Your Guide To Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits and Debit Purchase Limits

By Katy Hebebrand

February 10, 2022

NgKhanhVuKhoa / Getty Images/iStockphoto

All banks and credit unions place limits on the amount of money that a person can withdraw from their account at a time.

Why Do ATM Withdrawal Limits Exist?

Consumers with money deposited in a bank and credit union face limits on ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases as a way of protecting the financial institution and the consumer.

If a debit card and PIN are stolen, daily ATM withdrawal and debit card purchase limits ensure that an account isn’t wiped clean by fraudsters. Financial institutions also want to ensure they have enough cash on hand to meet the demands of cash withdrawals for other customers on the same day.

Good To Know

If you have a large amount of money in a bank account and want to make a withdrawal, plan ahead. You may need to give your financial institution advance notice so they can order additional cash for your request. Alternately, you may accept a cashier’s check or money wire for the balance in your account.

What Is Your ATM Withdrawal Limit?

ATM limits vary for each bank or credit union. Daily limits range from $300 to $5,000 per day depending on your account type and agreement with your financial institution.

Can I Withdraw $5,000 From an ATM?

In most cases, the answer is no. On average, an ATM is used for 300 transactions per month, or around 10 times per day. Allowing withdrawals of $5,000 from an ATM would mean refilling the machine more frequently and requiring a bank branch to have more cash on hand.

Alternatives to using an ATM to access $5,000 in a single transaction include:

• Going into a bank branch
• Using a debit card to make a purchase
• Transferring via an Automated Clearing House to another account
• Requesting to wire money for a payment

What Is Your Debit Card Purchase Limit?

Purchase limits on a debit card are usually higher and may be up to the entire balance in your bank account at a given time. Debit card limits vary greatly based on rules set by the bank or credit union.

Advice

Consumers who need a temporary increase for a one-time large purchase should call their financial institution. Banks and credit unions often lift limits for a short time and on a case-by-case basis.

Factors that affect a person’s withdrawal and purchase limits include:

• Type of account
• Length of time as a customer
• Average daily balance
• History of overdrafting or exceeding your account limit
• Credit score and credit history

Daily ATM Withdrawal and Debit Card Purchase Limits at Major Banks and Credit Unions

Here’s what you need to know about the limits at various banks and credit unions around the country. Numbers in the chart are accurate as of Feb. 10, 2022.

Pro Tip

Consumers who reach the daily ATM withdrawal limits and still need more cash can use a PIN-based purchase at a retailer. Many retailers offer up to $100 cash back with a purchase.

Credit Card Cash Advance

Another way to access more cash after reaching a withdrawal limit is to utilize the cash advance option on a credit card. Consumers should be wary of using this feature too often because of high interest rates on cash back. Be prepared to pay back the cash advance quickly to avoid overpaying in interest and fees.

Write a Check

Although consumers use checks less and less, it’s still possible to use one to access cash in a bank account. Depending on the financial institution, you may be able to cash a personal check this way to access more money in a pinch.

Withdraw Money From A Savings Account

Consumers with extra money in savings may access those funds via a transfer to the account owner’s primary checking account. Alternately, you can transfer money directly from a savings account to make a payment via ACH. Keep in mind that Federal Regulation D limits the number of transactions on a savings account each month to six, so this is not a long-term solution.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of accessing extra cash past a daily limit. Can a purchase wait until the next day? Is there another way to pay for a product or service other than cash?

How To Increase Your Withdrawal and Purchase Limits

Some banks and credit unions are willing to work with customers by increasing limits permanently. That depends greatly on policies, procedures and a consumer’s relationship with the financial institution.

Tips for maintaining a good standing with a bank include maintaining a higher average daily balance and not incurring an overdraft on the account. Don’t let an account balance get close to $0 regularly. Higher balances show that a consumer knows how to manage money and not exceed spending limits.

Even if accounts do get close to $0, consumers should at least ensure the balance doesn’t go negative. Consistently surpassing the amount of money in an account is irresponsible. It indicates that the consumer cannot manage money properly.

Final Take

ATM withdrawal and debit card purchase limits are in place for a reason. Consumers that consistently meet and exceed these limits may want to talk to their financial institution or rethink the way they structure their spending.

Sean Dennison contributed to the reporting for this article.

About the Author

Katy Hebebrand

Katy Hebebrand is a freelance writer with eight years of experience in the financial industry. She earned her BA from the University of West Florida and her MA from Full Sail University. Since beginning to work full-time as a freelance writer three years ago, she has written on topics spanning many fields, including home building, families and parenting, legal and professional/corporate communications.