How much can you withdraw from an ATM?

Most banks impose a limit on the amount of cash you can take out from an ATM each day.

The amount of cash you can withdraw from an ATM on a daily basis can vary depending on the type of bank account you have, your provider, and how much money you have in your account.

So, if you need to make a large withdrawal, it’s important to understand what these limits are.

Typical ATM withdrawal limits

As a general rule, most bank cards allow you to withdraw £250-£300 per day from an ATM. In some cases, this can rise to £500 per day.

Private banking and premier customers tend to get even higher withdrawal limits – usually around £1,000 a day.

Note that these limits vary depending on your bank account provider, so it’s important to check their website or give them a ring to be sure.

How to increase your ATM withdrawal limit

Some banks give you the option to set a higher withdrawal limit if you need it. For example, if you have a standard current account with Barclays, you can raise the daily limit from £300 to £500. Premier customers can increase the daily limit from £1,000 to £2,000.

You might be able to do this via your banking app, through online banking, by phoning your provider or speaking to someone in branch.

Other providers will only agree to a higher withdrawal limit in certain situations, and it will usually only be a temporary arrangement. Again, you must contact your provider to find out.

ATM withdrawal fees and charges

When you use your card to withdraw cash at an ATM, you might be charged a withdrawal fee of around 2% to 3%.

This is more common with credit cards than debit cards, but you should check the small print of your bank account to be sure – a 3% fee on a £300 withdrawal would cost you an extra £9.

Most ATMs are now free to use, no matter who you bank with. But there are still some ATMs that charge a small fee whenever you make a withdrawal – it should inform you of this before you take out your cash.

Keep in mind that it’s best not to withdraw cash on a credit card as you’ll be charged interest from the date of the transaction – even if you pay off the balance in full that month. This can make it very expensive, particularly on top of your withdrawal fee.

ATM withdrawals overseas

If you withdraw cash from an ATM overseas, you are more likely to be charged a fee, although again, this depends on your provider.

Many debit and credit cards charge fees of around 2.75% to 3% every time you make a cash withdrawal abroad. You might also be charged a fee from the ATM provider.

If you are planning to use your card overseas, it’s best to look for one that waives foreign transaction and cash withdrawal fees. Find out more in our guides: Best debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and Best credit cards to use abroad.

Alternatives to ATM withdrawals

If your card provider has a bank branch, you could withdraw cash over the counter. You can usually withdraw up to £2,000 to £2,500 per day without giving notice. If you need to withdraw more than this, you must inform your bank in advance so the cash can be prepared. You will also need to bring a form of ID with you when you collect your cash.

If you don’t have a bank branch or an ATM near where you live, another option is to withdraw cash at a Post Office counter. However, your usual daily ATM withdrawal limits will apply.

Alternatively, some retailers, particularly supermarkets, still offer cashback when you pay at the checkout. Others offer the ‘cashback without purchase’ initiative that lets you withdraw cash without buying anything. The LINK and PayPoint scheme lets you withdraw up to £50, while the Barclays scheme lets you withdraw up to £100.

Bottom line

Most banks impose limits on the amount you can withdraw on your card from an ATM each day. This can vary depending on the provider and type of account, so it’s important to check.

If you need to withdraw a larger sum, you can usually do this over the counter if your bank has high street branches – though you may need to give notice first. Digital banks don’t provide this option.

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Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time. See full bio

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