Which Banks Offer Cardless ATM Withdrawals?

Cardless ATMs represent a modern evolution in banking, allowing individuals to access their funds without the need for a physical debit card. These machines facilitate transactions through digital means, leveraging technologies embedded within smartphones or banking applications. This innovation offers a streamlined approach to managing cash.

How Cardless ATMs Function

Cardless ATM transactions primarily rely on three technological approaches: Near Field Communication (NFC), Quick Response (QR) codes, and mobile banking application integration. NFC technology enables communication between a smartphone and an ATM when the phone is held in close proximity to a designated reader, similar to contactless payment terminals. This method often involves using a mobile wallet application on the smartphone, which stores digital debit cards.

Alternatively, some cardless ATMs utilize QR codes displayed on the ATM screen. A user scans this code with their bank’s mobile application to process the transaction.

A third common method involves generating a one-time access code or pre-staging a withdrawal through a bank’s mobile application. The user initiates the transaction on their phone, specifying the amount, and receives a unique code. This code is then manually entered into the ATM, along with the user’s personal identification number (PIN), to complete the withdrawal.

Banks Offering Cardless ATM Services

Several major financial institutions in the United States have implemented cardless ATM capabilities, providing their customers with cash access options. Bank of America offers cardless ATM access primarily through NFC technology, allowing customers to use their smartphone’s digital wallet or the bank’s mobile app at compatible ATMs.

Chase Bank also supports cardless withdrawals, enabling customers to tap their mobile device with an eligible Chase debit card loaded into a mobile wallet (such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay) at NFC-enabled ATMs. Wells Fargo provides two main cardless options: customers can generate a one-time eight-digit access code through their mobile app, which is then entered at the ATM, or utilize NFC technology by tapping their mobile device with a digital wallet.

Citibank allows cardless ATM withdrawals through its mobile app, where users can set up a cardless cash withdrawal and receive a one-time PIN via SMS. They then proceed to the ATM, where a second one-time PIN is required. PNC Bank similarly offers “Card Free Access” via its mobile app, which generates an eight-digit access code that customers enter at the ATM along with their PIN to complete it.

Using a Cardless ATM

When approaching a cardless ATM, the initial step typically involves selecting the “Cardless” option on the machine’s screen. If the ATM utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC), you will activate your mobile wallet application on your smartphone and hold the device near the contactless symbol on the ATM. The ATM will then connect with your digital wallet, prompting you to enter your personal identification number (PIN) directly on the ATM’s keypad.

For ATMs that employ QR codes or app-generated codes, you will open your bank’s mobile application and follow the prompts to initiate a cardless withdrawal. If a QR code is displayed on the ATM screen, you will use your phone’s camera within the banking app to scan it. If an access code is generated, you will manually input this code into the ATM, followed by your PIN.

After successful authentication, the ATM interface will present the usual transaction options, such as cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, or transfer. You will select your desired transaction type and enter the amount. The ATM will then dispense the cash and provide a receipt.