You are probably wondering if it is possible to withdraw money from a bank that isn’t yours. We have an answer for this question, plus other fallback options you can consider if you get stuck.
You can withdraw money from a bank that is not yours using a debit or ATM card at a fee. If your bank is within a network, you’ll be able to withdraw funds from ATMs within the network at no cost. Other means of withdrawal like checks usually require a bank account, but some banks allow non-clients to cash checks with them.
Withdrawing Cash from a Bank That’s Not Yours
Large banks have a strong presence in different parts of the US, but smaller ones tend to have limited coverage. If you’re banking with the former, you will likely need to withdraw cash from a bank that’s not yours. In this case, the surest option for you is a debit card or an ATM card.
Should I Use a Debit Card or ATM Card?
Debit cards and ATM cards are the two primary means for withdrawing money from a bank that isn’t yours. Both of them are linked to your bank account, albeit differently. The debit card is linked with your checking account, while the ATM card is often linked to the savings account.
The advantage of a debit card is that you can use it to withdraw cash or make payments for merchandise directly. ATM cards can only be used for withdrawals.
Fees and Withdrawal Limits
Whenever you withdraw cash from another bank, you’ll be charged for the service by your bank or the other bank. Some banks do not charge ATM fees and will refund any fees charged to their clients by other banks. The amount to be refunded is usually capped at a particular figure per month. It’s therefore essential to get the facts right before using ATM that isn’t owned by your bank.
You need to be mindful of limits because banks will not allow you to withdraw beyond the daily and weekly limits. Banks like BMO Harris, Capital One, and Bank of America will allow you to withdraw up to $1000. But you can withdraw between $500 and $3000 from Chase bank ATMs.
How to Withdraw Money from an ATM
Withdrawing money from an ATM is very simple. ATMs might differ slightly in design, but basic features and functionality remain the same, so you’ll not feel out of place. Simply insert the card into the card slot and follow the prompts to withdraw money.
Have the PIN at your fingertips, so you don’t waste time trying to recall it. After withdrawing money, check your receipt and destroy it if you don’t want to keep it.
Withdrawing Cash from the Counter
You can withdraw cash from a bank branch that is not yours. But it is impossible to withdraw money from a teller of a different bank.
Cashing a Check in a Bank, That’s Not Yours
No law obligates financial institutions in the US to cash checks for non-clients. However, some banks do cash checks for people who don’t have accounts with them.
Most banks will accept checks from the government and other reputable institutions. For them to accept personal checks, they would be keen to ensure that the drawer has sufficient funds in his account. Whether you are cashing from your bank or a bank that isn’t yours, you need to have proper identification.
Some banks allow you to acquire a prepaid debit card without the need to own an account. This means that you can cash checks at any of their physical locations or ATMs.
Conclusion
Withdrawing money from a bank that is not yours is possible only through a debit card or an ATM card. This usually comes at a cost, but you will not be charged anything if the bank is within your bank’s network. It might even be possible to deposit funds using another bank’s ATM for free.
Some banks will allow you to cash your check even if you are not their customer. But your check must pass their credibility test. If you are cash-strapped but none of the above options works, you can consider cashing your check at grocery stores. Supermarket chains and major retailers can also come in handy.
We will sometimes find ourselves in a location not served by our bank. But, it is crucial to open accounts with banks with a solid online and physical presence. You can also consider having more than one banker. Nowadays, most large banks offer basic checking accounts that require little to no monthly fees or opening balances.
Again, look for a bank that provides innovative mobile banking solutions.