What Is a Cardless ATM?| Capital One (2024)

It seems like phones these days can give you access to virtually anything. And that includes your bank and credit card accounts—thanks to digital wallets, mobile apps and mobile payment tools.

But what about getting cash from the ATM? Turns out that’s sometimes possible too, depending on things like the ATM and your card issuer. Keep reading to learn more about how these so-called cardless ATMs work.

Key takeaways

• Not all Capital One ATMs work with cardless access—yet. So it may be a good idea to have a card handy if you plan to use an ATM.
• Technologies like near-field communications, QR codes and biometrics might make it possible to withdraw money from an ATM without using a debit card or credit card.
• If an ATM has cardless capabilities, you may be able to use your phone instead of physical cards for easy access and verification.

Cardless ATMs—or contactless ATMs—allow you to access your account and withdraw money without a physical card. To use the cardless option at the ATM, you’ll typically need your financial institution’s app or your card information stored in your digital wallet. Then you’ll choose a cardless option, authenticate the purchase and receive your cash.

Three common types of technologies used for touchless payment are:

• Near-field communication allows you to connect your phone to a nearby ATM. You’ll generally open your bank or credit union’s app, choose your account, tap the phone against the ATM and enter your PIN.
• Quick response (QR) codes allow you to withdraw money at an ATM, but you’ll first need to download your banking app and set up mobile withdrawal. Then you’ll scan the QR code on the ATM display.
• Biometric verification is where the ATM uses face or fingerprint recognition to verify your identity. Then you can access your account and get cash without your debit card or credit card.

The financial institutions that offer cardless ATM withdrawals may vary on how to use them, so you should follow any prompts specific to your bank or credit union.

But withdrawing cash from a cardless ATM can generally be done in a few easy steps:

1. Open your bank’s app and choose the account you want to withdraw from.
2. Tap your phone to the reader—or scan the QR code on the ATM.
3. Verify the transaction for the ATM withdrawal.
4. Take your cash.

Using your phone can make it easy to access your financial information. And that’s true with cardless ATMs too. Here are some advantages of using cardless ATMs:

• Less contact: With cardless ATMs, you may not be able to avoid touching the screen completely, but you can minimize it to help avoid spreading germs.
• No wallet necessary: If you’ve ever run out and accidentally left your wallet at home—or wanted to limit what you’re carrying—you’ll likely appreciate the convenience of a cardless ATM.
• Easy to use: You may already use a digital wallet to store your debit and credit card information for shopping. That can make heading to the bank to withdraw cash from a cardless ATM easier.

Like anything, cardless ATMs can have some disadvantages. Consider the following while using cardless ATMs:

• Lack of widespread accessibility: Depending on where you bank and where you live, you may not have the option to use a cardless ATM.
• Phone and ATM compatibility: Not all phones are compatible with the technology or bank app to use cardless ATMs.
• Security risks: Despite two-factor authentication, verification codes and text message verification that are typically used with cardless transactions, there still can be risks. Changing passwords frequently, updating sign-in information and keeping a close eye on banking information can help to protect your information.

In the fast-moving high-tech world, your phone can be valuable for checking email, making purchases, getting directions and banking.

So it’s no wonder that heading to an ATM to get cash without a debit or credit card is an option with your phone too. But despite the ease and simplicity of cardless ATMs, it’s still a good idea to keep your banking and card information secure.