don’t need a debit card to access cash from a cardless ATM. However, you need to have a smartphone. Most people have a smartphone, but it can become an issue if the phone dies or you forget it at home. It’s something to be aware of if you use cardless ATMS.
Fewer Available
The number of available cardless ATMs is still limited compared to traditional ATMs. Because of that, it can be a gamble whether or not you can find one when you need it. As a result, it can defeat the purpose of leaving your debit card behind since you don’t know if you’ll need it to get cash.
Need More Smartphone Security
Cardless ATMs provide additional protections against card skimmers. But as contactless card options become more popular, instances of phone hacking might increase as well. Because of that, it might be necessary to implement additional security measures on your phone, which can be time intensive.
Bottom Line
Even though cardless ATMs are becoming more common, they aren’t as readily available as traditional ATMs. But if you bank with a provider that offers cardless ATMs, it’s worth checking the locations. If there are cardless ATMs near you, you can leave your debit card at home and still have access to cash. It’s a nice perk that makes it easier to get money as you need it.
FAQ
- How can I access an ATM without a card?
- Typically, you use the mobile banking app to withdraw cash. Because of that, it's essential to have your smartphone. The withdrawal process usually involves a QR code, verification or near-field communication.
- What ATM can I use for cardless cash?
- ATMs that support cardless transactions usually have a contactless tap symbol on them, indicating their ability to process transactions using methods like the following:
- Near-field communication (NFC)
- QR codes
- Biometric verification
- ATMs that support cardless transactions usually have a contactless tap symbol on them, indicating their ability to process transactions using methods like the following:
- Can I use Apple Pay at ATM?
- Yes, Apple Pay is accepted at most cardless ATMs. Apple Pay utilizes near-field communication to enable cardless access at these ATMs. To check if an ATM is NFC-enabled and can support Apple Pay, always look for the contactless symbol.
- How do you use cardless ATMs?
- To access a cardless ATM, you'll need a smartphone equipped with your bank's mobile app. The app may enable you to tap on the ATM's contactless reader, generate a QR code for scanning at the ATM or provide a one-time verification code to input at the machine. Some ATMs also offer biometric verification methods.
- Can I use my phone to withdraw money from an ATM?
- Yes, you can use your phone to withdraw money from an ATM if it supports cardless transactions. Look for ATMs with the contactless symbol, indicating NFC capability. Through your bank's app or a digital wallet like Apple Pay, you can tap your phone against the ATM's reader to access your cash.
The article above was refined via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of our editorial team.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Capital One. "What is a cardless ATM?"
- FBI. "Skimming. "
- Pew Research Center. "Americans and Cybersecurity."
