It’s rare nowadays that you would need cash to make a purchase. Many people simply use their credit cards or smartphone payment apps for every purchase.However, there’s bound to come a time when you need cash for something. And if you don’t have a debit card or have misplaced yours, that cash can be more difficult to get. The good news is there are still ways to get cash without a debit card.
Options for Withdrawing Money Without a Card
Even without a debit card, there are ways to access money. These methods aren’t as convenient as stopping at an ATM with your debit card since most require visiting a particular location.
Cash a Check
One way to access cash from your bank account is to write yourself a check. You won’t need your debit card to cash it. You should have no problem cashing the check at a bank or credit union where you have an account. Additionally, many banks and other locations allow you to cash a check even if you don’t have a bank account there.
It’s worth noting that banks are not obligated to cash checks for non-customers, and some have a policy where they won’t.
However, many banks will cash checks for anyone in the following circ*mstances:
- The check is written by an account holder and there’s enough money in the account to cover it
- The check is less than six months old
- You can show identification that matches the payee's name on the check
In addition to banks, there are also some retail locations that cash checks. For example, Walmart offers check-cashing services.
Unlike financial institutions, retail stores generally charge fees for check-cashing services. To avoid fees, cash your checks at banks and credit unions when possible.
Withdrawal Slip at a Bank
Another way to get cash is the old-fashioned way of simply withdrawing it from your account at the bank. You’ll fill out a withdrawal slip with your bank account number, the name on the account, and the amount you want to withdraw.
While many banks use your debit card to confirm your account, you can provide an ID instead.
Cash Back at Certain Stores
If you’ve ever purchased something with your debit card, you may have been given the option to get cash back from your account. Let’s say you make a purchase for $20. You could request $80 in cash back, and the store would run the transaction for $100—enough to cover your purchase and cash-back amount.
You don’t actually need a physical debit card to take advantage of this feature, as long as you have your debit card saved in your mobile wallet. An Apple or Google mobile wallet allows you to store your payment information, then use it to pay in stores.
Even if you don’t normally use a mobile wallet to pay, adding your debit card to one is a great way to ensure you’ll always be able to make purchases and get cash, even if you lose your debit or credit card.
Cardless ATMs
You might be surprised to learn that you can withdraw cash from an ATM even without your debit card. This feature is known as a cardless ATM, and while not all ATMs have this feature, you can find those that do with many major banks.
Using a cardless ATM is similar to using your mobile wallet to pay or get cash back at a store. First, check to make sure the ATM has the contactless payment symbol that indicates it accepts mobile wallet transactions.
Once you’ve confirmed the ATM allows for cardless ATM access, you can follow the prompts to withdraw cash. Instead of inserting your debit card, you’ll tap your phone to the ATM, then enter your PIN as you normally would.
Some cardless ATMs work a bit differently, where instead of tapping your phone with your mobile wallet, you’ll use your bank’s mobile app. In this case, there’s usually a QR code on the ATM that you’ll scan with the app.
Get Help From Your Bank
If you’re having trouble getting cash because you’ve lost your debit card or it's been stolen, contact your bank or credit union as soon as possible. Not only will your financial institution send you a new card, but it will also turn off access to your current card to ensure no one can use it.
While you wait for your new card, you may be able to rely entirely on your credit card for spending. However, if you need cash during that time, your local bank should be able to help.
If you’ve reported your debit card as lost or stolen, you probably won’t be able to use some of the contactless payment methods we’ve discussed above, such as cash back at retail stores or cardless ATMs. However, you can still use the other strategies.
Best Checking Accounts With No ATM Fees
| Bank | Account | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Axos Bank | Rewards Checking | No ATM fees and earn up to 3.30% APY |
| Ally Bank | Interest Checking Account | No ATM fees and reimburses fees charged by out-of-network ATMs (up to $10) |
| Paramount Bank | Interest Checking | No ATM fees and earn 3.00% interest on balances up to $100,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Your Debit Card Number Without the Card?
Yes, you can use your debit card number without physically having the card. If you have the number written down or memorized, you can enter it for online purchases. You can also use your debit card for both online and in-store purchases if you have it saved to your mobile wallet.
What Is the Fastest Way to Withdraw Cash From Your Account Without the Card?
The fastest way to withdraw cash from your account without the card is either getting cash back from a retail store or using a cardless ATM. Keep in mind, however, that both of these methods require that you have your debit card saved on your mobile wallet. If you don’t, you’ll have to visit your bank or write yourself a check to cash elsewhere.
How Can You Access Your Money While Waiting for a New Card?
If you’ve requested a new debit card from your bank, you may be able to continue using it via your mobile wallet. However, many banks turn off access to a card that’s been reported lost or stolen. In that case, you’ll have to get cash directly from the bank.
Can I Withdraw Cash Using Apple Pay?
Yes, there are several methods that allow you to get cash using your Apple digital wallet. First, you can get cash back when you pay for something at a retail store. Additionally, you can use your Apple wallet—with your debit card info stored in it—at any ATM that allows for cardless withdrawals.
