Can You Get Change From an ATM? What to Do Instead

Automated teller machines (ATMs) cannot dispense coins or a wide array of small denominations. Standard ATMs are not designed to provide change. These machines are built for specific types of transactions, primarily focusing on the efficient dispensing of paper currency. They operate under a different set of mechanical principles than a cash register, which limits their ability to provide varied forms of tender.

How ATMs Operate

The internal design of an ATM dictates its cash dispensing capabilities. ATMs utilize specialized compartments, called cassettes, which hold pre-sorted bill denominations. Each cassette is loaded with a single type of bill, such as $20 notes or $50 notes. The machine’s cash dispenser then removes bills from these cassettes one by one, using sensors to ensure accuracy.

This design prioritizes the security and speed of dispensing paper currency. The limited number of cassettes means an ATM can only store and dispense a few different types of bills. The mechanism is optimized for volume and consistency in dispensing a few standard denominations rather than providing highly specific change.

Common ATM Denominations

ATMs most commonly dispense cash in denominations of $20 bills. This is largely due to the $20 bill being the most prevalent note in circulation. While $20 bills are standard, many ATMs, especially those located within bank branches, may also offer $50 and $100 bills. Some modern ATMs are capable of dispensing smaller denominations, such as $5 bills, and in rare cases, even $1 bills, though this is less common and depends on the specific bank and machine.

When a user requests a withdrawal, the ATM’s software calculates the amount using the available denominations, often prioritizing larger bills to minimize the number of notes dispensed. For instance, a withdrawal of $80 might be given as four $20 bills if that is the most efficient combination. If an ATM offers multiple denominations, users might have the option to select their preferred mix of bills, but this still operates within the fixed increments supplied by the machine’s cassettes.

Where to Get Change

Since ATMs are not designed to provide exact change or coins, individuals needing smaller denominations have several alternative options. A direct and reliable method is to visit a bank branch. Tellers at a bank can break larger bills into smaller ones, provide specific denominations, or even supply rolls of coins. While some larger national banks have reduced coin-counting services, many community banks and credit unions continue to offer these, sometimes for free to customers.

Another practical solution involves using cash-back options available at many grocery stores and retail outlets. When making a purchase with a debit card, customers can often request an additional amount of cash, which is then provided by the cashier from the register’s till. This can be an effective way to obtain smaller bills, though limits on cash-back amounts, typically ranging from $10 to $100, are set by individual stores based on their cash reserves. For loose coins, coin-counting machines, such as Coinstar kiosks found in many supermarkets, offer a way to convert them into bills or gift cards. These machines usually charge a fee, often around 11.9% to 12.9% for cash payouts, but the fee is typically waived if the value is converted to a gift card or donated to charity.