How to withdraw money from your bank

There are multiple ways to withdraw money from your bank account, especially with the digital banking tools available today. You can withdraw cash from your bank account at an ATM or nearby branch of your bank, or you can directly transfer your money using online banking services and tools.

Withdraw money from an ATM

If you have a checking account or a savings account that offers ATM cards, you can make withdrawals at any ATM. You simply insert your debit or ATM card and verify your identity by using your 4-digit PIN.

You may encounter certain limits when withdrawing cash from an ATM. Banks can set daily withdrawal limits to help prevent fraud and theft, and individual ATMs may have lower limits set at the discretion of the ATM owner.

Using ATMs associated with your bank is typically the best way to avoid ATM fees. Using other ATMs may cost a fee from your bank and/or the ATM owner, although some bank accounts, such as the Citigold Account, will reimburse.

All Citi checking account members can enjoy access to one of the largest networks of fee-free Citibank ATMs in the U.S.

Do you need a debit card to withdraw money from an ATM?

You typically need a debit or ATM card to withdraw money from an ATM. The card and the PIN both serve to protect your identity and prevent fraud. However, some ATMs now offer cardless withdrawal options, usually by connecting to either a bank's mobile app or the digital wallet of your choice.

Withdraw money in person from the bank

You can also withdraw cash in person at your local bank branch. There are two ways to do this:

1. Write a check out to cash: Filling out a personal check and having "cash" as the payee line can let you access money from your account
2. Talk to a teller: Money can be withdrawn directly via a bank teller, although you will need to provide a proof of identity such as your Debit card and PIN or a government-issued ID

Withdrawing money from a savings account vs a checking account

Checking accounts make it easy to access and withdraw your money when you need it. All Citi checking accounts come with a debit card that lets you withdraw money easily at any ATM or Citi branch. You can also use a debit card to make direct transactions with most vendors.

Saving accounts also offer several ways to easily access your money. Funds can be withdrawn by visiting any Citi branch to access the funds in your Citi savings account. Citi savings accounts linked to Checking accounts can transfer funds between the accounts with no transfer fee and funds can be accessed as soon as the transfer is approved.

How many times can you withdraw money from your savings account each month?

Many bank accounts will restrict the amount of times you can withdraw money each month before they begin to charge a fee. This is to encourage using your savings account to save, rather than as a daily banking account. Citi does not limit withdrawals from savings accounts.

Withdrawing money from an online bank account

If you have a bank account that you primarily access online without a local branch, there are still several ways to access your funds.

Many online banks have a network of free ATMs through a partnership. This allows you to withdraw cash at certain ATMs.

You can also transfer money to another account or pay bills directly using direct transfers from your online account. Your bank may allow e-Checks and/or instant transfers through their mobile app or online dashboard.

Other ways to withdraw money from your bank account

Cashback with your Debit card

Some banks will allow you to withdraw small values of cash back when shopping at certain vendors. This cash back amount will be charged as a purchase, and you will receive the cash immediately.

Mobile apps

The best mobile banking apps offer multiple ways to easily transfer funds. The Citi mobile banking app comes with Zelle, offering instant digital transfers.

Write a check

Writing a check is a safe way to transfer funds between people and make purchases, but it can also be used to withdraw cash. Simply write a check out to "cash" as the payee and deposit it at a local bank branch.

Open an account with Citi

Citi packages offer 24/7 digital access for their savings and checking accounts. They also offer no fee Citibank ATM access for their checking account members. Open an account now to gain access to these benefits or you can also visit your local branch.