Have you ever been at an ATM and realized your wallet is sitting on the kitchen counter? Learning how to use a cardless ATM can save you from making an extra trip. These machines let you withdraw cash using just your smartphone, no debit card required. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to use one.
Key takeaways
Cardless ATMs let you withdraw cash using your smartphone's mobile wallet or your bank's app instead of a physical card.
Cardless ATMs use secure technology like near-field communication (NFC), QR codes, or biometrics to verify your identity.
Cardless ATMs can be quick to use and may help protect you from card-skimming devices.
Not all ATMs support this feature, so it's a good idea to carry your physical card as a backup.
What is a cardless ATM?
A cardless ATM lets you withdraw cash using your smartphone instead of a physical debit card. You open your mobile wallet or banking app, tap your phone on the machine or scan a QR code, and enter your PIN to complete your transaction. The process works like a regular withdrawal, just without inserting a physical card into the machine.
How Chime helps you access your cash
Chime members have access to 47,000+ fee-free in-network ATMs.1 To find a fee-free ATM near you, open the Chime mobile app and tap the ATM map. You can also search Chime's ATM network.
How do cardless ATMs work?
Cardless ATMs rely on a few pieces of tech to securely verify your identity. Here are the most common ways they work.
Near-field communication (NFC)
This is the same tap-to-pay technology used in services like Apple Pay® and Google Pay®. To use it, you open your mobile wallet, select your card, and hold your smartphone near the contactless symbol on the ATM.
The machine reads your card information wirelessly, and then you enter your PIN to verify and complete your transaction.
QR and verification codes
Some ATMs show a QR code on the screen that you can scan. You open your banking app, scan the code with your phone's camera, and follow the prompts.
Other times, your app gives you a one-time code that you type into the ATM to prove it's you before getting cash.
Biometrics
It might feel like living in the future – some ATMs use biometrics like a fingerprint or facial scan to verify your identity. The ATM compares your scan to the data your bank has on file, and if it's a match, you're in.
How to use a cardless ATM: a step-by-step guide
Ready to try it? The exact steps can differ depending on your financial institution and the ATM, but here's the general process.
Open your banking app or mobile wallet. Once you're at the ATM, open your mobile banking app or a supported digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and select the card you want to use.
Tap or scan to connect. If the ATM uses NFC, tap your phone on the contactless symbol. If it uses a QR code, scan it with your phone. Then follow the instructions on the screen.
Enter your PIN and complete the transaction. After the ATM verifies your phone, you enter your debit card's PIN on the keypad. From there, proceed with your withdrawal or other transaction like normal.
Where can you find cardless ATMs?
Finding a cardless ATM is usually simple. Since you're already using your banking app to access your cash, that's also the best place to find a machine.
Most banking apps feature an ATM locator. Open the map and look for a filter button to select cardless or contactless options.
You can typically find these ATMs at:
Bank branches
Major retail stores
Pharmacies and grocery stores
If you're heading somewhere new, check your app before you go. Not every ATM has this technology yet, so a quick look can save you a trip.
Pros and cons of using a cardless ATM
Like any technology, cardless ATMs have some benefits and a few things to keep in mind. Here's a quick breakdown.
Pros of cardless ATMs
Enhanced security: You may have less risk of your card information being stolen by devices like skimmers because you do not insert a physical card into the ATM terminal.
Convenience: Left your wallet at home? No problem. As long as you have your phone, you can still access your cash.
Speed: Tapping your phone or scanning a code can save time compared with finding, inserting, and removing a physical card.
Cons of cardless ATMs
Limited availability: The number of ATMs with cardless technology is growing, but there may not be one close by.
Tech dependency: You need a charged smartphone with an internet connection to use a cardless ATM. If your battery dies, you're out of luck without your physical card.
Is a cardless ATM right for you?
If you love using your phone for everything and want an extra layer of security, cardless ATMs are worth trying. They can save you from that "Oh no, I forgot my wallet!" moment. Just keep your physical card handy, since not all ATMs support this feature yet.
For more tips on accessing cash without fees, read our guide on understanding ATM fees and how to avoid them.