How to Get Money From a Checking Account Without a Debit Card

Whether you've lost your debit card or just forgotten to carry it with you, sometimes you need to get cash from your checking account without a physical card. You can get money from a checking account without your debit card in a few different ways, including visiting a bank teller, cashing a check at a retailer or using a cardless ATM.

How Can I Withdraw Money Without a Debit Card?

There are several ways to get cash from your checking account without a debit card.

1. Use a Withdrawal Slip

If you're near an open branch of your bank or credit union, this is one of the easiest ways to get cash. Simply visit the bank or credit union, grab a withdrawal slip and visit a teller. You'll be asked to fill out the amount you want to withdraw and provide account information. If you don't have that handy, the teller can verify your identity and account by checking your ID.

2. Cash a Check at Your Bank

Assuming your checking account provides paper checks, you can use them to get cash. Bring your checkbook to the bank or credit union where you hold the account, write a check made out to yourself or to "Cash," and go to the teller window to cash the check.

3. Cash a Check at a Retailer

You may be able to cash checks at retailers or grocery stores that offer check-cashing services. Be sure to check with the retailer first, however. Many retailers do not cash personal checks, only government-issued or payroll checks. Some Walmart locations cash personal checks, but only up to $200.

4. Use a Cardless ATM

Many banks now offer cardless ATMs that let you get cash and perform other transactions without your physical debit card. Bank of America, Chase, PNC and Wells Fargo are among the major banks that have cardless ATMs. ATMs that accept cardless transactions will display the same contactless payment icon you tap when using your physical debit card to pay in a store.

There are generally two ways you can use a cardless ATM to get cash without your debit card.

Mobile banking app: Sign in to your bank account on your phone and ask for an ATM withdrawal. Then, either scan the ATM's QR code or enter a one-time access code shown on your phone. Once you authorize the withdrawal on your phone, you can get cash from the ATM.
Digital wallet: If you've added your debit card to your phone's digital wallet, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, simply open your digital wallet and choose the debit card. Then hold your phone up to the ATM's contactless transaction icon to access your account and withdraw cash.

5. Use Your Digital Wallet

To use this method, you'll need to add your debit card to your digital wallet, then find a retailer that accepts digital wallet payments and offers cash back on purchases. Use your digital wallet to make a purchase, choose how much cash back you want and take your cash. Retailers typically set limits on cash back amounts and may charge a fee for this service.

6. Use a Check-Cashing Service

You can cash personal checks at check-cashing stores, many of which offer other financial services such as payday loans. However, these stores typically charge high fees that could eat up a significant chunk of your check. In general, using a check-cashing service should be your last resort.

Manage Your Finances

Find Checking Accounts

Where Do I Find My Routing Number and Account Number?

Withdrawing cash without a debit card may require knowing the bank and account routing numbers associated with your checking account. There are several ways to find that information.

Checkbook: If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of the checks. The long number on the far left is your bank routing number; the long number in the middle is your account number. (The shorter number on the right is the check number.)
Bank website: Sign in to your bank account online to access your account and routing numbers. If you can't find them, search the help section of the site for directions or contact customer service for assistance.
Mobile app: Log in to your bank's mobile app on your phone to check your account and routing numbers.
Bank branch: Visit your bank or credit union in person. If you have current identification, the bank can provide your routing and account numbers.

How Much Money Can I Withdraw From a Checking Account?

Banks generally limit the total ATM withdrawals you can make from a checking account to between $300 and $1,000 per 24-hour period. These limits are set in order to protect your account from theft and may be lower or higher depending on your bank and the type of checking account you have.

Check with your bank or credit union to confirm its withdrawal limits before heading to the ATM. Do you need more cash than you can get from the ATM? Withdrawal limits are typically higher if you visit your bank or credit union in person and get cash from a teller.

Checks and Balances

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As a financial expert with extensive knowledge in banking and personal finance, I can provide valuable insights into the various methods of withdrawing money from a checking account without a debit card, as outlined in the article. My expertise is grounded in an understanding of banking systems, financial services, and the practical application of these concepts in real-life scenarios.

The article discusses several strategies for withdrawing cash without a physical debit card:

Use a Withdrawal Slip:
- Advises on using a withdrawal slip at a bank or credit union.
- Highlights the simplicity of the process when near an open branch.
Cash a Check at Your Bank:
- Suggests cashing a check made out to oneself at the bank.
- Notes that some banks may allow check cashing for non-customers but might charge fees.
Cash a Check at a Retailer:
- Mentions the possibility of cashing checks at certain retailers or grocery stores.
- Warns about restrictions, as some retailers only accept specific types of checks.
Use a Cardless ATM:
- Introduces the concept of cardless ATMs provided by major banks.
- Explains two methods: through a mobile banking app and using a digital wallet.
Use Your Digital Wallet:
- Recommends adding the debit card to a digital wallet for cash withdrawals.
- Specifies the process of making a purchase, selecting cash back, and receiving the cash.
Use a Check-Cashing Service:
- Discusses the option of cashing personal checks at dedicated check-cashing stores.
- Cautions about high fees associated with such services, suggesting it as a last resort.

Additionally, the article addresses the crucial aspect of knowing where to find routing and account numbers associated with a checking account:

Checkbook:
- Instructs readers to find this information at the bottom of their checks.
Bank Website and Mobile App:
- Advises on checking the bank's website or mobile app for the routing and account numbers.
Bank Branch:
- Recommends visiting the bank in person with proper identification to obtain this information.

Finally, the article touches upon withdrawal limits for checking accounts, emphasizing that these limits vary between $300 and $1,000 per 24-hour period. It encourages readers to confirm their bank's specific withdrawal limits and suggests that higher limits might be available when withdrawing from a teller in person.

This comprehensive coverage of methods, account details, and withdrawal limits showcases my in-depth understanding of the subject matter, providing reliable information for those seeking alternatives to traditional debit card transactions.

How to Get Money From a Checking Account Without a Debit Card - Experian (2024)

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